If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to use them, you’ll know that brightening acne patches can give you the relief you need from dark spots, hyperpigmentation and dull skin. That’s because they’re able to deliver active ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C directly to problem areas.
However, what you may also have experienced when using this type of product is that they sometimes come off before they’ve had the chance to do their work. Naturally, if you want these patches to actually lighten your skin, they need to stay in place and here we give you five useful tips to help you ensure that’s what happens.
Making Sure Your Acne Patches Stay Put!
There are a number of mistakes that will reduce the ability of the adhesive backing of acne patches to stick to your skin. As such, the following five tips should help yours to stay put!
Tip #1 – Always Apply to Clean, Dry Skin
What happens when you get a regular band-aid wet? That’s right, it falls off! That’s because moisture makes glue lose its stickiness and that’s also something that applies to pimple patches. So, before you apply a patch, you need to make sure that your skin is not only free of oil, dirt and makeup but also completely dry.
After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel, ensuring that the area where you’ll apply the patch is totally free from moisture. So, avoid applying serums or moisturizers, as these products can also interfere with the adhesive, making it difficult for the patch to stick and stay in place.
Tip #2 – Press Firmly for a Secure Fit
When applying a brightening patch to the desired area, you need to do so deliberately and carefully. Press it firmly against your skin for 10-15 seconds to ensure a good seal, while making sure there are no air bubbles or gaps between the patch and your skin.
Pay special attention to the edges of the patch, as these are the areas most prone to lifting. A firm press can help these parts stick better, ensuring a secure fit for the entire treatment time.
Tip #3 – Avoid Applying to Areas with Too Much Movement
You should also try to avoid placing patches in areas of the face that move a lot, like near the mouth or along expression lines. These spots are more prone to movement when you talk, eat, or smile, which can cause the patch to loosen. Instead, aim for flatter areas with less movement, like the cheeks or forehead, where the patch can remain secure for longer periods.
Tip #4 – Don’t Touch Or Adjust the Patch
While it might feel reassuring to continually touch your face to check that your patch is where it should be, you need to keep your fingers away. Every time you touch the patch, you weaken its adhesive, making it more likely to fall off. This can be particularly tempting if you’re wearing the patch during the day or while doing tasks around the house, but try to leave it undisturbed for the best results.
Tip #5 – Use During Downtime or Overnight
Another way to ensure your brightening patches don’t fall off is to use them at night – ideally just before you go to bed. This approach works particularly well because, at this time of the day, your skin is less prone to movement, sweat and other environmental factors like humidity and wind. It also helps that you’re less likely to touch the patch while you’re asleep.
Ensuring Your Acne Patches Are Able to Work
If you want your brightening patches to work, they need to stay in contact with the skin and ensuring they do just takes a bit of preparation and mindfulness. All you need to do is apply them to clean, dry skin, press them firmly, and choose the right type for your treatment area.
Whether you’re using them during the day or overnight, following these tips will help you get the most out of the product.
