How to Make Silicone Patches Sticky Again - Cleaning and Storage Tips

Understanding Silicone Patch Adhesives

Silicone patches, often referred to as wrinkle patches, have become a popular skincare product thanks to attention from TikTok and Instagram users. The flexible patches are meant to stick to areas of skin with wrinkles or fine lines, delivering smoothing and filling ingredients overnight as you sleep.

However, many patch users run into problems with the adhesives losing their stickiness over time. When the patches no longer adhere to the skin, they become useless at delivering their skincare benefits.

What Causes Silicone Patches to Lose Stickiness?

There are a few reasons why silicone wrinkle patches may stop sticking properly including:

• Build up of dirt, oil, and skin cells
• Storing patches improperly between uses
• Too much stretching and reapplication
• Natural weakening of adhesive over time

Luckily, you can prolong the sticky effectiveness using proper cleaning, storage, and application methods.

How to Make Silicone Patches Sticky Again

If your silicone anti-aging patches are no longer adhering like they used to, try these simple solutions to restore stickiness:

Clean the Patches

Gently wash any residue, dirt, or oil off old silicone patches using lukewarm water and a mild soap. Avoid aggressively scrubbing the adhesive side.

Store in a Ziplock Bag

After allowing patches to fully dry from cleaning, place them in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. This protects and isolates the adhesives.

Use an Adhesive Primer

Brush a thin layer of adhesive primer onto the skin where patches will be applied before sticking them on. This gives an extra sticky base layer.

Try Double-Sided Tape

For patches that won't adhere whatsoever, apply a small double-sided fashion tape strip onto the patch and skin border. This should temporarily hold it in place.

Replace Frequently

Regardless of other steps taken, silicone patch stickiness will decrease over time with regular use. Replace patches with fresh new ones every 1 to 2 months.

Choosing the Best Silicone Patches

Not all wrinkle patches are made equal when it comes to long lasting adhesives. Here are tips for selecting patches that will maintain stickiness:

Medical-Grade Silicone

See if brands market their patches as medical-grade silicone rather than cheaper craft silicone. Medical silicone is held to higher purity and adhesive standards.

Thick Comfortable Edging

Choose patch sets with a wide, thick comfortring border around the adhesive layer. This flexible, textured edging adapts better to facial movements without lifting.

Durable Protective Film

Patches enclosed in plastic film stay isolated between uses, helping the glue-like adhesive maintain full tackiness over more applications.

Natural Rubber Latex

Some patch brands use natural rubber latex in adhesive formulations which offers very strong and long lasting whole adhesion to skin.

Checking for those patch features will lead to wrinkle patches that stick reliably throughout months of overnight anti-aging treatments.

Using Proper Patch Application Methods

In addition to the adhesive itself, the techniques you use applying patches impacts how well they stick during wear:

Clean Skin Thoroughly

Remove any makeup, oils, or lotions from skin using a gentle cleanser before applying patches. Any residue can weaken adhesion.

Don’t Stretch Patches

Pulling and stretching patches to try to get them to stick again damages the adhesive. Apply them smoothly without tugging or tension.

Press Edges Firmly

Once patch is smoothed onto skin, use your fingertips to firmly press down around all outer edges and sides. This seals the bond.

Use Adhesive Primer

Putting a silicone adhesive primer underneath patches fortifies the seal so they stay anchored better overnight.

Apply Before Bed

Minimize facial movements and patch lifting by applying them right before sleep when skin remains still for hours.

DIY Ideas for Restoring Silicone Patch Stickiness

If you don’t want to replace used up patches, try these homemade hacks to rejuvenate adhesive stickiness:

Honey

Smooth a very thin layer of raw organic honey onto old patches and let sit for 30 minutes before washing off. Honey is a natural sticker-upper.

Rubbing Alcohol

Lightly spritz 70% isopropyl alcohol onto worn patches’ glue side and let fully dry for 5 minutes. Alcohol can renew adhesives.

Essential Oils

Make an essential oil blend of 2 drops ylang ylang oil, 3 drops geranium oil, and 1 drop clove oil. Mix into a teaspoon of carrier oil and gently rub onto adhesive parts.

When to Replace Irreparable Patches

While the methods described can rejuvenate old, non-sticky anti-aging patches temporarily, at a certain point the adhesives either can’t be restored or quickly lose tackiness again after fixes.

Some signs that your patches have reached that point and need replacement include:

• Glue portion appears cloudy and dried vs clear
• Feels brittle and inflexible on skin instead of conforming
• Has visible tears, holes, or cracks in the adhesive layer
• Won’t re-stick even immediately after cleaning or DIY treatments

Allowing the glue to wear down too much lessens its wrinkle filling abilities and risks eye irritation from loose patches. Affordable silicone patch sets typically provide enough for up to 60 overnight treatments.

Consider Upgrade Options

When ready for new silicone anti-aging patches, look into premium options with ultra sticky medical grade adhesives and technologies like microdarts for deeper product penetration.

With quality patches and proper storage between uses, you should enjoy reliable, long-lasting stickiness to maximize their unique skincare benefits through months of patches.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.