Arriving in a variety of colors and sizes, students wear tiny star stickers on their faces all across campus. These stars are more than just decoration: they are pimple patches with a mission to help heal acne and clear skin. But can these small stickers live up to the challenge?
Starface pimple patches became popular around 2022, as that was the first time it was used on the runway, according to Vogue, and could be seen on anyone from teenagers to celebrities such as SZA and Kim Kardashian’s daughter, North West. They are designed to help heal acne, and the patches contain hydrocolloid, a material meant to absorb fluid and reduce inflammation, according to the brand’s website.
Most reviews on the Starface website around the star stickers are positive, with many commenting on how well they stick, reduce inflammation, and help the skin heal.
However, to some others, including co-founder and president of the Simply Skin Club and communications sophomore Bailey Arnone, they are more for show than helping clear up someone’s skin.
“They’re a little bit of a scam in some cases, especially ones that are colorful and more stickery,” Arnone said. “I think they’re more decorative and more of a fashion statement if anything.”
There are a variety of pimple patches, all with different levels of effectiveness. One thing many have in common, according to the American Chemical Society, is the main ingredient being hydrocolloid, an absorbent gel material. The gel’s primary function is to absorb drainage from acne spots while the patches protect people from picking their skin. Theatre freshman Ava Anger uses patches to help with blemishes caused by using heavy makeup for shows and performances. She had noted that not all of them work, though, and said, “You have to get the right kind.”
Theatre freshman Ella Saurberg uses the Mighty Patch brand for any breakouts, warning against using pore strips.
“They strip so much of your skin,” Saurberg said. “I always hear about staying away from them when they’re talked about by dermatologists.”
Pore strips are larger versions of pimple patches meant to cover large areas of the face, such as the nose. NBC News explains that pore strips are harmful because the adhesives used in pore strips are strong and attach to skin, not just dirt. This can cause irritations and dryness on already dry skin and should be avoided for those with sensitive skin.
In “Understanding Pimple Patches: A Comprehensive Guide,” dermatologist Don Mehrabi from BHSkin Dermatology says, “If you have sensitive skin or known allergies, ingredients like salicylic acid or even tea tree oil can be too harsh.”
He adds that for those with a normal skin type, normal pimple patches are at worst ineffective, as they are unlikely to cause further damage to the skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, he said it might be best to steer clear from medicated patches that use acids and extracts to help further heal acne. He recommends testing them on a small area of skin before placing them on the face.
“I actually don’t wear pimple patches because I noticed that they cause a lot of moisture on my face, and for someone who already has oily skin, it causes problems for me,” dance sophomore Ava Blackshear said.
According to the American Chemical Society, pimple patches are not a cure or prevention for acne. They are used as a treatment option for breakouts and pimple-healing. BHSkin Dermatology emphasizes that they shouldn’t be used for those with severe or cystic acne, as they only work on the surface level, not below the skin where the issue lies. According to Mayo Clinic, cystic acne is when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin below the skin.
“For someone with severe cystic acne, a pimple patch might only inflame the area more,” Arnone said. “If you’re wanting to get rid of one pesky pimple, they can be beneficial, but I would advise using them purposefully.”
While, according to the American Chemical Society, their healing properties might be limited, according to The Washington Post, pimple patches can be used to help cover spots and act as an accessory to help make wearers feel more confident about their skin.
“They can be used to make something that somebody may be insecure about, to not only cover it, but make it into something unique and something fashionable,” Arnone said.
Arnone explains how important it is “to make sure your skin is clean” so the pimple patches can be effective. Applying patches on clean skin, allowing them to directly make contact with the pimple to draw out any bacteria from the skin, is imperative to correct pimple patch usage, advises e.l.f. Cosmetics.
“Putting a pimple patch on dirty skin is not going to have the same benefits as if you were taking care of your skin,” Arnone said.
Arnone emphasizes the importance of general skincare and maintenance to prevent pimples and using patches to help address any spots you may have instead of using them as a treatment or a preventative measure for acne.
“You want to be taking good care of your skin,” Arnone said. “The biggest thing is just maintenance and making sure that you’re making your skin a priority.”
