A new microarray acne patch eliminates pimples in just seven days and could pave the way for future medical treatments far beyond skincare.
Pimple patches are small, sticker-like bandages that cover a blemish and support healing.
A research team reporting in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces created a two-step patch system that uses tiny spikes to grip the skin and deliver either antibacterial or anti-inflammatory ingredients directly to the pimple. In human clinical trials, pimples treated with this approach disappeared within seven days.
Often called acne stickers, these patches are typically made from polymers that soak up excess oil and moisture. Some versions include medications that calm inflammation or fight infection. Many medicated products use microarrays (rows of teensy spikes) that pass through the skin’s outer layer to deposit active compounds. However, microarrays can shift while being worn and may irritate the skin.
To address this issue, Shayan Fakhraei Lahiji, Yong-Hee Kim, and colleagues set out to develop a medicated acne patch with a microarray platform that stays in place.
Innovative Patch Design
To create their patch, the researchers first printed a microarray of arrowhead-shaped spikes using a specialized 3D printer. This unique shape helped the patch lock in place when attached to the skin. The patch’s backbone is made of hyaluronic acid — a gooey polymer that’s a common skincare ingredient —that was mixed with either antibacterial agents (including salicylic acid and Cannabis sativa extract) or anti-inflammatory agents (including niacinamide and chamomile extract).
These patches were clinically tested on 20 participants. On the first day, the participants applied the antibacterial patch, and for the next six days, they applied a new anti-inflammatory patch. The hyaluronic acid-based microarray dissolved into the skin within 30 to 90 minutes, with no pain or irritation. After three days, participants noted an 81% reduction in acne lesions in the treated areas compared to untreated pimples, and after seven days, the treated pimples were gone altogether. Additionally, researchers noted a significant reduction in sebum — an oily substance that causes acne. Around 95% of participants report that they were satisfied with the results of the treatment.
