Are you a spot picker?
... is this you? Many acne suffers may be tempted to pick spots, but this can cause more damage to the skin and prolong healing time for the spot.
Acne patches, also known as hydrocolloid patches, are moisture absorbing dressings that are commonly used to help heal chronic wounds. They are breathable, biodegradable and help to keep out bacteria to avoid reinfection. Predominantly they are used to prevent picking at spots and blemishes, although they've taken on a new role.
In these unprecedented times, in helping to alleviate "maskne", we discussed this in our previous blog. The term "maskne" or "mask-acne" is used to refer to skin irritation or acne that occurs on a person's face from regularly wearing a face mask.
Enhancing the natural healing process by healing from the inside out, these patches absorb excess fluids surrounding a pimple, such as pus or oil.
By protecting your skin from absorbing the bacteria from the pus, oil, or dirt from your fingers, results in a more sterile environment for your pimple. This can also prevent scarring and speed up the healing process. When the patch is removed, you will likely see a flatter and less inflamed pimple as the dressing soaks up any liquid to dry pimples out.
This is because the patch absorbs any toxins that are trapped under your skin. If you go out into the sun with an acne patch on, you are also protecting your acne from the sunlight as the UV rays can increase inflammation and redness, and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. All of these factors can accelerate the healing process.
An acne patch is best for surface level acne such as pus-filled pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. If you are struggling with deeper acne, such as large and painful pimples that are trapped under the skin (cystic acne), you will need stronger treatment. We recommend you check out our 4 Step Kit as it contains everything you need for a daily cleansing routine to reduce the symptoms of acne.
Pimples should not be picked, but it happens. If you do pick your pimple, you should make sure your skin is dry before applying a patch. While your skin should be dry, your pimple should still be oozing. Leave the acne patch on your skin overnight and remove it in the morning before you wash your skin. If after washing again, the pimple is still oozy, you should apply another patch.
Our translucent, ultra thin hydrocolloid Kiss (acne patch protection) are vegan, cruelty free and will be launching later this month! Give your pimples the TLC it needs!
