Not so long ago, in articles devoted to beauty and health, one could read dozens of tips on how to get rid of puffiness, dark circles under the eyes, and signs of fatigue on the face in general. They basically boiled down to applying thinly sliced potatoes, cucumber, applying almond oil and other edible ingredients.
But everything changed with the entry of hydrogel eye patches into the market. With their help, you can get rid of common problems associated with the appearance of the area around the eyes in just 5-10 minutes.
Indications for use
The skin around the eyes is thin, which is why changes appear here first as you grow older. Special masks are great for this purpose.
Eye patches - what they are, you need to understand before use. They are made in the form of small pads in the shape of an arc. They are often made from hydrogel - a jelly-like mass that contains a huge list of useful ingredients.
Masks are also made from non-woven fabric. They contain a long list of vitamins and minerals, extracts of various plant substances, essential oils, antioxidants and other substances important for the human body.
In a short time, the patches give the skin a nourishing effect and provide moisture saturation for a long period. A number of patches are created to achieve a rejuvenating effect.
Benefits for the skin around the eyes
Basic properties:
- Nourished with vitamins. Patches containing extracts of natural herbal products, retinol and placenta give the skin a nourishing effect, thus ensuring its elasticity and giving it a fresh and healthy appearance.
- Moisturize. The composition of the patch impregnation product includes a complex of vitamins A, a group of vitamins B, as well as vitamin D, which helps take care of the skin and saturate it with moisture.
- Smooth out . Patch masks with collagen and hyaluronic acid do an excellent job of getting rid of the first wrinkles. There are also eye mask patches on the market, the effects of which resemble those of Botox. Such products cope with several aging problems at once - smoothing out the first barely noticeable wrinkles, getting rid of age-related pigmentation. The effect of such eye products is visible only with frequent use - approximately once every 7 days.
- Drained. A variety of patches that help remove swelling and hydrogel patches. This is due to the fact that they adhere very tightly to the skin, the beneficial components are absorbed more intensively and bring the necessary effect in a short period of exposure.
- Restore and rejuvenate . Typically, collagen, coenzyme, and seaweed extracts are used in the impregnation of such products. This composition independently starts the process of skin rejuvenation. It retains its elasticity and firmness for a long time.
Compound
Hydrogel patches may contain various ingredients. These are the ones you should focus on when choosing this or that express product. Each of the components has its own properties and suggests a certain effect.
Table 2. Ingredients of hydrogel patches.
| Component name | Its properties |
| Collagen | Increases skin elasticity. Makes her elastic |
| Pearl powder | Contains zinc, calcium, copper, iron. Thanks to these substances, it whitens perfectly and increases turgor. |
| Gold | Colloidal metal can stimulate the production of elastin and enhance microcirculation |
| Placenta | Accelerates regeneration by stimulating the process of division of young cells, thereby launching skin rejuvenation processes. Promotes the removal of toxins and the death of keratinized epidermis |
| Snail mucin | Prevents the formation of crow's feet and can have a rejuvenating effect. All this happens due to the activation of fibroblaster function |
| Coenzyme Q10 | This is a strong antioxidant. With its deficiency, the skin becomes dull and uneven in color. |
| Royal jelly | The structure resembles blood plasma. Contains fructose, glucose, proteins. This component perfectly softens, increases elasticity and tone of the epidermis. Has an antimicrobial effect |
| Swallow's nest extract | Stimulates the smoothing of wrinkles. Well refreshes the dermis, restores its structure at the cellular level |
| Aloe | Has an antioxidant effect. Intensively moisturizes, soothes and restores the skin. Removes dark circles under the eyes and pronounced wrinkles |
| Bulgarian rose extract | This component prevents the appearance of pigmentation and also helps to normalize the level of moisture. Contains flower wax, anthocyanins, fatty oils |
| Peptides | Activate the activity of elastin and collagen. This ingredient has pronounced anti-aging properties. It makes the dermis elastic, elastic, smooths out wrinkles |
| Hyaluronic acid | This component is simply irreplaceable. It can quickly restore a healthy appearance to tired, dry or damaged skin. Has a moisturizing effect |
Contraindications
Patches cannot be used in the following cases:
- Allergic reaction. Before using cosmetics, you should carefully read the composition and check the effect of the mask components on the back of your wrist. The effect should be expected within 2-3 days due to the fact that an allergic reaction does not always appear immediately.
- Vision problems (recurrent or constant). Some components of the patch composition, if they come into contact with the eyes, can worsen health conditions and reduce vision.
- Conjunctivitis . The composition of the patches will negatively affect developed or developing conjunctivitis. It is better to stop using the product until complete recovery.
