Pimple patches are made of hydrocolloid, a gel-forming material that absorbs water to form a gel. Hydrocolloid is a polymeric material that can be polysaccharides or proteins. The patches are coated with gel-forming agents that help to form moistness around the problem area and draw excess oil and pus out of the pimple. Some pimple patches contain salicylic acid, which can help unclog pores and remove excess oil, but they may irritate dryer, sensitive skin. Other ingredients that can be found in pimple patches include niacinamide, which can improve skin tone and texture and help improve moisture retention, and sulfur, which can help with skin inflammation. When looking for skincare products for acne-prone skin, it is important to look for options that contain the right ingredients. Some of the best ingredients for acne-prone skin include:
- Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid that can help unclog pores and remove excess oil.
- Benzoyl peroxide: An ingredient that can help kill bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation.
- Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that can help balance the production levels of the sebaceous glands and improve moisture retention.
- Azelaic acid: A naturally occurring compound that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent buildup of keratin, a protein that can clog pores.
- Tea tree oil: An essential oil made from the leaves of the tea tree that can be as effective on acne as benzoyl peroxide.
When using skincare products for acne-prone skin, it is important to be careful with products that contain occlusive agents, such as cocoa butter, lanolin, mineral oil, paraffin, petroleum jelly, and silicone derivatives like dimethicone and cyclomethicone, as they can form a film on the skin surface that helps to seal in moisture and can be greasy.
