How Long Do Pimple Patches Take to Work?
Have you long been eyeing pimple patches, unsure if they’re the right acne treatment for you? Perhaps you’ve taken the plunge and purchased a set, but aren’t quite sure how to use them. In either case, you may find yourself wondering: How long do pimple patches take to work?
Wonder no more. We’re here to answer this pimple patch FAQ, providing a complete overview of when you can expect to see results from acne patches, and how best to use them. Keep reading for all the details you need to know about using pimple patches to help improve acne and facial blemishes.
What Are Pimple Patches?
Pimple patches, often known as hydrocolloid patches, are small, adhesive bandages designed specifically to target acne and blemishes. They work by creating a protective barrier over the pimple, which helps to absorb excess fluid, reduce inflammation, and protect the area from bacteria and external irritants. These patches are typically infused with hydrocolloid, a material that’s been used in wound care for years due to its ability to promote healing while keeping the area clean and moist.
Unlike traditional acne treatments that can dry out your skin, pimple patches provide a targeted approach to reducing blemishes without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. They’re also incredibly convenient—you can apply them before bed, and by morning, you’ll often notice a visible difference in the size and redness of your pimple. Whether you’re dealing with a whitehead, a cyst, or a minor blemish, pimple patches are a simple yet effective addition to your skincare routine.
When Do Pimple Patches Start Working?
You don’t have to wait around to revel in the benefits of a pimple patch. Hydrocolloid pimple patches get to work right away by absorbing excess oil, soothing inflammation, and defending against external irritants.
But, that doesn’t mean your pimple will disappear instantly. For the best possible results, you’ll need to leave pimple patches on long enough for them to make a true impact.
The timeframe for pimple patches to work can vary depending on the type and severity of the blemish you’re treating. For smaller pimples, such as whiteheads or early-stage acne, you may start to see noticeable improvements within just a few hours. These patches can reduce redness and inflammation relatively quickly, often shrinking the pimple overnight.
However, for larger, more stubborn pimples, such as cystic acne, you might need to leave the patch on for a longer period or even apply a second patch to fully address the blemish. Typically, you can expect to see significant improvement after about six to eight hours of continuous wear. Remember, the key to effective use is patience—let the patch do its job without rushing the process.
How Long to Leave Pimple Patches On
To make the most of each patch, leave acne patches on for at least six hours. We recommend putting them on before bed, as this aligns the patches’ healing benefits with your skin’s natural regenerative process. But, don’t hesitate to wear them throughout the day as well – our floral Bloomies complement any daytime style.
Overnight, your skin switches its priorities from defending against external threats to repair and recovery. Melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy at night, helps repair skin damage from UV rays, pollution, and other irritants by activating antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes counteract free radical damage and accelerate skin healing.
With that in mind, adding acne patches to your nightly skin routine can complement and enhance your skin’s natural repair efforts. The result? Waking up to refreshed, resilient skin.
How Do You Know if a Pimple Patch is Working?
While you’re wearing a pimple patch, it won’t necessarily give any hints that it’s working. But, rest assured, it’s steadfastly caring for that pimple, wicking away excess oils and keeping external bacteria at bay.
When you take the patch off, you’ll see a few signs of its hard work over the last six hours. For one, the patch will likely turn white. This indicates that it absorbed oil, bacteria, and other impurities from the pimple. These substances combine with the hydrocolloid material, giving it a white, gel-like appearance.
Now, take a look at the pimple itself. If the patch did its job, the zit will be smaller and less inflamed. If the pimple had a white exterior, that sebum may no longer be visible, as it transferred to the patch.
For larger, more inflamed acne, your zit patches may need to work a double shift. Cleanse and dry your skin to remove any remaining fluids, then put on another patch. For best results, avoid touching or picking at the area after removing the patch—this helps your skin continue its healing process undisturbed.
How Long Pimple Patches Take to Work
Pimple patches usually work within six to eight hours. For smaller pimples, like whiteheads, this means that the patches may nearly eliminate the zit. But, for more severe inflammatory acne, pimple patches are just one step in a comprehensive acne routine.
Don’t get us wrong, you can still benefit from acne patches’ protective, oil-absorbing, anti-inflammatory benefits, no matter the size of the pimple. But, for large, inflamed cysts, you may need targeted treatments from your dermatologist to finish off the job.
How to Get Rid of Pimples Fast
When you spot a pimple in the mirror, your first instinct is likely to get rid of it, ASAP. Whether you’re gearing up for a big meeting, a much-anticipated event, or just a day like any other, you deserve complete confidence in your skin.
But, even when it feels like the fastest option, don’t poke, pick, or prod. Far from a rapid acne remedy, popping pimples prolongs the healing process, spreads bacteria to other areas of the skin, and increases the risk of scarring.
To get rid of acne fast, leave the pimple alone and follow these tips instead:
- Ice it to quickly bring down redness and swelling. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth, otherwise the extreme cold could damage your skin.
- Tip: If spot treatments are too harsh for your skin type, try a medicated cleanser instead, followed by a 100% hydrocolloid patch.
- Talk to your dermatologist about cortisone injections. While these aren’t practical as a day-to-day acne treatment, if you have a major event coming up and need to quickly eliminate an inflamed pimple, a cortisone injection is the quickest option.
Nothing lasts forever, including pimples! Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for our hydrocolloid pimple patches to get to work on stubborn breakouts. Before long, your skin will be calmer, more balanced, and ready to take on the day.