- Damage. This item includes rashes, cuts, inflammation, scratches. The mask should be used only after all of the above has completely healed.
- Cuperosis. This is a disease that causes “stars” of blood vessels to appear on the face. Occurs due to poor circulation in the body. Patches in this case are contraindicated, because blood vessels can become even more noticeable, because the substances included in the mask accelerate blood circulation.
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Where to buy inexpensive hydrogel patches
Patches are very popular in complex care and can be bought in almost any Korean cosmetics store. However, prices differ. One of the most profitable shopping options is the iHerb online store. There is quite a large selection and low prices:
Petitfee, Gold & EGF, eye/acne patches, 60 eye patches/30 acne patches - patches with colloidal gold and epidermal growth factor - RUB 758.
Elizavecca, Hell-Pore Gold, eye patches with hyaluronic acid, 60 patches— 617 rub.
Petitfee, Eye patches with Gold & Snail hydrogel, 60 pcs.—patches with colloidal gold and snail mucin—RUB 758.
Heimish, Hydrogel eye patches, Bulgarian rose water, 60 pcs.—RUB 841
Anna Delarova
I have been a regular customer of the iHerb online store for more than 8 years. On the pages of this blog I publish boasts and reviews of products from iHerb and other stores, and also share useful information in the field of health and beauty. Join us! I’d love to chat with you in the comments to this blog posts! Would you like to receive notifications about new articles? Sign up for email updates.
How to apply correctly
Sequencing:
- Rinse off cosmetics thoroughly.
- Wipe the area where patches are applied with tonic or lotion. Wait until the skin is completely dry.
- Open the package and stick the patch on the lower eyelid.
- Leave for 20-30 minutes. It is advisable to be at rest at this time - lie down or sit in a comfortable position.
- Removal of the mask should be done carefully in the direction from the nose to the temples. There is no need to rinse off the remaining product with water; you can simply rub it into the skin with your fingers.
- For additional care after using patches, you can use eye cream.
Morning or evening: when is it better to use patches?
Most patches should be applied in the morning for the effect to be visible all day. This convenient product allows you to remove traces of a night's sleep, tone your skin and give your face a healthy, rested look. Place the patches under your eyes immediately after washing your face and go about your usual activities: cook breakfast, do exercises, get ready for work. Just 20–30 minutes and you will see the result. It is illogical to refresh your skin before going to bed: in the morning the puffiness will still return, traces from the pillow will be visible, and there will be no trace of a fresh appearance.
However, as with everything, there are exceptions. For example, some anti-aging patches are recommended to be applied before bed. As a rule, they have a fabric base. It is also better not to overuse moisturizing patches in the morning: they can cause swelling.
How often to use
Opinions on this issue often differ. Some cosmetologists argue that eye patches should be used only as an emergency solution, and the main preference should be given to eyelid creams.
In order to see the result faster and maintain its effect for a longer period, patches should be used 1 or 2 times a week for 2-3 months.
During this period of time, small wrinkles will be smoothed out, bruises and swelling under the eyes will disappear or decrease, the skin will become softer, pigment spots and dryness will disappear.
However, this remedy will not help solve the problem of deep wrinkles. This will require a strong cosmetic product, like a serum or cream, but they should be used regularly.
What are eye patches and why are they needed?
Eye patches are cosmetic patches that are placed on the thin skin under the lower eyelid or on both eyelids at once.
They contain a special serum, thanks to which they have a quick and visible effect: moisturize, smooth out wrinkles, reduce puffiness, and brighten the skin under the eyes. Often, the same patch combines several properties at once: for example, moisturizes and smoothes. Anna Sharova
Cosmetic chemist-technologist, founder of the ANNA SHAROVA cosmetics brand.
The patches do not have some fantastic recipe. The effect is achieved due to prolonged exposure to impregnation (serum) and transfer to the skin of everything that this serum is rich in.
Application time
It depends on the individual characteristics and purposes of using the patches, but most often the instructions say to apply them for about 15-20 minutes. This is exactly the time that is enough for the patches to transfer all their beneficial properties and elements to the skin. If we talk about moisturizing patches, they can be worn a little longer - about 30 minutes.
There are also products that are designed for night use. Patches are applied before bed and removed in the morning. Such products are suitable for busy women.
Types of patches
Hydrogel and gel types
Hydrogel eye patches are actively entering the lives of women, which has a positive effect on the market supply in this area. They are a mask made of concentrated jelly - a drop-shaped hydrogel. Such patches most often include essential oils, vitamins A and E, grape seed oil and collagen.
