When you struggle with acne, you know that finding solutions for breakouts can be tricky.

Although all products vary, most of them are small pieces ofhydrocolloid bandagesthat can easily fit over a blemish.

Either way, they all work basically the same way.

Caren Campbellexplains more below.

What do hydrocolloid bandages do?

“Hydrocolloid dressings are a great option for inflamed acne lesions,” says Campbell.

According to Campbell, the bandage creates a protective barrier that is more conducive to healing.

They also prevent you from picking at the breakout, which definitely does not make the situation better.

How do you use a hydrocolloid acne sticker?

In addition, she says you might skip the medicated patches since they can cause some irritation.

I’ve personally been a fan of the Mighty Patch Original for several years now.

If it’s a particularly bad breakout, I’ll use it two nights in a row.

Again, Campbell does not like most patches with medication since ingredients like salicylic acid can irritate the skin.

“Salicylic acid works better to prevent rather than treat active acne lesion,” she says.