Are you looking to clear your acne? Here are the best 10+ hydrocolloid patches to clear your acne overnight.
Did you know that
acne is the most common skin condition?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin's oil glands, better known as sebaceous glands.
It can develop at any stage of life and persist into adulthood.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 85% of people between 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne.
Researchers at the American Academy of Dermatology Association have found in study after study that acne sufferers develop:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low Self-Esteem
- Poor Self-Image
- Decreased Quality of Life
- Feeling Lonely
Hydrocolloid patches are meant to help clear acne fast so that every aspect of life that's negatively affected by acne improves.
According to a pilot study, using acne dressings for over a week on acne decreased its severity, redness, oiliness and pigmentation.
Everything About Hydrocolloid
During ancient times, the idea of wound caring and healing started. The Egyptians were masters when it came to applying and arranging bandages because they understood infection and inflammation.
Over time, advances in medical technology brought moist wound healing products which were important because dry gauze would stick on a wound (when it dried) and when removed it caused more damaged.
In the 1980s, hydrocolloid a material used in bandages for wound healing was created to provide a moist environment to draw out fluids and pus from inside the wound to suspend them on the bandage.
Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, moist wound healing hit a revolution with lots of scientific and clinical research to back it up.
It has been proven by Dr. George D. Winter that moist wounds do heal faster than dry wounds.
Science Behind Hydrocolloid Patches
Hydrocolloid patches are made of cross-linked matrix gelatin, pectin or carboxymethyl-cellulose which are water-attracting materials that absorb fluids and pus out of a wound.
As the patches absorb the fluids and pus, white spots become noticeable which means that the wound is healing.
The water-attracting material is attached to a thin plastic film usually made of polyurethane which prevents water from evaporating and drying out the wound.
Due to their high capacity of water retention, the excess wound fluid forms a gel.
The gel in turn produces a moist environment that facilitates wound healing by preventing dehydration and enhancing angiogenesis and collagen synthesis.
As a result, the wound heals faster and the formation of the new skin is supple.
With that being said, hydrocolloid patches if you're an acne sufferer hydrocolloid patches help but are not the solution; here are 13 of the best skincare tips that will help with your acne and if you're constantly breaking out how to treat it.
Hydrocolloid Patches vs. Acne Patches
Hydrocolloid patches absorb excess fluid pulling pus, oil and dirt from the pimple. While, acne patches deliver active ingredients to the pimple.
Should You Use Hydrocolloid Patches Or Acne Patches?
If your acne has visible pus or is raised then use hydrocolloid patches as they will absorb all the gunk and flatten the acne.
On the other hand, if your acne is inflamed but doesn’t contain lots of fluids then use an acne patches.
Do Hydrocolloid Patches Work for Acne?
Acne lesions are wounds, that's why hydrocolloid patches work in treating occasional to a few pimples.
However, it's not recommended, depending on the severity of your acne, to use it purely as a solo treatment because it's generally for superficial wounds that require low amounts of drainage.
The Benefits of Using Hydrocolloid Patches
Hydrocolloid patches have many benefits, the most important ones being:
- Promoting faster and better healing by creating a moist environment.
- Delivering and penetrating active ingredients more effectively.
- Protecting from rubbing and touching which can lead to infection and scarring.
- Protecting from UV light which can decrease pigmentation.
How To Use Hydrocolloid Patches?
Hydrocolloid patches are very easy to use, however, to get the most out of them here are the steps to follow:
- Gently cleanse the area with a mild cleanser.
- Pat dry the area with a clean towel.
- Find the right hydrocolloid patch sizes and apply it over the blemishes, press firmly for 3-5 seconds.
- Leave it on overnight; the patches shouldn't be worn over 12 hours as it could irritate the skin.
- Remove the patches when their color changes to white and proceed with regular skincare.
How Long Should You Leave on Hydrocolloid Patches?
The patches shouldn't be worn over 12 hours as the adhesive could irritate the skin.
How Long do Hydrocolloid Patches Take to Work?
Hydrocolloid patches usually work after 4 to 8 hours of use.
Can You Use Hydrocolloid Patches Everyday?
Yes, however, it's recommended that the patches be replaced approximately every 4 to 8 hours after they turn white to avoid skin irritation.
Are There Any Risks to Hydrocolloid Patches?
Hydrocolloid patches are very low risk, unless, you're allergic to one of the ingredients.
You Need To Patch Test
A patch test is a method used to determine what substances cause an allergic inflammation on a patient's skin.
You need to check that you are not allergic to a product because you could suffer from allergy symptoms which affect the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin and digestive system.
Severe allergy cases, trigger anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening reaction.
Best 10+ Hydrocolloid Patches
Here's a list of the best 10+ hydrocolloid patches that clear acne fast:
Avarelle Acne Cover Patch
The Avarelle Acne Cover Patch are certified vegan, cruelty-free and drug-free patches made of high grade hydrocolloid dressing which contains cica oil, tea tree oil and calendula oil.
