Why Your Pimple Patch Isn’t Working: Key Tips and Tricks
When you’re trying to stop a blemish in its tracks, every moment – and every treatment – counts. That’s why pimple patches have risen to fame as a quick way to bring down inflammation, wick away sebum, and shrink acne in a matter of hours. But, what happens when your pimple patch isn’t working?
We’re here to troubleshoot your acne patch woes and help make your skincare work for you. Keep reading for all the details!
Why Didn’t My Pimple Patch Work?
Pimple patches may not work properly for certain types of acne, or if the patch isn’t applied correctly. Let’s go over specific scenarios to determine why your patch isn’t delivering on its promises.
My Pimple Patch Fell Off.
Pimple patches can’t work properly if they’re not adhered to your skin. If your patches are consistently falling off, you could be dealing with an application problem. Make sure that you’re:
- Applying pimple patches to clean, dry skin. If your skin is still damp when you try to press on a patch, it won’t adhere properly.
- Not applying other skincare products under the pimple patch. Many products, like moisturizers, creams, and serums, can keep the patch from sticking to your skin. Plus, the patch will simply absorb those products, hindering their ability to help your skin.
- Leaving the patch alone. Once you’ve applied a pimple patch, don’t try to move it around or re-apply it. This can cause the patch to fall off.
- Pressing the pimple patch onto your skin firmly yet gently. While we don’t want you to press so hard that it irritates your skin, ensure the patch has fully adhered to your skin before moving on in your beauty routine.
My Pimple Didn’t Shrink.
By absorbing sebum and reducing inflammation, hydrocolloid patches cause many pimples to shrink, if not disappear. But, what if a patch doesn’t have any effect on your blemish?
This may occur if you’re dealing with inflammatory or cystic acne. This is because cystic acne starts deep within the skin – deeper than pimple patches can penetrate. So, while a patch can protect a cystic pimple from bacteria and external irritants, it may not diminish its size.
Additionally, cystic acne is often rooted in hormonal imbalances, stress, or genetics. These factors can’t be effectively addressed with topical treatments alone and often require prescription-strength remedies from a dermatologist.
My Pimple Patch Didn’t Absorb Any Oils.
When a pimple patch effectively absorbs sebum and oils from a blemish, it will appear white when you remove it. This shows that the oils from the pimple transferred to the patch, leaving the blemish smaller and less inflamed. If the patch didn’t visibly absorb anything, the pimple could be too early in the healing process, or too deep for the patch to work properly.
In the very early stages of a pimple’s healing process, it may not have a “head”, or visible white spot, yet. The sebum is deep within the skin’s layers, where your patch can’t reach it. In this stage, a pimple patch can still protect the spot from bacteria and other irritants while discouraging popping, which further damages your skin.
After a few days, the pimple may develop a white head, at which point an acne patch can more easily absorb sebum. If the pimple remains red, inflamed, or painful, it’s likely a cystic blemish and may require a dermatologist-prescribed treatment.
How to Tell if a Pimple Patch is Working
On the other hand, you can tell if a pimple patch is working by:
- The appearance of the blemish: If the pimple is smaller and less inflamed than it was before you applied the patch, the hydrocolloid is working its magic. This shows that the patch effectively reduced inflammation and stimulated the skin’s healing process.
It’s also worth noting that if you tend to pop pimples, zit patches can work for you by preventing popping and picking. Popping pimples discourages and prolongs the healing process by:
- Introducing bacteria from your fingers to your skin
- Causing bacteria and oils from the pimple to spread to other areas of your skin
- Irritating the skin, causing increased inflammation and redness
- Breaking blood vessels in the skin
- Increasing the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation
To make the most of your acne care routine, start with top-quality products. The pimple patch you select can make a big difference in whether or not it works for your skin. Bloomies pimple patches are made with 100% hydrocolloid, carefully formulated to reduce inflammation, absorb oils, and encourage healing.
Skip wasted patches and get your Bloom Bouquet today!