How to use eye patches correctly
Miscellaneous / / October 31, 2023
Read the ingredients, follow the rules of hygiene and remove the pads on time.
What are eye patches
Patches for the eyes, or more precisely for the skin around the eyes, are a version of a mask when the composition is applied to small drop-shaped pads. Most often, they are designed to quickly solve specific problems in this area: moisturize the skin and smooth out wrinkles, reduce swelling or lighten dark circles. But depending on the composition, they may have other effects; this information is indicated on the packaging.
Majority eye patches differ in short-term action. That is, I used it and appreciated the effect right now. But, again, depending on the composition, they can also have a cumulative effect.
What are eye patches?
By media type
The pads themselves, on which the composition is applied, can be made of different materials:
- Fabric. Similar to thin wet wipes. They are not very elastic, so they can tear if used carelessly. However, if you don't intend to take pictures with patches, torn ones are also suitable for use, it’s a matter of aesthetics. Fabric patches also dry faster than others.
- Hydrogel. Made from special medical material. It is dense, flexible, so it retains moisture well and adheres well to the skin.
- Silicone. Also flexible models that do not fall off the face. Such patches are usually reusable. They are often used without any impregnation - for example, they are cooled in the refrigerator and glued under the eyes. Or apply the serum separately and attach pads on top.
In addition, there are micro-needle patches. They are equipped with tiny cones that are mainly made of hyaluronic acid. As planned, they pierce the skin and dissolve there, which allows the active substances to penetrate deeper into the cells. But you should still treat drugs that lead to microtrauma with caution. Such patches can cause irritation both due to deeper penetration of elements and due to mechanical damage to the skin, albeit minimal.
There are also “liquid patches” without a carrier, which simply come in a tube. But this is more of a marketing ploy. We are simply talking about a mask or serum for the skin around the eyes. The product in this form of release is no worse and more environmentally friendly due to the lack of waste. Here you just have to focus on what is closer to you. Rituals in skin care important. And if you like to glue something under your eyes, then why not. If you are more accustomed to simply applying the product, this is also a good choice.
By composition
The effect will depend on it. The following components are often found:
- For moisturizing and smoothing wrinkles - hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, peptides, collagen.
- To reduce swelling - caffeine, taurine, acetyl hexapeptide-5, cooling components such as menthol.
- To lighten the skin under the eyes - niacinamide, arbutin, kojic or tranexamic acid.
This, of course, is not the entire list, because the cosmetics industry does not stand still. For example, patches with colloidal gold are popular. But the information on it is contradictory. On the one hand, it can slow down skin aging, on the other hand, accelerate his.
Finally, patches may contain components designed for course use. For example, retinol, which helps fight the signs of aging. But to see the effect, it is important to use products with this substance regularly, and not occasionally.
By release form
Impregnated patches are usually produced either in pairs in individual packaging, or 30–50–100 pieces in a jar.
When to use eye patches
It makes sense to apply most patches in the morning to feel the effect throughout the day. But if we are talking about products with retinol, it is better to use them before bed, and do not forget to apply them in the morning sunscreen to this zone.
How to apply eye patches
Eye patches have the shape of a curved droplet. And according to the classics, it is customary to glue them with a thin tip to the nose. This is anatomically determined.
But it is not necessary to adhere to this rule. The patch police won't come to you if you like to put them on the other way around - with the roundness towards the nose. Moreover, it makes sense, for example, if bags under the eyes or blue circles are observed precisely closer to the nose. Indeed, in this case, more serum will reach the target area.
Moreover, patches can be glued not only under the eyes, but also on the upper eyelid, as well as on creases on the forehead, nasolabial folds - wherever you want to remove swelling, moisturize or smooth something. The only caveat: skin around the eyes very gentle, so the serum acts more delicately. For other areas, the concentration of active substances may not be enough. But if it works for you, then who can stop it.
However, there are rules that should be followed:
- Glue the patches on cleansed skin.
- Use individually packaged patches once. Some people remove the base, put it back in cellophane, and take it out again a day later. It’s better not to do this, because bacteria have a whole day to multiply in the serum. If you feel sorry for the liquid from the bag, just smear it over your face and neck.
- Remove the patches from the jar with a spatula or tweezers, which are included in the kit. Moreover, the instrument should be washed and dried after each use. It is better not to put your fingers into the solution, so as not to introduce additional bacteria into it.
- Do not glue patches too close to eyelashes. The serum is intended for the skin around the eyes and is most likely safe for them. But the mucous membrane may not react to the liquid in the best way.
How long to keep eye patches on
Longer doesn't mean better. On average, it is better to leave patches on the face for 10–20 minutes, unless otherwise indicated on the package. This time will be enough for the remedy to work. If you overexpose it, you may lose the desired effect. For example, the foundation will dry out and will no longer release moisture, but will pull it out of the skin. It may be the other way around: the patches still remain wet, but such a compress with prolonged exposure will soften the upper layer of the epidermis too much, and it will no longer look so elastic.
How often can you use eye patches?
It is better to read what is written on the package. But average patches can be applied at least every day - or when a problem appears that they are struggling with.
What eye patches can you buy?
- Fabric patches with caffeine to reduce swelling from Professor SkinGOOD, 269 rubles →
- Hydrogel patches with caffeine to reduce swelling from Beauty Style, 876 rubles →
- Hydrogel patches with caffeine and niacinamide to reduce puffiness and eliminate dark circles from Suoer Beezy, 1,124 rubles →
- Hydrogel patches with niacinamide to eliminate dark circles from PETITFEE, 1,536 rubles →
- Hydrogel patches with niacinamide to eliminate dark circles from PETITFEE, 1,911 rubles →
- Hydrogel patches with peptides for moisturizing and smoothing wrinkles from Natura Siberica, 368 rubles →
- Hydrogel patches with snail mucin for moisturizing and smoothing wrinkles from L.SANIC, 1,311 rubles →
- Hydrogel patches with hyaluronic acid for moisturizing and smoothing wrinkles from Elizavecca, 919 rubles →
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