Benefits of the main ingredients:
- Cica oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that heal, moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that calm swelling and inflammation and prevent and reduce scars.
- Calendula oil has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that heal, soothe and relieve the skin.
They get rid of acne fast by absorbing all the gunk and shrinking acne overnight.
The patches have been designed to be worn incognito and peel easily which can be used on the-go.
Allure has reviewed, tested, approved and recommended these hydrocolloid patches. They love the Avarelle Acne Cover Patch so much it has been featured in Allure’s Beauty Box.
Suitable for:
Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Mighty Patch The Original
The Mighty Patch The Original are vegan-friendly, UV sterilized, non-toxic and skin-safe (zero parabens, phthalates, or toxic ingredients) hydrocolloid patches that suck all the acne fluids and pus overnight.
It shrinks acne in 6 hours absorbing 50% more gunk than other brands, the medical-grade hydrocolloid pulls pus out of whiteheads and speeds up the healing process.
It comfortably adheres all throughout the night even when tossing, turning and pillow-squishing. While, also being easy to remove without irritating the skin.
It's designed to blend seamlessly into the skin due to its ultra-thin appearance and translucent matte finish.
The Mighty Patch The Original was refinery29's 2018 beauty innovator award winner.
It's business insider's, instyle's, refinery29's and popsugar's top-rated pimple patch.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
IMPORTANT
- It should not be worn more than 10 hours.
- It's safe for teenagers and pregnant women.
Nexcare™ Acne Blemish Covers
Nexcare™ is a personal health care brand that sells bandages, gauze, surgical tape, cold sore treatment and liquid bandage products.
The Nexcare™ Acne Blemish Covers are sterile non-medicated patches that gently absorb pus and oil overnight.
It's comfortable to use, works while asleep and reduces the urge to touch and pick blemishes.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
IMPORTANT
- It should not be used with medicated products or treatments.
Le Gushe Acne Pimple Patch
The Le Gushe is a skin care brand that offers acne care solutions for all skin types whether inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
The Acne Pimple Patch are 100% vegan-friendly, gluten-free and cruelty-free, sterile and hypoallergenic patches.
Their new natural formula with more hydrocolloid protects acne from dirt and picking and absorbs pus and oil for faster healing for up to 24 hours.
The Le Gushe Acne Pimple Patch are designed to be invisible and easily hidden.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Rael Beauty Miracle Patch
The Rael Beauty Miracle Patch are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, drug-free, non-drying, latex-free and hypoallergenic patches made with high-grade hydrocolloid.
They adhere easily to the skin and absorb all the pus, oil and bacteria from the acne while protecting the skin against dirt and impurities.
Its transparent design is perfect to be worn on the daily by all skin tones without any concern.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
The Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch are cruelty-free and clean beauty made of A.D.F. hydrocolloid dressing which promotes faster healing by maintaining the ideal level of hydration.
The patches act like a protective barrier, in turn, they calm redness, reduce inflammation and keep skin moisturized.
Want to know more? Here's a review about the Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
basicConcepts Acne Patches
The basicConcepts Acne Patches are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free patches made of all natural ingredients.
Benefits of the main ingredients:
- Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that calm swelling and inflammation and prevent and reduce scars.
The patches absorb pus and fluids which help reduce inflammation and heal acne faster overnight.
They act like a protective barrier that prevents picking or touching which can lead to scarring.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches
Alba Botanica is a skin care brand that develops 100% vegetarian high quality products made of botanical ingredients.
Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches are cruelty-free patches made of a 100% vegetarian formula with no parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances.
Benefits of the main ingredients:
- Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that calm swelling and inflammation and prevent and reduce scars.
- Witch hazel eases irritation and inflammation.
- Lentil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that fight free radicals and cleanse, clarify and calm the skin.
- Parsley regenerates the skin, balances the production of oil, decreases inflammation and prevents discoloration in the skin.
- Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin.
It absorbs fluids to reduce inflammation and heal acne faster, while acting as a barrier to prevent scarring.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Hanhoo Blemish Patch
Hanhoo is a skin care brand with over ten years of experience in the industry that uses safe ingredients to develop their skin care products.
The Hanhoo Blemish Patch are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, drug-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free patches.
The patches absorb acne pus and impurities which reduce inflammation and redness while acting as a protective barrier.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
IMPORTANT
- It's safe for teenagers and pregnant women.
Clearasil Ultra Overnight Spot Patches
The Clearasil Ultra Overnight Spot Patches create a moist environment that's ideal for healing acne.
The patches work like a barrier to protect against bacteria to reduce inflammation and the risk of scarring.
