All questions you could ever have about pimple patches, covered!
By Team Common Clouds
What are pimple patches?
Pimple patches are also known as acne patches, and are quite simply adhesive patches that you apply directly to a pimple and leave on overnight or during the day to reduce the breakout.
Pimple patches work mainly in two ways:
- The pimple patch creates a physical barrier against popping and picking at the skin, which allows your pimple to recover faster and heal uninterrupted. This also minimises the risk of scarring.
- The pimple patch absorbs excess fluid and pus in the inflamed area, which creates the optimal healing environment in the skin. It basically fast-tracks the healing process, and flattens the pimple in as little as 6 hours.
- Common Clouds' pimple patchs are infused with centella to soothe redness in the area and sort out any anger issues your skin might have.
Common Clouds pimple patches Cloud Patch – Find them HERE!
What are hydrocolloid pimple patches?
Common Clouds pimple patches are made from hydrocolloid – a superstar, science-backed material that creates the optimal conditions for your skin to heal in by absorbing excess fluid in the inflamed area.
Hydrocollid dressing has been used in wound-care since the 1980s, bur popped up on the acne scene around ten years ago when some genius discovered that patches of hydrocolloid help pimples to go away quicker, and minimises the risk of scarring.
When in my skincare routine do I apply my pimple patch?
Pimple patches should always be applied on clean, dry skin. For best results, pop it on before doing the rest of your routine. If you've already toned and moisturised, let the product sink in completely before applying your patch.
How do I apply my pimple patch?
This is one of the things we love the most about pimple patches, they are SO easy to use. Follow these simple steps:
- Find a pimple.
- Apply on clean, dry skin.
- Wait at least 6 hours or overnight, or until the patch turns white.
- Gently remove. Repeat if needed.
How long do I wear my pimple patch?
Let the pimple patch work it's magic for at least 6 hours or overnight. Repeat if needed!
Do pimple patches work on all types of breakouts?
Cloud Patch and Moon Patch work best on late-stage pimples that have come to a head, meaning it’s full of pimple fluid and gunk for the hydrocolloid to absorb. If you happen to pop your pimple (it happens to us too!), don’t panic. Put a cloud on it, and the pimple patch will help your skin to recover.
We also like to wear our pimple patches on brewing, early-stage pimples to prevent us from picking, but the most dramatic results will always be on the ready-to-pop ones.
How fast do I see results from my pimple patch?
Each pimple is different, and everyone’s skin is different, so results can vary. You should see a noticeable difference when you remove Cloud Patch or Moon Patch after a minimum of six hours. Repeat if needed until the pimple is a thing of the past.
Can I wear pimple patches during the day?
Of course you can! We worked super-hard to create a next-to-invisible pimple patch. Actually, it’s been really hard for us to photograph the images seen here on our website and on our social since the Cloud is barely visible. No matter if you wear it day or overnight, the pimple patch needs six hours to work it’s magic.
Save 15% on pimple patches when shopping our Cloud Patch 5-pack bundle
Are pimple patches safe to use in combination with acne medication?
Yes, even though we always recommend a patch test if your skin is very sensitised. Many acne medications – both oral and topical – can dry out skin and make it more sensitive. Neither Cloud Patch or Moon Patch contains any active ingredients that should clash with your prescribed medication, but in some cases putting a hydrocolloid bandage straight on top of topical acne creams can make them more potent. We recommend that you use your topical medication and pimple patch at different times if you are unsure, or consult your dermatologist.
Are pimple patches safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes! Hormonal breakouts during pregnancy are very common, and we know that many women want to find an alternative to acids and over-the-counter creams.
Why does my pimple patch turn white?
The hydrocolloid turns white when absorbing the excess fluid from your pimple. It's a great sign that your pimple patch is working! If your patch quickly fills up, you might want to change it to a new fresh one.
Can I wear makeup under my pimple patch?
Cloud Patch works best on clean and dry skin. The oil in makeup might affect the pimple patch’s ability to stick onto your skin, and the hydrocolloid can’t flex it’s full potential to absorb fluid from the pimple. However, even when used with makeup, the Cloud Patch will protect your skin from picking fingers and outer bacteria. But we recommend to always give our pimple patch a clean canvas to work on.
Check out this guide on how to wear makeup with your pimple patch!
Can I wear foundation on top of my pimple patch?
No and yes. It is not harmful in any way, but you might get makeup stuck around the edges. It doesn’t look great to be honest ;) Also it can affect the patch’s stickiness. We find the best results to be avoiding foundation too close to the edges, especially foundation that contains oil.
Where are Common Clouds pimple patches made?
In South Korea, the world centre for cutting-edge beauty and skincare. We are super-proud to have partnered with a Korean biotech-company specialising in wound-care to bring you the most effective (and cutest!) pimple patches.
How do I store my pimple patches?
We recommend storing your patches in the original packaging at room temperature as high humidity and heat over a long time might impact the product. With that said, we have stored our pimple patches in our bathrooms for several months, and they have survived steam from hot and long showers ;)
Why is my pimple patch not working?!
Seen all the 5-star reviews, but not getting the results you're hoping for when using pimples patches? You might be making one of these common mistakes:
MISTAKE Nº1 – NOT APPLYING THE PIMPLE PATCH TO CLEAN, DRY SKIN
The pimple patch should always be applied directly onto clean, dry skin. This way, nothing sits in the way when the Cloud Patch or Moon Patch start absorbing excess fluid and gunk, which will help to speed up the healing process.
MISTAKE Nº2 – APPLYING THE PIMPLE PATCH AT THE WRONG STEP
If you apply your pimple patch on top off skincare products or makeup, any oil in the products might cause your patch to fall off.
MISTAKE Nº3 – APPLYING THE PIMPLE PATCH ON THE WRONG TYPE OF PIMPLE
Got cystic acne, and find that your pimple patch isn't doing much? Applying your pimple patch on under-the-surface, still-brewing pimples, will protect skin from picking fingers (which is a great thing to prevent inflammation and scaring!), but if there’s no gunk you won’t see the dramatic results that you get on whiteheads.
MISTAKE Nº4 – LEAVING THE PATCH ON FOR TOO SHORT OR LONG
The hydrocolloid in our pimple patches Cloud Patch and Moon Patch needs at least 6 hours to work. Shorter than that, and you'll probably miss out on the satisfaction off removing a gunk-filled patch (one of the small wonders of life!).
However, you shall not let it sit too long either. The pimple patch should be removed when the it has turned opaque. Don’t let it sit more than an absolute maximum of 24 hours – but of course you wouldn’t since you’re one of those people cleansing daily ;)
MISTAKE Nº5 – CHOOSING THE WRONG PIMPLE PATCH
Got an XL pimple the size of Mount Everest, and find that Cloud Patch doesn't even cover half of it? As tempting as it might be to use many patches to cover the whole pimple, we have a better solution (that will save you money too!).
Learn more about common mistakes when using a pimple patch!
SHOP – Cloud Patch 35 hydrocolloid pimple patches
