These Are Identical to Pimple Patches But 10X the Product: Expert Says Stop Wasting Your Money

A Harvard-trained dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon has gone viral on Instagram after sharing a surprising truth about pimple patches at the drug store.

Neeera Nathan, @dermatologysurgeon, recently encouraged viewers to stop spending money on these products. She singled out the brand Mighty Patch, which sells 36 pads for $17 at CVS (although they might be cheaper elsewhere).

The Truth About Pimple Patches Revealed

According to Dr. Nathan, all pimple patches are "very tiny hydrocolloid pads." Instead of spending $17 on a 36-pack of Mighty Patches, the doctor encouraged shoppers to get what they need from the wound care aisle instead.

"These are identical to pimple patches but 10 times the product," Dr. Nathan said. "Plus, you can cut these to the exact size you need." She added that sticking these cut-out pads onto your cuts and pimples can help them heal faster with less scarring.

A Drugstore Hack Worth Trying

At least at CVS, Dr. Nathan said you can buy a "ginormous pack" of hydrocolloid pads for just $14.99. This is significantly cheaper than the Mighty Patch product and offers the same benefits.

"These are not only cheaper, but they're also identical to pimple patches," Dr. Nathan explained. "And because you can cut them to size, you can apply exactly what you need to your skin."

Do Pimple Patches Really Work?

Pimple patches are bandages lined with hydrocolloid, a gel-forming material that can help heal wounds. Mighty Patch even advertises this on its website.

When applied to a pimple with visible pus, the hydrocolloid helps drain the fluid and flatten the bump. The patch itself also helps prevent infection by protecting your zit from interacting with bacteria or debris.

Additional Benefits of Pimple Patches

"Pimple patches that contain ingredients that help treat the breakout, like salicylic acid, might deliver some extra help to clear dirt and bacteria out of pores and speed clearing," Dr. Debra Jaiman, a New York-based dermatologist, told the American Chemical Society.

However, it's essential to remember that these patches—hydrocolloid or Mighty Patch ones—won't help with deep, cystic acne and don't address the root cause of breakouts.

Viewers Weigh in on Dr. Nathan's Hack

Despite Dr. Nathan and other experts providing ample evidence that hydrocolloid and pimple patches are the same thing, some viewers were hesitant to swap the two.

Internet Reactions

"Wouldn’t cutting something with scissors put bacteria on the patch, then transfer it to your skin?" one woman asked. "That’s a $2 difference. I’d pay the $2 for the convenience of not having to sit and cut shapes," a second viewer wrote.

Others who have tried Dr. Nathan's hack said it didn’t work or questioned whether the store-brand patches had the same health benefits. Some viewers shared their own experiences, including trying hydrocolloid patches and noticing they broke them out, while others found pimple patches from Korean brands helped keep their skin in check.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Nathan's hack offers a cost-effective solution for those looking to reduce their pimple patch expenses without sacrificing effectiveness.

"These hydrocolloid pads are identical to pimple patches but 10 times the product," she said. "And they're significantly cheaper at CVS."