The celebrities wearing pimple patches with pride: how Hailey Bieber and Florence Pugh made spots something to celebrate

Sep 18 , 2024

Starface and other pimple patch brands are attracting even A-listers like Hailey Bieber and Florence Pugh to try their simple spot fix. Photo: @haileybieber/Instagram

Patches from brands like Rael, Starface, CosRX, ZitSticka and Peace Out use hydrocolloid gel to calm inflammation and also stop the user from picking at the spot

Have you ever had an important event looming, only to wake up with an unexpected guest protruding from your face? Enter pimple patches, the tiny miracle workers that promise to tackle blemishes swiftly and discreetly. Their popularity has surged, thanks in part to the influence of social media and the beauty gurus who swear by them. Celebrities like Florence Pugh, and new parents Justin and Hailey Bieber, have been spotted wearing pimple patches, turning these unassuming coverings into something of a fashionable beauty staple. But where did pimple patches come from, and when exactly did they transition from niche products to mainstream can’t-live-withouts?

The origins of pimple patches can be traced back to the medical field, where hydrocolloid dressings were initially used to treat wounds. This technology, which uses a moist environment to aid healing and prevent scarring, proved to be incredibly effective. It wasn’t long before innovators in the beauty industry recognised its potential for acne treatment, and the pimple patch was born, offering a modern solution to an age-old problem.

Justin Bieber shares his true sparkle in a December 2022 Instagram story: Photo: @justinbieber/Instagram

“[Patches] work by absorbing excess fluid and creating a protective barrier over the pimple,” says Dr Ahmad Chaudhry, a dermatologist at Copenhagen-based Scandinavian Biolabs. He explains that the hydrocolloid material “forms a gel-like substance when it comes into contact with fluid from the pimple”, adding: “This gel helps flatten the pimple, protects it from further irritation, and speeds up the healing process.” Patches do this by reducing inflammation while preventing the wearer from picking their zits.

Using pimple patches is simple, but following a few key steps will ensure maximum efficacy.

“Starting with a clean, dry face to help the patch adhere properly is a must; otherwise, there’s the risk it’ll slide or fall off,” says certified physician assistant Denisse Serrano.

Apply the patch directly over the blemish, pressing down gently to secure it in place.

“Leave the patch on for several hours or overnight, allowing it to work its magic. When it’s time to remove the patch, simply peel it off and discard,” Serrano elaborates.

For those who can’t imagine stepping out without a bit of make-up, wearing pimple patches under foundation is entirely doable.

“Begin with a primer to create a smooth base. Then, let it absorb properly and apply the pimple patch. After that, you can simply layer make-up over the patch, using a gentle dabbing motion to avoid dislodging it,” Serrano suggests.