Those dreadful black-tip clumpy buggers! Yes Blackheads! The temptation to squeeze them is killer and the little hole they leave in your face is the most unfortunate consequence. We are here to talk all things blackheads and whether or not pimple patches are a solution!
Blackheads are a common type of acne that can be difficult to treat, we said it, it may be a hard one to tackle. Many people turn to pimple patches as a quick and easy solution to get rid of blackheads and we are not against it but the question we have to dissect is, ‘Do pimple patches actually work on blackheads?’.
Pimple patches are small, adhesive stickers that are placed directly on top of a pimple or blackhead. They work by absorbing pus and oil from the blemish, which can help to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. However, pimple patches are not a cure-all solution for blackheads.
Again pimple patches are not a cure-all solution for blackheads!
While pimple patches can be effective for treating some types of acne, they may not work as well on blackheads. Blackheads are caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells in the pores, which can be difficult to remove with a simple patch. In some cases, pimple patches may even make blackheads worse, yes WORSE by trapping bacteria and oil inside the pore- Yuck!
Key Points
- Pimple patches may not be the most effective solution for treating blackheads.
- Blackheads are caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells in the pores.
- Complementary skincare strategies may be necessary to effectively treat blackheads.
Understanding Blackheads and Acne
Causes of Blackheads
We are sure you've figured it out and probably by the amount of times you've squeezed a blackhead and enjoyed watching that hard gunge push to the surface. Nasty- but we’ve all done it. But anyway, yes blackheads are a common type of acne and they typically form when pores become clogged with excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. When the pore is open, the clogged material is exposed to air and oxidises, giving it a black appearance- bet you didn’t know that!
There are so many different factors that can contribute to the development of blackheads such as:
- Excess Oil Production: Overproduction of oil (sebum) by the sebaceous glands can cause pores to become clogged more easily.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can increase oil production and contribute to the development of blackheads.
- Certain Medications: Some medications can cause an increase in oil production, leading to the formation of blackheads.
- Cosmetics and Skincare Products: Certain products can clog pores and contribute to the formation of blackheads.
Differences Between Blackheads and Other Acne Lesions
Now let’s be clear, don’t go and get all confused now, blackheads are a different type of acne lesion and we can say based on science that they differ from other acne lesions such as; whiteheads, pimples, and cysts.
Ok ..so one-on-one here we go…..
Blackheads vs. Whiteheads: Blackheads are open comedones, while whiteheads are closed comedones. Whiteheads are covered by a thin layer of skin, while blackheads are exposed to air and appear black.
- Blackheads vs. Pimples: Pimples are inflamed lesions that are often red and painful. Blackheads are not inflamed and are typically painless.
- Blackheads vs. Cysts: Cysts are large, painful lesions that are filled with pus. Blackheads are much smaller and are not filled with pus.
Overall, blackheads are a common type of acne that can be caused by a variety of factors. While they are not typically inflamed or painful, they can be and we know absolutely frustrating to deal with! There are a variety of treatments available for blackheads, including pimple patches, which can help to remove excess oil and unclog pores, however there are other treatments that may work better.
What Are Pimple Patches?
Pimple patches are small, adhesive patches that are placed directly onto a pimple or blackhead to help treat and heal the affected area. These patches are typically made from a hydrocolloid material, which is a type of dressing that is commonly used to treat wounds and skin injuries.
Types of Pimple Patches:
There are three main types of pimple patches, with most falling into one of three categories: hydrocolloid patches, medicated patches or microdart patches. We will focus on the popular hydrocolloid and microdart patches.
Let’s get a lil technical…..
How Do Hydrocolloid Patches Work?
Hydrocolloid patches, though new in the skincare industry, have long been used in medicine for wound care. They create a protective barrier and absorb drainage from acne. This ability to absorb pus makes them ideal for treating whiteheads and ripe pimples.
They extract pus visibly and prevent secondary infections while speeding up healing. Quality hydrocolloid is crucial for prolonged adherence to the skin, facilitating effective pus clearance.
How Do Microdart/Microneedle Patches Work?
Microneedle patches employ ultra-fine needles, barely perceptible upon application. These needles facilitate the direct delivery of acne or hyperpigmentation-fighting ingredients to the targeted area. Typically, they target early-stage acne or dark spots.
Medicated patches often contain salicylic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells, hydrates the skin, and reduces inflammation. Other effective ingredients may include vitamin C or tranexamic acid, which brighten skin and fade dark spots.
Forget the rest, ours are the best! Even rhymed look at that!
The Supercharged Clarifying Patch
Each Supercharged Clarifying Patch Patch contains 170 self-dissolving microdarts that deliver a combo of Salicylic acid, Succinic acid, Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid directly to early stage spots.
They tackle bacteria in the pimple, soothe and calm inflammation and brightens and rejuvenates your skin.
Our transparent design makes them discreet and easy to wear anytime, anywhere, so you can go about your daily routine worry-free.
How Pimple Patches Work
Generally pimple patches work by creating a barrier between the pimple or blackhead and the surrounding skin. This barrier helps to prevent bacteria and other impurities from entering the affected area, while also providing a moist environment that helps to speed up the healing process.
When a pimple patch is applied to a blackhead, it works to draw out the impurities and excess oil that are clogging the pore. This helps to reduce inflammation and redness, while also preventing the formation of new blackheads and pimples.
Overall, pimple patches are a safe and effective way to treat blackheads and other types of acne. They are easy to use, affordable, and can be worn discreetly under makeup or throughout the day. We vouch for them! They are a great addition to any skincare routine.