These products are very popular because they combine extremely useful and necessary qualities. Hydrogel patches absorbed all the best from classic eye cream and special masks. They give quick effect and long-term results.
These patches are distinguished by their convenience, because you don’t have to lie down when using them. You can move around calmly without fear that the patches will fall. Also, their peculiarity is that they perform several functions for the skin at once - moisturizing, lifting, drainage, nutrition, getting rid of inflammation and age spots.
This property has given hydrogel patches application in other areas: in the area of nasolabial folds and mouth.
Collagen products
Eye patches: what they are and why those containing collagen are the most in demand, it’s not difficult to guess. They help restore the skin to a fresh and radiant appearance, help eliminate fine expression wrinkles, and get rid of dark circles under the eyes. The main component of these patches is algal collagen, vitamins A and E, and herbal extracts.
Peculiarities:
- Smoothing and giving the skin elasticity. The effect of collagen patches is complex, thanks to a large number of components and herbal ingredients.
- Ease of use . You just need to take the patches out of the packaging and apply it to the desired area, without being distracted from your household chores.
- Convenient format . Patches are recognized as a more effective remedy than eye cream, because the duration of its effect is much longer.
The peculiarity of collagen patches is that they help remove dark circles and swelling in a short time, maintaining the effect for a long period.
Silicone
This type of patch includes one type of silicone; methyl trimethicone is most often used. It is characterized by the fact that after contact with the skin under the eyes, a thin film forms. This is what helps create the visual effect of smoothing the skin. The main focus of silicone patches is the anti-aging effect.
Silicone eye patches are used mainly to achieve a lifting effect, as well as a protective agent for permanent coloring or eyelash extensions.
In addition to their cosmetic function, silicone patches (in the form of drop pads) are used as a protective agent during eyelash coloring or eyelash extension procedures. These are non-slip pads made of silicone, which help to perfectly isolate the skin under the lower eyelashes during the process of extensions or coloring or when applying makeup in this area.
It is especially important that the shape of silicone patches for this type of purpose is slightly different from mask patches. They follow the shape of the lower eyelid and the wall of the nose.
Fabric
The main material from which fabric devices are made is cotton. It is pre-impregnated with cosmetic, vitamin and medicinal substances, cream with a high content of minerals and other substances beneficial to the skin. When applied, fabric patch masks do not adhere too tightly to the skin under the eyes, so they do not have a rejuvenating effect.
Such patches mainly provide the skin with nutrition and saturation with the beneficial vitamins and minerals included in their composition. But this effect does not last long, again due to the specific nature of their gluing to the skin. The advantage of fabric patches is their cost; compared to silicone, hydrogel or collagen, the price of fabric patch masks is much lower.
For eyelids
A product of this type is just entering the Russian market, but has already earned popularity and demand. Eyelid patches differ in that they are designed for the upper eyelid, and accordingly differ from regular patches in shape. They most often have the shape of a circle, that is, they are designed for both the eyelid area and the area under the eye.
The composition of such patches is not much different from standard ones - algae, oils, vitamins, collagen, hyaluron, etc. Eyelid products are most often made from a hydrogel base (jelly-type mass). The main function of such pads is to smooth the skin on the moving eyelid, moisturize, and relieve swelling.
Hyaluronic
Patches created using hyaluronic acid are distinguished by their high cost. This is due to the fact that the product itself - hyaluron - is an extremely expensive product, and patches using it can generally replace trips to a cosmetologist.
For example, in order for hyaluron to penetrate deep into the skin and give a long-term and high-quality effect, many manufacturers of patch masks have placed micro needles on the inside of their products, which quickly help all the substances from the patch penetrate directly into the skin.
The key goal of hyaluronic patches is to fight premature skin aging and fine expression wrinkles. A pleasant bonus is the fact that this procedure gives the skin hydration. Unlike their predecessors, such patches should be left on for 8-9 hours, not 15-20 minutes.
With gold
Patch masks with gold are usually made of gel or fabric. Their main component is biologically active gold. It easily penetrates the skin structure and affects the skin from the inside. In addition to gold, the patches contain a huge number of other components. It all depends on the company and the direction of action of the patches themselves.
The most common components in gold patches:
- Chamomile or lavender . Helps nourish and moisturize the skin under the eyes. Help relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Mint. Helps cool the skin in the areas where it is applied. Helps improve blood circulation, which helps improve the color of the skin under the eyes.
- Grapefruit seed extract. Helps combat signs of premature skin aging.
- Wormwood . It has an excellent protective agent against the influence of environmental factors, such as direct sunlight.
