Small and Mighty Does the Trick!
In the past, having acne was considered an unpleasant experience. Over the course of the past decade, I’ve seen first-hand how it can have an impact on not only one’s self-esteem but also one’s finances, career, and even mental health. It was clear to me as soon as I started dealing with pimples that they were something that had to be dealt with in secret, so I covered my pimples in concealer and hid my acne cream in my medicine cabinet.
Since the acne-positive movement began, a lot more people are accepting the fact that they have acne, making it less of a taboo subject. Female acne influencers (yes, they exist) post selfies without makeup, women are starting to talk openly about their experiences with zits, and brands are all working together to normalize the condition. You’ve probably seen the star-shaped pimple patches from acne-friendly brand Starface plastered all over Instagram.
What Are Pimple Patches?
There is a “positively not boring” skin-care line co-founded by former Elle beauty director Julie Schott that has a new approach to fighting acne. From the shape of the patches to the cheeky Instagram posts written from the perspective of the product, the brand’s messaging about acne is a departure from everything we’ve been taught about it. Instead of hiding imperfections, these patches stand out and draw attention to them. It’s like getting a gold star on an assignment because they’re so adorable.
Acne positivism is a concept that hard time winning my support. There is nothing positive about acne for me, and so many brands get it wrong when they try to force me to accept it. Acne can be seen as a marketing ploy by companies trying to sell you something to fix it while simultaneously telling you to embrace it. However, Starface appears to share my sentiments on the subject of acne (which could be because Schott has also dealt with acne her whole life and knows the struggle). Ultimately, I’m learning that it doesn’t define who I am, and Starface is helping me feel more comfortable in my skin.
What Do Starface Pimple Patches Do?
A hydrocolloid bandage, like the Hydro-Stars, is what most patches are. Hydrocolloid is a topical treatment for wounds and a barrier against bacteria in zits that removes fluid. They help popped zits heal faster because they create the ideal environment. Clinically proven to help absorb fluid and reduce inflammation, hydrocolloid pimple protectors shrink pimples overnight. Hydro-Stars are designed to really stick: they shield spots from outside bacteria, which aids in the healing process and speeds up the healing process.
Do These Patches Really Work?
Yes, but on two levels, I think so. Cystic acne is my biggest problem, and pimple patches rarely help. However, I’ve recently had to deal with a rash of whiteheads, making me an excellent candidate for a pimple patch. Acne scars were less noticeable the next day after I used a patch that prevented me from squeezing any pimples. They stayed on all night and helped heal zits that I’d already popped (nobody’s perfect), so I highly recommend them.
When I’m dealing with at least five massive zits at a time, it’s not easy to smile, but that’s exactly what happened with these products. While I doubt I’d leave the house with a star on my face (maybe under a mask), opening the little pod made me feel more proud of my pimples than I had in a long time. That said, I was still adamant that it be removed.
Oh Starface, Oh Starface, Where Can I Find You?
Although the Starface patches work just as well as the $5 ones I buy on Amazon, they are a bit pricey at $15 for a box of 32 ($11 for the refill sheets). It’s worth it to me because I know I’m supporting a small, female-owned business and I’m a sucker for good branding. It’s money well spent if it lessens the sting of a breakout!
Starface products can be purchased here on the company website.
