Acne bandages are a popular method for minimizing the appearance of pimples quickly, but how well do they work?
Acne bandages—commonly known as pimple patches—have become a popular method for getting rid of pimples quickly, but are hydrocolloid bandages good for acne? Hydrocolloid bandages treat mild abrasions by creating a moist environment and protecting wounds from bacteria. Research has found that hydrocolloid face bandages help drain pimples, improving the appearance of acne. Wound Dressing Gel
Read on to learn about hydrocolloid bandages, including how to use them to treat acne and how long they take to work.
People typically use hydrocolloid bandages to cover minor wounds and promote quick healing. Besides bandages, other hydrocolloid dressings include pastes and powders. You can find hydrocolloid bandages at most drug stores or online.
Research has found that hydrocolloid bandages reduce the appearance of scars, including hypertrophic scars and keloids, both of which are thick, raised scars. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids grow excess scar tissue.
Hydrocolloid bandages are often more convenient than other wound dressings. Hydrocolloid bandages are easy to remove and waterproof, making it easy to bathe while wearing them.
Hydrocolloid bandages create a moist environment ideal for wound healing and prevent bacteria from entering your wound.
Hydrocolloid bandages have an inner and outer layer. The inner layer forms a gel when you apply the bandage to your skin. The gel absorbs pus that drains from your wound and creates a moist environment. Moisture helps your wound heal and reduces the risk of scarring. The outer layer is made up of polyurethane, which protects your wound from bacteria.
Hydrocolloid face bandages are effective for treating acne, Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York, told Health. Pimple patches, many of which use hydrocolloid, have become a popular way to get rid of acne quickly.
Research has found that hydrocolloid bandages on the face absorb drainage from pimples, minimizing their appearance. The waterproof outer layer helps protect pimples from bacteria.
A clinical trial published in 2021 found that after one week, hydrocolloid bandages helped clear acne and treated popped pimples quicker than without.
You could use a regular bandage as part of your pimple recovery kit. Still, face bandages will only speed up the healing process if you apply it over a topical treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, said Dr. Jaliman. Benzoyl peroxide help gets rid of bacteria that cause acne. Salicylic acid reduces inflammation and unclogs your pores.
"The [bandage] helps the topical penetrate the pimple area more efficiently," explained Dr. Jaliman.
A bandage helps prevent the topical treatment from rubbing onto your pillow while you sleep. A bandage also encourages you not to touch the affected area, which may worsen acne.
"Try not to touch your face with your hands because the bacteria on dirty hands can transfer to your face and cause a pimple," noted Dr. Jaliman.
In the 2021 clinical trial, researchers found that leaving hydrocolloid dressing on overnight, for eight to 12 hours, is optimal for treating acne. The researchers instructed the participants to apply hydrocolloid face bandages to pimples at night after using a facial cleanser.
You may use hydrocolloid face bandages or pimple patches as needed to get rid of pimples. A study published in 2021 found that hydrocolloid bandages on the face helped reduce mild-to-moderate acne in about six days.
Hydrocolloid face bandages and pimple patches are generally safe to use on acne. Some evidence suggests that contact dermatitis may occur as a side effect of hydrocolloid bandages. Contact dermatitis may cause itching or skin irritation.
A study published in 2021 noted that although hydrocolloid bandages protect abrasions and acne from bacteria, the bandages create an environment that lacks oxygen. A lack of oxygen may boost the growth of bacteria that cause acne. The researchers advised looking for hydrocolloid face bandages that use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to prevent bacteria growth.
You can use ingredients you might already have in your house to create pimple patches. Research has identified several complementary and alternate methods for treating acne.
You may try spot-treating pimples using face bandages with these ingredients:
Of note: Use a patch test to check that you do not have any adverse reactions to those ingredients before applying them to acne.
Apply the ingredient to a small patch of your skin twice daily for at least seven days. Leave the product on for as long as you would leave a pimple patch on—for example, overnight. Do not apply the ingredient to acne if you develop itchy, red skin or swelling within seven days.
Hydrocolloid dressings help treat mild abrasions by creating a moist environment and protecting wounds from bacteria. Pimple patches use hydrocolloid in small face bandages to improve the appearance of pimples.
Hydrocolloid face bandages are one way to treat acne, but it's essential to remember the basics of good skincare. Use only oil-free skin care products to avoid irritating your skin and help control acne. Consult a dermatologist if you need help getting acne under control or have questions or concerns about caring for your skin.
Hydrocolloid bandages work well on popped pimples. In the 2021 clinical trial, the researchers found that 75% of participants who used hydrocolloid bandages on popped pimples saw improvements within one week, compared to 40% of those who did not.
Hydrocolloid bandages may not help treat cystic acne, or hard red bumps or pustules. Cystic acne is severe and often hard to treat since it grows deep into the skin. Hydrocolloid bandages work best on mild-to-moderate abrasions rather than deep wounds.
You may opt for something discrete if you do not want to stick hydrocolloid bandages all over your face. Pimple patches are made of the same material but are smaller and thinner than hydrocolloid bandages. Pimple patches come in various designs, such as flowers and stars, so you can make a statement.
It's essential to choose a product that won't make your breakouts worse, said Dr. Jaliman.
"Look for [pimple patches] that won't irritate your skin and are anti-bacterial. Again, it's all about the salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Pimple patches containing these ingredients will provide a little extra help with pulling out impurities and treating the pimple," noted Dr. Jaliman.
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