Everything from vitamins to skincare comes in patch form now

A patch a day to keep anything at bay

Topical skin patches for almost every kind of ailment are rising in popularity. From skincare must-haves to weapons of immunity, here’s what you need to know.

If you’re like me, and mentioned pimple patches once to someone in passing, perhaps your eavesdropping smartphone has also been serving you a continuous stream of Instagram ads and positive reviews ever since.

Or maybe, without mentioning them at all, your newsfeeds and homepages are still filled with people raving about the benefits of wellness patches. If you’re part of the latter, don’t feel too played by your algorithm. Patches, in all their various forms, are everywhere right now. 

Some claim to rid us of monster breakouts, terrible hangovers and the aspects of menopause we’d rather live without. Others, a flawless infusion of energy, relaxation and everything in between. 

So what’s driving this sudden patch popularity? And should we really be putting our faith in their unseen, unfelt power?

Marketed as a no-fuss yet cure-all solution to life’s ailments, patches of all varieties appear to scratch the consumer’s enduring itch. Whatever it is, we want it fast, and we want it painlessly. 

Some patches are designed to deliver ingredients to your bloodstream through topical application on the skin, while others, such as pimple patches, draw out impurities. Infused with concoctions usually found in pricey skincare bottles and top-shelf vitamins, the latest class of beauty, health and wellness products claim to be a life-changing addition to any routine. 

Unpacking the efficacy of patches

Obviously, like any avenue of skincare and recovery, the effectiveness of said patches depends on a few factors, such as the quality and concentration of infused ingredients, the consistency of use, and of course, the severity of your aches, pains and pimples. 

Some wellness brands claim their topical products provide people with an accessible and easy solution to their daily supplement or vitamin intake. Yet, most also come with a disclaimer stating their products are not intended to ‘treat, cure, prevent  or help with any illness, disease or medical condition.’ 

And while they of course offer an alternative consumption method for people who perhaps struggle to orally swallow traditional pills and potions, there are a few things to note before replacing your usual supplements with patches. 

Before investing in wellness patches, consider the following. Image: Pexels

#1. Issues with absorption 

For a chemical to be absorbed through the skin, it needs to be classified as ‘lipophilic’, consisting largely of fats and lipids rather than water. Water-based extracts of ingredients are less likely to be adequately absorbed into the skin– something often found in wellness products. 

A 2019 study compared the effect of multivitamin patches and oral vitamins in patients at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Despite both groups receiving daily dosages, finding that patch participants were more likely to experience a Vitamin D deficiency, indicating the patch absorption method was not as effective as standard oral intake.

#2. Slow release method

Another aspect of wellness patches that differs from more traditional intake methods is the recommended wear time. Most wellness patch brands suggest wearing the product for 12 to 24 hours, for a gradual release of vitamins and benefits. 

Several listed medications in patch form do sometimes release a formula gradually, such as nicotine patches and topical pain relief, due to the body needing a constant supply. However, the human body does not require a slow release when it comes to supplements and vitamins, granted a safe dosage is applied. 

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Image: iStock

#3. The concentration of ingredients

If it seems too good to be true that your daily recommended dosage of vitamins and nutrients can all be contained on one 3cm by 3cm sticker, then it probably is. 

Not yet listed on the Therapeutic Goods Association, wellness patches currently available on the market contain only minuscule dosages of ingredients. In other words, even if the patch is absorbed completely, the effect is likely to be minimal.

For instance, some patches spruiked for heightened immunity contain less than 5 mg of Vitamin C- the hero ingredient behind their marketing. Serious vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) is said to occur when a person’s daily intake drops below 7 mg, meaning the patches don’t even contain enough Vitamin C to satisfy the bare minimum. In comparison, standard oral Vitamin C tablets contain upwards of 500mg. 

If you are considering giving vitamin patches a go, ensure you do some research into the type and concentration of ingredients used. 

While they are not currently TGA-listed and do not appear to contain high dosages of supplements and active ingredients, they do offer a more accessible alternative to traditional supplements for those who may struggle with oral consumption. 

Originally published as Everything from vitamins to skincare comes in patch form now