How hydrocolloid stars work on a pimple

Every Veilshade star is made of hydrocolloid, a soft, gel-forming material that was first used in wound dressings.

It absorbs. When a spot has come to a head, the hydrocolloid draws the fluid out and holds it inside the patch. That’s why a star turns cloudy or white in the middle after a few hours.

It covers. The star seals the spot away from dirt, makeup and the air while it heals.

It stops the picking. The hardest part of leaving a spot alone is actually leaving it alone. With a star on, you can’t touch it, squeeze it or pick at it.

What it won’t do: stars work best on surface spots and whiteheads. They won’t reach deep, painful bumps under the skin, and they’re not a treatment for acne. For ongoing breakouts, speak to a pharmacist or dermatologist.