Problems that a gold patch mask helps eliminate:
- Bags and bruises under the eyes . Patches help remove unnecessary fluid, improving blood circulation.
- Wrinkles. It is recommended to start using patches at the age of 25, so they will help avoid premature aging.
- Dryness. A large number of components in “golden” patches are aimed at restoration and nutrition.
With snail mucus extract
This extract is an extremely popular ingredient in cosmetics. It copes wonderfully with the aging process, as it helps to intensively renew and restore the skin. Snail mucus has such a magical rejuvenating effect due to the presence of allantoin and collagen.
In addition to the most important component, the patches contain a large amount of natural extract and oils that are responsible for nutrition and hydration. Due to the presence of snail extract in the patches, a protective film is formed on the surface of the skin, which helps to preserve the effect of using such patch masks for a long time.
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Skin patches: shapes, types and features
Small cosmetic patches for skin care under the eyes get their name from the English word “patch”. Initially, these were small pieces of fabric impregnated with a cosmetic product, but later gel and combined options appeared.
Let's look at their main differences:
- Fabric.
The most budget patches. They are thin pieces of fabric or non-woven material impregnated with the active substance - cream or emulsion. Such patches quickly heat up from the skin and do not provide a pronounced anti-edematous effect. They can be used as a light everyday remedy. - Hydrogel.
The most popular patches. They are made of a jelly-like material and are contained in a special serum. Artificial patches are cheaper than “natural” ones; their role is to transfer the substance to the skin and help it be absorbed. And those that are formed from algae and natural components can independently moisturize the skin, imparting their beneficial properties to it. As a rule, such patches are more expensive, but are in greatest demand due to their effectiveness. Hydrogel patches are often sold in jars of 30 or 60 pieces, designed for a course of use. - Combined.
We combined all the best from the previous options: a layer of hydrogel is applied to the fabric base, which effectively affects the skin. Thanks to the fabric base, the patches are convenient to use, but they are more difficult to produce and therefore cost more than all of the above.
The shape of the patches is: semicircular, in the form of masks, in the form of droplets, petals or two halves of a heart. The shape does not play a special role; it is rather a matter of aesthetics and marketing.
Patches from countries around the world
Korean
Eye patches - what they are in Asian countries is known firsthand, because it was there that such a concept first appeared. That is why you can find a variety of all kinds of mask patches on the Korean market. Korean products usually contain the following components - collagen, vegetable oils and extracts, hyaluronic acid, etc.
Korean products are in great demand on the world market, since their pricing policy is much more loyal than European and American ones. However, in this market you can also find luxury products, it all depends on financial capabilities and desires.
European
European cosmetics manufacturers caught the wave of popularity of patches and also began producing their own cosmetics. Products from Europe are of high cost and good quality. Typically, European-made patches are made from hydrogel.
Their composition, like Korean models, includes a large amount of vitamins, minerals, oils and other plant components. The key feature of European products can only be called that their main focus is getting rid of wrinkles and preventing premature aging of the skin.
American
American cosmetologists did not lag behind their Asian and European colleagues and also launched the production of miracle patches. In America, when producing patches, great emphasis is placed on hydration and nutrition.
It's all about bad ecology. As for the pricing policy, the cost of mask patches in this country is not much different from the cost of patches in Europe. Korean manufacturers benefit significantly here.
Rating of the best patches
Rating leaders:
- Japan Gals, Japonica. They help you forget forever about the signs of fatigue and the urban lifestyle, namely dark circles. They help get rid of wrinkles, expression lines and those that appear as a result of aging, give the skin moisture and nourish it with useful substances. Among the components used in the patches is collagen. It helps speed up cell recovery.
- Gold Racoony Hydrogel Eye & Spot Patch. They contain grains of gold, which amazingly contribute to the harmonious maintenance of water balance in the body and give it incredible elasticity after several uses. The second important component is adenosine, the best fighter against skin changes.
- Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye-Spot, Petitfee. The key advantage of this company’s patches is lightning-fast hydration. The skin takes on an even, smooth appearance.
- GF Hydrogel Golden Caviar Eye Patch,Orthia. They have a beneficial effect on the skin and give it elasticity. This product copes well with age-related changes, helps reduce swelling and helps to say goodbye to dark circles forever, sure signs of a modern lifestyle.
- Instant patches LE LIFT, Chanel. Helps cope with signs of fatigue and the consequences of poor ecology. You need to spend 15 minutes. in the evening and in the morning the effect will not be long in coming. It is best used in conjunction with serum from the same series.
