This Budget-Friendly Product Can Help With Skin Picking, According to People Who Use It

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Pimple patches are an internet sensation, having gone viral on TikTok so many times that they are now a beauty mainstay. They’re mainly known for their hydrocolloid design, the same material used in blister and wound bandages to help facilitate wound healing. Hydrocolloids help create an ideal environment for wounds and acne to heal, sucking out gunk like dirt, pus and bacteria so skin can recover faster.

As an adult with acne, I love the blemish-healing function of pimple patches. I find it incredibly satisfying to remove the patches after hours of wear and see evidence of their work, the patches swollen with oil and gunk and my spots noticeably flatter. I buy them in bulk and they’re the only item that I fastidiously ensure I never run low on.

But the reason I buy these in bulk isn’t just because of acne; it’s also because of their ability to protect my skin from my picking fingers. This habit is also known as dermatillomania, which is characterized by a compulsion to pick at facial skin with fingers or other tools. With hydrocolloid pimple patches on, my wandering fingers don’t have a chance to make contact with my blemishes or my pores, so my skin can heal on its own without interference.

Skin picking is more common than you may think: the Cleveland Clinic reports that 2-5% of Americans deal with the condition, and this statistic is likely higher in reality because of the stigma around seeking help or identifying with the condition.

I think often about how my quality of life might have improved