The Clearasil Ultra Overnight Spot Patches are suitable for daily use.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
ZitSticka Killa Pimple Patch
ZitSticka is an australian-based skin-care brand whose first product is an acne patch.
The ZitSticka Killa Pimple Patch are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free patches made of dermatological backed ingredients.
Benefits of the main ingredients:
- Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin.
- Niacinamide renews and restores the skin, improves the skin’s barrier, prevents loss of moisture, minimizes and tightens pore, improves uneven skin tone, diminishes dullness and strengthens the surface of the skin.
- Oligopeptide-76 disrupts the progression of acne, moisturizes the skin and improves the appearance of the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, fights free radicals in the skin and helps heal and reduce pain.
The patches treat up-and-coming acne with its signature microneedle delivery system.
A potion of hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide and oligopeptide-76 invades acne in its early-stage, after the 24 microneedles dissolve, blocking acne from reaching its potential.
The ZitSticka Killa Pimple Patch won refinery29's 2018 Editors Picks, 2019 Beauty Innovator Awards and 2019 Cosmopolitan Skin Awards.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Dakik Acne Patch
The Dakik Acne Patch are made of natural hypoallergenic ingredients that absord gunk and oil, are anti-inflammatory, clean dirt and impurities, fights bacteria and infection and calms, flattens and soothes the skin.
Benefits of the main ingredients:
- Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that calm swelling and inflammation and prevent and reduce scars.
- Calendula oil has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that heal, soothe and relieve the skin.
The patches are waterproof and breathable, providing up to 24 hours of protection and are designed to look invisible to be applied under make-up.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Ollie Belle Cover Dot Acne Care
Ollie Belle is a skin care brand that has been dedicated to developing safe and simple acne solutions without the use of harsh chemicals or complex ingredients.
The Ollie Belle Cover Dot Acne Care are FDA-registered, cruelty-free, drug-free and non-drying acne patches that promote skin healing and regeneration.
The patches contain the same hydrocolloid technology used by medical professionals
They help absorbs acne pus and oil, reduce blemish size and redness while protecting long-term skin softness.
They are waterproof patches made of a strong adhesive that allow them stay in place even when sweating, working or on the go which help protect against bacteria, germs or dirt and the risk of scarring.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Ecco Pure Acne Patch
The Ecco Pure Acne Patch are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and drug-free patches made from natural ingredients.
Benefits of the main ingredients:
- Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that calm swelling and inflammation and prevent and reduce scars.
The patches draw out moisture to pull dirt and oil from the acne speeding up the healing process and they work like a protective barrier from dirt to prevent infection.
Their thin and invisible design are perfect to be worn throughout the day.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Voglily Acne Patch
The Voglily Acne Patch are free of pigments, perfumes and sensitizing preservatives sterile patches made of high grade hydrocolloid that absorb pus and fluids for faster overnight healing.
The patches deliver acne fighting ingredients under the skin's surface to treat deeper-rooted or cystic acne for up to 24 hours.
Their waterproof and invisible design is ideal for daily use while sealing out bacteria, dirt and impurities which reduces inflammation and prevents scarring.
Suitable for: Normal skin Oily skin Combination skin Dry skin Sensitive skin
Frequently Asked Questions
The best 10+ hydrocolloid patches are:
- Avarelle Acne Cover Patch
- Mighty Patch The Original
- Nexcare™ Acne Blemish Covers
- Le Gushe Acne Pimple Patch
- Rael Beauty Miracle Patch
- Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch
- basicConcepts Acne Patches
- Alba Botanica Acnedote Pimple Patches
- Hanhoo Blemish Patch
- Clearasil Ultra Overnight Spot Patches
- ZitSticka Killa Pimple Patch
- Dakik Acne Patch
- Ollie Belle Cover Dot Acne Care
- Ecco Pure Acne Patch
A pimple contains oil, bacteria and inflammation under the skin. Popping pimples will only push bacteria and pus a lot deeper into the skin causing swelling and redness or spread to nearby pores acne causing bacteria. It also leads to infection, hyperpigmentation and scars.
Cystic acne forms from underneath the skin, while, hydrocolloid patches work on surface-level acne.
As a result, the only short-term solution are cortisone shots which help reduce redness, swelling and pain from inflammation.
HOWEVER, certain brands have started to implement new delivery systems to be able to treat acne under the skin.
In addition to this, hydrocolloid patches infused with healing active ingredients help calm inflammation and prevent further irritation.
I came across cystic acne sufferers who had reviewed the patches and confirmed their success.
The cost of a cortisone shot depends on how much of the injection is needed, however, it usually costs between $50 to $100 (if it's not covered by insurance).
Yes, hydrocolloid dressings promote faster, as well as, better wound healing because they provide wounds with a moist environment which maximizes wound repair and reduces scarring.
Yes, you can shower with hydrocolloid patches because they are waterproof.
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