Effectiveness of Pimple Patches on Blackheads
Role of Active Ingredients
Pimple patches are a popular choice for treating acne, but do they work on those pesky blackheads? Blackheads are a type of acne that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Pimple patches contain active ingredients such as niacinamide, tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid that help in healing and reducing inflammation. However, these ingredients may not be effective in treating blackheads as they are not designed to penetrate deep into the skin.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps in reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of new acne. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help in killing the bacteria that cause acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter medication that helps in reducing the amount of oil produced by the skin and killing the bacteria that cause acne. Azelaic acid is a prescription medication that helps in reducing inflammation and killing the bacteria that cause acne. Salicylic acid dots are also a popular choice for treating acne as they help in unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
Comparison with Traditional Acne Treatments
Pimple patches are a relatively new product in the market, and whilst their effectiveness in treating blackheads is still under debate, and we speak very generally here (unbiased) they may be other treatments that will effectively combat blackheads.
Traditional acne treatments such as topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, and chemical peels are designed to penetrate deep into the skin and may be more effective in treating blackheads. However, these treatments may also have side effects such as dryness, redness, and peeling. We advise to really listen to your skin when using them and always patch test- patience please.
Picking at blackheads can also lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation *Drake: Don’t do it, please don’t do it*. Pimple patches can be a useful tool in preventing picking or even the temptation of it, they cover the affected area and prevent the formation of pus- think of it as a protector to shield your skin from you!.
Hydrocolloid patches are a popular choice for treating blackheads as they help in absorbing excess oil and pus without drying out the skin.
So how do you use them properly? Come on you know there’s a proper method for everything!
Application and Usage of Pimple Patches
Proper Application Techniques
Proper application of pimple patches is essential for their effectiveness. Do we need to say it again?
First, it is important to clean the affected area with a gentle cleanser and dry it thoroughly.
Pimple patches work best on pimples that have already come to a head, so it is important to wait until the pimple has reached this stage before applying the patch.
Once the pimple is ready, the patch can be applied directly to the affected area. It is important to choose a patch that is the appropriate size for the pimple. A patch that is too small will not cover the entire affected area, while a patch that is too large may cause unnecessary occlusion and irritation.
When applying the patch, make sure that it is applied smoothly and without any wrinkles or creases. This will help to create a moist environment around the pimple, which can help to speed up the healing process.
Right, so now that the application has been ticked off, it’s simply a case of ‘When’?
When to Use Pimple Patches?
Pimple patches can be used on a variety of different types of pimples, including whiteheads and pustules. However, they are not effective on blackheads, which are a type of non-inflammatory acne that occurs when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Pimple patches can be particularly useful for people with sensitive skin, as they provide a protective barrier that can help to prevent further irritation and breakouts.
They can also be useful for wound care, as they create a moist environment that can help to speed up the healing process.
Let’s talk more about the pro’s and con’s of using pimple patches.
Benefits and Limitations
The Pro’s: Advantages of Using Pimple Patches
Pimple patches have become a popular skincare product in societies today and they have been designed to treat pimples, including blackheads, by absorbing excess oil and impurities while protecting the skin from further infection.
One of the main advantages of using pimple patches is that they are easy to use and can be worn throughout the day or night. They are also discreet and can be worn under makeup.
Pimple patches are available in different forms, including hydrocolloid patches, microdart patches and blister bandages.
Hydrocolloid patches are the most common type and are made of a gel-like material that absorbs impurities and pus from the pimple. Whilst microdart/microneedle patches deliver acne-fighting ingredients directly into the pimple and skin.
The Con’s: Potential Limitations and Considerations
While pimple patches can be effective in treating stubborn blackheads and other types of pimples, they do have some limitations.
For example, they may not work as well on closed comedones or deep cystic acne. Additionally, they may not be effective in treating pimples caused by hormonal imbalances or other underlying medical conditions.
And we have to caution, some pimple patches (not ours - of course) may contain ingredients that rather than soothing the pimple can further irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.
It is important to choose a patch that is specifically designed for your skin type and to follow the instructions carefully.
We provide so much information about our Supercharged Clarifying Spot Patches and we are confident in its abilities to treat an array of pimples. Definitely do your research and give them a try! And we certainly advise in the case of extremely sensitive skin or if you are prone to allergic reactions, to consult with a dermatologist before using a pimple patch.
Complementary Skincare Strategies
Integrating Pimple Patches into Skincare Routines
Pimple patches work by creating an occlusive environment that helps the topical treatment penetrate the skin and absorb excess fluid, also pretty much preventing you from picking!
Really it’s a given to integrate pimple patches into a skincare routine that includes topical treatments, such as retinoids or natural brightening agents to address blackheads and hyperpigmentation.
We recommend applying pimple patches after cleansing and toning the skin, let the area dry, apply patch and then follow with a topical treatment.
Why does this matter you are probably thinking…well, this helps to ensure that the pimple patch is in direct contact with the skin, allowing it to work effectively. Once the pimple patch has been applied, it should be left on for at least six hours, or overnight, to allow for maximum absorption.
Our Supercharged Clarifying Spot Patches sees results as quickly as 2hours- impressive right! Just had to throw that in there.
Additional Treatments for Blackheads
While pimple patches can be an effective tool in the fight against blackheads, they are not a standalone solution.To achieve optimal results, it is important to incorporate additional treatments into your skincare routine that address the underlying causes of blackheads.
One such treatment is the use of retinoids, which work by increasing cell turnover and reducing the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to blackheads.
Kojic acid, Vitamin C and other brightening agents can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and prevent the formation of blackheads. In addition to these topical treatments, it is important to maintain a healthy lipid barrier to prevent excess oil production.
How on earth? Well you simply maintain a healthy lipid barrier by using gentle cleansers and avoiding harsh exfoliants that can strip the skin of its natural oils.