There is a difference between Iodine and Iodine potassium. Remember, it is the Iodine potassium drops, not the plain iodine drops. Studies have shown iodine potassium to decrease fibroblasts.
It seemed like the iodine potassium drops penetrated deep enough into raw skin or fordyce spots to shrink them. After my lips healed, it seemed like the silicone from strips gets more into surface tissue since it presses down (lightly of course) on lips.