A transparent spot on the pimple, a white spot the next morning: a hydrocolloid patch changes because its material absorbs liquid. He also covers the spot. This can be helpful in everyday life if your fingers would otherwise end up there again and again.

How to apply the patch

Wash your hands, clean the skin gently and let the affected area dry. Cream or serum under the sticker can affect the hold. Choose a patch with the edge resting on the surrounding skin and gently press it into place. You can apply the rest of the routine around it.

There are different sizes to choose from with the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch . COSRX lists hydrocolloid as the absorbent material. This is a patch without the additional salicylic acid of some other variants. Squeezing or piercing the pimple beforehand is not part of the application.

How long does a pimple patch stay on?

Follow the instructions in your package. A number of hours cannot be applied to all brands and patch types. Check the patch when wearing it: If it is noticeably swollen to a whitish color, the edge is loose or dirty, it should be replaced. If you stick it on in the evening, check it in the morning instead of just continuing to apply the same sticker.

Remove it slowly and close to the skin, without pulling on the area. A used patch is discarded. If you need one again, apply a fresh one to clean, dry skin. Frequent exfoliation just to check can put additional strain on the skin; If your skin is itchy or irritated, leave the patch off.

What does the white spot mean?

Hydrocolloid binds liquid and forms a swollen gel. The white area is therefore not simply “pulled out dirt”. It shows a change in the material – not a measurement of how much bacteria or how much sebum has disappeared. Even a barely changed patch doesn’t prove that you’ve done anything wrong.

The covering function remains to be distinguished from the absorption of liquid. A deep, closed knot cannot be easily deflated with a sticker. This also does not remove blackheads. You can find out more about this in our article about pores and blackheads . A dermatological examination helps with recurring, deep or painful pimples. Our article Understanding Acne explains where cosmetic support ends.

Sources: COSRX: Material and Application , Smith+Nephew: Gelation of Hydrocolloids , AAD: Dealing with Deep Pimples .