The quest to banish the pesky pimple never ends. Lately, TikTok has been a source of skincare and makeup hacks. While some tips and tricks turn out well, most don't. One thing that's going viral is the hydrocolloid patch and this time, dermatologists are giving it a thumbs up.

Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara tells Cosmpolitan that hydrocolloid bandages have long been used in the medical community to heal wounds. They protect wounds and help them heal faster within a moist environment. When it comes to pimples, hydrocolloid patches absorb oil and pus and protect pimples from your dirty fingers because admittedly, it's everyone's bad habit to pick at them. Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi adds that picking at pimples only inflames them further and that slows the healing process and that's why she finds hydrocolloid patches a very good thing. The best part is, unlike most spot treatments, hydrocolloid patches do not leave dry and dark spots on your skin.

How and When To Use A Hydrocolloid Patch

Make sure your face is clean before applying a hydrocolloid patch. They usually start out clear. You can run errands with anyone barely noticing them on your face. They're also great with mask acne as they protect pimples from being irritated by the mask. Some patches are very thin that you can even apply makeup over them. Once you notice that they've gone opaque, it's time to take them off. It means the patch has already absorbed pus and excess oil. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply another patch if needed.

However, Allure suggests that the best time to use them is at night while the skin recovery is undisturbed. They are sticky enough that all your tossing and turning won't displace them. You'll be pleasantly surprised in the morning by how flatter and less red your pimples will be.

Also read: The Best Acne-Fighting Products Under $25

Patches to Try

If you want to follow the TikTok route, check your local drugstore and look for Band-Aid Hydro Seal. If you want special hydrocolloid patches with added acne-fighting ingredients, here are recommendations for Allure and Cosmopolitan:

ZitSticka Killa Kit

The ZitSticka Killa Kit is a two-step process to clear out blemishes fast. The kit comes with eight individually packaged wipes that are formulated with alcohol, salicylic acid, tea tree oil and vitamin E to exfoliate the affected areas first. The next step is to apply the patch which has microdarts that contain hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, sodium hydroxide and vitamin B3 to speed up the healing process. The patches are nearly invisible and work well and fast. The kit contains eight patches, as well.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

Perhaps it because of K-beauty that we have discovered the ingenuity of pimple patches. One of the first beauty brands to introduce it to the US market is Cosrx. Cosrx now has three types of hydrocolloid patches but their original Acne Pimple Master Patch remains to be the most in-demand. It has three sizes, so you'll get the right coverage needed.

Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

These acne patches contain salicylic acid and tea tree oil, potent ingredients that are well known to fight acne and bacteria.

C&C by Clean & Clear Over Zit Spot Patches

With two sizes and two types of patches - fifteen clear and fifteen patterned, you get the best of both worlds depending on your mood.

Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch

Another "extra" acne patch, Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Blemish Micro Tip Patch has 65 percent hyaluronic acid microdarts (like ZitSticka Killa) that contain vitamin B3 and peptides. The patches speed up the acne cycle and prevent potential scarring.

Related article: Azelaic Acid is the Gentler Alternative to Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide for Treating Acne