Guides
Korean pimple patches: how they work and when to use them
Hydrocolloid patches protect a pimple, absorb what comes out of it and stop you from touching it. When they help, when they don't, and the difference between the types.
4 November 20264 min read
A pimple shows up the night before an occasion, and the first thing that crosses your mind is to squeeze it. That's where Korean pimple patches come in: small, clear stickers you put on the pimple and leave there. They're very simple, and they've become one of the best-selling Korean products in the world. But for them to work properly, you need to know exactly what they do.
What is hydrocolloid?
Most patches are made from a material called hydrocolloid, the same material that has been used in wound dressings for years. It absorbs fluid and gunk from an open pimple, covers it from bacteria and dust, and most importantly, keeps your fingers from reaching it. Very often, simply not picking at the pimple makes a difference to the result and lowers the chance of a mark.
When do they work?
Patches work best on a pimple that has a white head, or one that has opened. You put one on and leave it for six to eight hours or overnight, and when you take it off you'll notice it has turned white from the gunk it absorbed.
A deep, painful pimple with no head is different: a regular patch can't reach it. Some types have extra ingredients like centella, such as VT Cica patches, but deep pimples that keep coming back need a dermatologist.
The best thing a patch does is make you leave the pimple alone.
How to put them on properly
- Cleanse your face and dry it well. A patch won't stick to wet skin or skin with cream on it.
- Put it on before toner and serum, or on a clean area with no products.
- Press it with your finger for a few seconds, so the warmth of your finger sets it.
- Leave it on until it turns white, or for at least six hours.
The types
- The classic, like COSRX Master Patch: for overnight use, and it comes in different sizes.
- The ultra-thin, like TIA'M clear patches: almost invisible, so you can wear it during the day, even under makeup.
- The large size, for areas with more than one pimple close together, like the chin.
Common mistakes
Don't put a patch over a pimple you squeezed with unclean nails, and don't use the same patch twice. And if you notice redness or itching where it sticks, stop using it, because some skin is sensitive to the adhesive.
Shop the pimple patches
Share
More stories
Guides5 min read
Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner: who it suits and how to use it right
What is heartleaf, who is Anua's 77 toner for, and how do you use it with a cotton pad, with your hands or as a quick mask? A simple guide before you buy it.
Guides5 min read
How can you tell your Korean product is genuine? 6 signs to check before using it
Fake Korean products are everywhere. Six signs you can check yourself: the Korean label, the batch number, the seal, the texture, the source and the price.
Guides6 min read
Korean sunscreen in the Saudi sun: how to choose it, and how to wear it
SPF, PA++++, two fingers, every two hours: what sunscreen labels really mean, how much to apply, and how to stay protected under a sun as strong as ours.