In This Article:
- What are eye patches and what do they do
- Why do you need these cosmetics
- How to choose eye patches: a few tips
- How to use patches: five simple steps
- Frequently asked questions about it’s using
- The best eye patches: iHerb’s top picks
Gone are the days when you might be surprised to see a neighbor or friend with black eye patches. Today, thanks to active advertising, almost everyone – from teenagers to retirees – knows what eye patches are and what they look like. In this article from Herbzone, we’ll look at what these little helpers are for, how to choose the right option for your individual needs, and how to use them correctly.
What are eye patches and what do they do
Eye patches are small pads, usually in the shape of a crescent, that are applied to the area under the eyes. They can be made of different materials: hydrogel, fabric, or silicone. And for a cosmetic effect, they are soaked in special serums rich in useful components.
The main task of the patches is to provide intensive skin care for this delicate area, which requires special attention due to its sensitivity and tendency to aging.
Why do you need these cosmetics
Everyone knows that the skin under the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face and has fewer sebaceous glands, making it vulnerable to dehydration, wrinkles, and dark circles. Therefore, it is important to support these areas of the face with cosmetic products.
So, let’s find out why you should use eye patches and what benefits they bring.
- Moisturizing. Thanks to hyaluronic acid or glycerin, patches quickly saturate the skin with moisture. This is important because the thin skin around the eyes is usually not sufficiently moisturized.
- Reducing swelling. Green tea extracts, caffeine, and cooling effect help to relieve puffiness. Sometimes it is very necessary in the morning.
- Fighting dark circles. Ingredients such as niacinamide lighten the skin. Those who have dark circles under the eyes will understand what we are talking about.
- Anti-aging care. Peptides and collagen help to reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. That is why women often use wrinkle patches.
- Fast recovery. This is the perfect way to refresh your look before a party, an important event, or after a sleepless night.
How to choose eye patches: a few tips
The effect of the patches depends not only on their proper use, but also on how well you choose them. The variety of brands, formulas, and materials can be confusing even for an experienced user. To find the perfect option, it’s important to consider your skin type, its needs, and the desired result. Let’s figure out how not to get lost in this cosmetic variety and make the best choice. So, how do you choose the right eye patches?
There are several factors to consider:
- Skin type
- For dry skin, patches with intense moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, are suitable.
- For oily skin, it is better to choose products with a light texture to avoid excessive shine.
- The problem to be solved
- To relieve swelling, look for patches with caffeine or green tea extract.
- For brightening, look for patches with vitamin C or niacinamide.
- For anti-aging care, look for collagen or peptides.
- Patches material
- Hydrogel – comfortable and adhere well to the skin.
- Fabric – impregnated with a large amount of serum.
- Silicone – create a protective barrier that enhances the effect of active substances.
- Composition
- It is better to give preference to the most natural products.
- Avoid products with a high content of alcohols or fragrances if you have sensitive skin.
How to use patches: five simple steps
If you’ve used fabric masks, you’ll be familiar with how these eye patches work. Just in case, here’s a quick guide on how to use the patches.
- Prepare your skin. Thoroughly cleanse your face of makeup and impurities. Use a toner if necessary.
- Apply the patches. Using a cosmetic spatula, separate a pair and place them under the eyes, pressing them firmly against the skin.
- Action time. Keep the patches on the skin for 10-20 minutes (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations). Do not leave them on longer as they may begin to absorb moisture from the skin.
- Remove the patches. Gently remove the patches from the inner to the outer corner of the eye.
- Spread the remaining serum. Gently massage the serum into the skin without rinsing it off.
Frequently asked questions about it’s using
Below are the most popular questions that arise in the process of using little helpers in skin care.
How to apply the patches correctly, with the wide or narrow side?
- The narrow side to the nose: This is a standard application method that allows you to better cover the area closer to the inner corner of the eye, where dark circles most often appear.
- Wide side to the nose: Used if you need to moisturize and treat the area under the middle of the eyes more or even out skin tone closer to the nose.
Where to store the eye patches?
Refrigerate the patches. Storing them in the refrigerator enhances their anti-puffiness effect.
How long should I keep the patches under my eyes?
10-20 minutes is enough.
How often should I use them?
Use the patches 2-3 times a week or as needed, depending on your skin condition.
Can I combine them with other cosmetics?
If the patches contain active ingredients, do not combine them with aggressive care products.
Why does the skin burn from the patches?
A burning sensation when using patches can occur for several reasons:
- Sensitivity or allergy to the components. Some ingredients, such as acids, essential oils, or fragrances, can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin.
- Damaged skin. If the skin under the eyes is dry, irritated, or has microtraumas (for example, after cleansing with too aggressive products), the active ingredients of the patches may cause discomfort.
- Potent formulas. Some patches contain ingredients, such as retinol, peptides, or niacinamide, which may cause temporary tingling, especially if you have not used such products before.
- Improper application. If the patches are applied to undried or uncleansed skin, this may increase sensitivity.
- Expired or low-quality product. If the patches are spoiled or contain aggressive preservatives, this can also cause discomfort.
What to do.
- Remove the patches if the burning sensation does not go away within 1-2 minutes or becomes stronger.
- Rinse off the remaining product thoroughly with water.
- Soothe the skin with aloe vera gel or panthenol cream.
- Before using the new patches for the next time, conduct a sensitivity test by applying the serum from the patches to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear.
If the burning sensation recurs, choose patches for sensitive skin with a minimum amount of fragrance and active ingredients.
The best eye patches: iHerb’s top picks
When it comes to hydrogel patches and the best manufacturers that offer effective formulas, Korean products are most often mentioned. Korean cosmetics are famous for their innovative approaches, carefully selected ingredients, and emphasis on naturalness. South Korean brands such as Secret Key, Petitfee, or Tony Moly offer a wide range of patches with a variety of active ingredients, from gold nanoparticles to pearl and algae extracts.
The popularity of Korean patches is explained by their multifunctionality: they not only moisturize the skin, but also help fight swelling, dark circles, and the first signs of aging.
In addition to Korean brands, iHerb also offers several popular American eye patch brands. Among them:
- Idealove – Idealove patches are known for their effective effect on reducing puffiness and dark circles, thanks to the presence of active ingredients such as peptides and plant extracts.
- Pixi Beauty is a well-known brand with products that contain natural ingredients for skin care.
- Earth Therapeutics – offers inexpensive patches with plant extracts.
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