FAQ
Questions, answered.
How patches work
What is a hydrocolloid patch?
A thin gel dressing that absorbs fluid. It's the same wound-care material used in hospitals for decades. On a pimple it draws the fluid out and keeps the spot clean and covered while it heals.
How do hydrocolloid patches work?
Hydrocolloid is a gel material that absorbs fluid. When you stick a patch on a pimple, the gel pulls the fluid out of the spot and creates a sealed, moist environment so the skin can heal. The little white dot you see when you peel the patch off is all the stuff that came out.
Why does the patch turn white?
That white circle is the fluid it pulled out of the spot. A cloudy patch has done its job — peel it off and put on a fresh one.
Do pimple patches actually work?
On a surface whitehead, yes — they absorb the fluid, protect the spot, and stop you picking. On a deep spot with no head, a flat patch does little; that's a microneedle job.
What is the difference between standard pimple patches and microneedle patches?
Standard hydrocolloid patches work on surface pimples that have already come to a head. Microneedle patches use tiny dissolving needles to deliver active ingredients (salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid) deeper into the skin, which is useful for under-skin spots and cystic acne that have not surfaced yet.
Microneedle patches
How do microneedle patches work?
Hundreds of tiny needles made of dissolving hyaluronic acid melt into the skin, carrying salicylic acid and niacinamide down toward where the spot is forming. You wear one overnight.
Do the needles hurt?
No — they're microscopic and dissolve into the skin. Most people feel a light press, nothing more.
Are the star and heart patches different from the round ones?
Only in shape. Same needles, same actives — the shape is just so you can wear the spot on purpose.
What's in them?
Salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in the dissolving needles. The standard hydrocolloid patches have no actives — just the gel.
What should I expect from microneedle patches?
In most cases the spot will be visibly smaller and less inflamed within 3 days, applying one patch per night for two nights in a row.
Choosing and using
Which patch should I use?
Match it to the stage. Under the skin with no head, reach for a microneedle patch. A whitehead ready to drain, a standard hydrocolloid one. Healing but still pink, keep a hydrocolloid patch on.
When should I apply a patch?
For standard pimple patches: when the spot has come to a head (you can see a whitehead) or as soon as you can feel it forming. For microneedle patches: as soon as you feel a lump under the skin that has not yet surfaced.
How long do I leave a patch on?
Standard hydrocolloid patches: 6 hours minimum, ideally overnight. Microneedle patches: 6 to 8 hours. The patch is done when it turns fully white (that is the fluid it absorbed) or when it starts to lift at the edges.
Can I wear pimple patches under makeup?
Yes, our standard pimple patches are thin and flat enough to wear under foundation. Microneedle patches are thicker and more visible, so they are best worn overnight or with the shaped versions when you want them seen.
Can you reuse a patch?
No. Once it's absorbed fluid it's done — a fresh one every time.
Can I wear a patch on a popped or open pimple?
Yes. In fact this is where hydrocolloid patches work best, by absorbing the fluid and preventing scabs. Just make sure the skin is clean and dry first.
Do they leave a mark?
The patch itself doesn't. Covered and left alone, a spot tends to heal with less of a mark than one you pick at.
Do patches work on blackheads?
No. Blackheads are dry, oxidised oil. Hydrocolloid only absorbs fluid, so it does not pull blackheads out.
Do they work on cystic acne?
A flat patch, not while the spot's still under the skin — reach for a microneedle patch. If cystic acne is persistent or painful, it's worth seeing a GP or dermatologist.
For trail and blisters
Do hydrocolloid patches work on blisters?
Yes — same material, bigger and tougher. It cushions the raw skin and absorbs the fluid while the blister heals. Put it on at the first hot spot, before it tears.
When should I apply a blister patch?
As soon as you feel a hot spot or rubbing during a walk or run. The earlier you apply, the better. They also work over an existing blister to protect it.
Should you pop a blister?
Not if you can help it — the skin on top is its best cover. Patch it intact; only clean and dress it if it's already torn.
What's the roll tape for?
A 5cm × 100cm roll of hydrocolloid you cut to any shape — for blisters in awkward spots, or as a wound dressing. It lives in the pack lid and one roll lasts most of a tramping season.
Hydrocolloid vs Compeed — what's the difference?
Same material class. MEND is NZ owned, ships from Auckland, and offers a cut-to-fit roll as well as pre-cut blister patches.
Can you shower or swim with a patch on?
Yes — hydrocolloid is water-resistant. Dry the skin before you apply it, not after.
Buying and shipping
Where do you ship from?
All MEND orders ship from Auckland, New Zealand, via NZ Post tracked courier.
How long does delivery take?
Most orders arrive within 1 to 3 working days. Rural addresses may take an extra 1 to 2 days.
How much is shipping?
$6.50 flat rate across New Zealand. Free on orders over $50.
Do you ship internationally?
Not at this stage. New Zealand only.
Is Afterpay available?
Yes, on every order. You can split the payment across four interest-free instalments.
Is GST included?
MEND is not currently GST registered. The price you see is the price you pay, no GST added at checkout.
Returns and issues
Can I return a product if I change my mind?
No. Because these are skin-contact medical products, we cannot accept change-of-mind returns. Please order what you actually want.
What if my order arrives damaged or wrong?
Email hello@mendpatch.nz with a photo and your order number. We will sort it.
About MEND
Is MEND a New Zealand brand?
Yes — NZ owned, run and shipped from Auckland.
What are Patch Points?
MEND's rewards — points on orders you can put toward money off, plus a welcome bonus for making an account and a referral bonus for you and a friend. (See the account page for current values.)
How do I get in touch?
Email hello@mendpatch.nz and a real person will reply.
Other questions? We are a small NZ team but we answer everything.
hello@mendpatch.nz