- Instant patches Prodigy Powercell Eye Patch, Helena Rubinstein. Quite expensive, but extremely effective. Copes with many problems - fatigue, bags and circles under the eyes. With long-term use, it gives a tightening effect and helps get rid of signs of aging.
Advantages
Hydrogel patches have a whole set of positive qualities. But they have practically no negative sides. The only indirect drawback: some products can cause irritation due to the high concentration of the active substance in them. But this only applies to those who have an allergy or individual intolerance to a certain component.
The benefits of using express products, or what patches are needed for:
- smoothing out small wrinkles;
- removing signs of fatigue.
- restoration of skin hydrobalance;
- elimination of edema;
- quick lifting effect;
- saturating the skin with beneficial substances;
- eliminating dark circles;
It is worth noting that any of the effects from using express products are temporary. With constant use, it can sometimes improve the appearance of the area around the eyes. For example, some small wrinkles may be smoothed out. But there will be no fundamental changes.
The most popular patches for various purposes
For irritation and allergies
Most often, all kinds of ointments and drops are used for allergies, but recently anti-allergenic eye patches and masks have become very popular.
The most popular of them are:
- Secret Key Gold Racoony Hydro.
- Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold.
Masks made to relieve allergic reactions often contain ingredients such as chamomile and lavender to help eliminate inflammation and redness on the skin.
Rejuvenator
Crystal Eye collagen patch-masks are recognized as one of the most popular in their segment. The main components are collagen and hyaluronic acid. These patches are made of gel and are white in color. In addition to its excellent anti-aging effect, the product gets rid of dark circles and tumors. This mask is applied throughout the night.
For bags under the eyes and swelling
Ella Bache Nutridermologie Lab Face Regard are patches originally from France. Their main function is to get rid of puffiness and bags under the eyes.
This can be easily achieved thanks to the caffeine content, which quickly relieves swelling and helps tonify the blood vessels in the body.
From dark circles
Eye patches - what they are and how they can help a woman get rid of defects in the eye area, as well as the most effective remedy for these purposes further.
Japan Gals, Japonica help get rid of dark circles in the area under the eyes , which occurs due to the collagen content in the product. In addition to the main function, patches from this production are also very good at getting rid of fine wrinkles.
For nutrition and hydration
Secret Key Gold Premium helps give skin elasticity and hydration.
This is due to the content of colloidal gold, collagen and a wide variety of natural ingredients in the product.
To stimulate blood circulation
Extraplast contains extracts of green tea and ginseng, which accelerate blood circulation and stimulate lymph flow. In addition to its main purpose, this product copes well with signs of fatigue.
For quick restoration of tired skin around the eyes
Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels patches created exclusively to get rid of signs of lack of sleep and fatigue. They give the skin a slight cooling effect, cope with swelling and tone it. Able to protect the thin skin around the eyes from the influence of negative environmental factors.
The composition includes Biloba leaf extract, Hexapeptide-8 and Coenzyme Q-10. It is these components that perform the main work as part of the patches.
Features of patches from different manufacturers
Different manufacturers' patches differ slightly in shape and the presence of additives. Usually the overlays have a curved teardrop shape. This matches the shape of the eye and allows the woman to do other things while wearing the patches.
Some patches are not very convenient in shape, since they were created primarily with the expectation that they would be used by women with Asian eye shape.
In addition to the plant components and the hydrogel itself, the liquid for soaking the patches additionally includes:
- Hyaluronic acid. Has a detoxifying and tonic effect.
- Glycerol. Has a softening effect on the skin.
- Pink water. It has a pleasant smell and has a tonic effect.
- Red caviar. Natural antioxidant.
- Adenosine and allantoin. These substances actively promote good functioning of the venous and lymphatic systems, thereby relieving inflammation and swelling in the eye area.
Other substances (panthenol, extracts of various algae, fruit acids) can also be included in the impregnation composition.
Homemade patch masks
Eye patches, what they are and how to prepare an excellent remedy at home.
Cucumber and rose mask
It is known that cucumber is the best natural moisturizer, and rose instantly soothes the skin and relieves fatigue.
Recipe:
- 1/2 cucumber;
- 1 tsp. aloe vera gel mass;
- 1 tbsp. l. rose water;
- 2 drops rose essential oil.
The cucumber must first be peeled and cut into cubes. Grind with a blender with the remaining ingredients until a homogeneous mass is formed. You can use cotton pads for application or buy silicone patches. Apply under the eyes for 10-15 minutes. 2 times per week.
Eye patches are presented on the market in completely different forms, types and for all occasions. Every woman can choose a mask that suits her. Similar products for this product can be found in different price categories, which makes the choice much easier.
Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova
