Eye patches: description and types, selection and application

Eye patches serve as a kind of lifesaver when you need to tone the skin in the periorbital region and give it a healthy look in a very short period of time.

The patches are a kind of overlay masks, they look like a crescent moon, although sometimes they have a different shape. They are also often referred to as "patches". They can be either flat or in the form of bulky pads. Such patches are impregnated with various cosmetic mixtures with a high concentration of constituents.

The area around the eyes is considered more delicate compared to other areas, more susceptible to the influence of negative factors and rapid aging. In addition, the skin in this area is very thin - about 0.5 mm, and practically does not contain elastin and collagen fibers, as well as subcutaneous fat. It is in this area that premature wrinkles form, and with lack of sleep, fatigue, stress and illness - swelling, bags and dark circles. For these reasons the epidermis there needs proper care, which should consist of nourishment, hydration, stimulation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.

These applicators do the best job with this task. They help to quickly remove such effects of fatigue. Among other features, they make it possible to apply makeup in an even layer, because the skin after the onlays is smoother and more toned.

This device borrowed its name from computer science, where this term means the correction of an information defect. This analogy attracted the manufacturers of this cosmetic product and made the patches worldwide popular. Onlays are disposable or reusable, it depends on the material and components of a particular product. Applicators can also be used as men's cosmetics, because they are suitable for any skin.

Patches are applied in several situations:

• when it is necessary to additionally moisturize the skin, they have an excellent effect on the dry and sensitive dermis;
• to smooth out shallow wrinkles;
• if necessary, reduce swelling, because the patches have draining properties;
• for the improvement of the upper layers of the epidermis;
• if you need to restore and additionally nourish the skin;
• have patches and whitening properties.

They are quite effective in getting rid of bags on the lower eyelid, they have lymphatic drainage properties. (these types have a long waiting time, about 30 minutes). To eliminate this type of problem, silicone options are most often used. Patches are also applied for swelling of the eyelids, they are also effective for dehydration of the skin or prolonged exposure to the sun (without protective glasses). The patches visibly restore the weakened epidermis and curb the aging process.

For the first time, the patches were launched into production by the developers of Korean cosmetics. The product quickly found its consumers and firmly took its place in the global cosmetics market. Following this, European brands offered their products.

The composition of such mini-masks is multicomponent, each component is characterized by specific properties:

• panthenol, caffeine and black pearls contribute to the rapid removal of swelling, and also contribute to the regeneration of the dermis;
• collagen, peptides and algae have a good tightening effect;
• hyaluronic acid is a wonderful moisturizer;
• medicinal herbs and retinol nourish well;
• acids and coenzymes renew the epidermis;
• horse chestnut extract strengthens the capillary walls.

Besides, impregnations contain glycerin, various vitamins, bleaching agents, antioxidants and vegetable oils. Some onlays also contain a placenta, a swallow's nest, ruby ​​or diamond powder, red wine, gold. Such components help smooth wrinkles and create an anti-aging effect.

The patches are mainly used for such problems:

• the appearance of age spots on the treated area;
• dry skin;
• uneven tone of the dermis, the presence of swelling;
• early or shallow wrinkles.

For dark circles, apply caffeine patches, it increases vascular tone, as well as with substances that have whitening and antioxidant properties. Among them, the most effective are tartaric, lactic or tartaric acid.

Nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that dark circles are often determined by heredity or certain diseases, and in such cases, patches are powerless... But with the appearance of circles under the eyes from lack of sleep, fatigue, long sitting at the computer, the plasters work quite effectively and quickly.

Using patches can significantly improve the appearance of the skin around the eyes. This serves as quite significant advantages of the applicators:

• reduce puffiness;
• add a healthy shine to the face;
• perfectly nourish;
• promote skin regeneration;
• significantly lighten dark circles;
• remove shallow wrinkles.

In addition to the many benefits of patches, sometimes negative consequences are possible. The active ingredients in the linings can cause allergic reactions.

It is forbidden to put on mini-masks in such cases:

• with conjunctivitis;
• with cuts or wounds in the treated area;
• with a predisposition to rosacea.

Applicators are produced in several types, they can have not only different fillings, but also different bases.

For home use, hydrogels are most suitable and are also the most common. Consist of water and a jelly-like polymer with the addition of various components, including a significant amount is occupied by hyaluronic acid.

When applied to a specific area, the patches fit tightly and heat up to body temperature - this allows them to quickly release their active elements to the skin. Before applying them it is necessary to soak for some time in water and only then attach it to the eyelid. The patches dissolve on their own after a few minutes, so there is no need to remove them. The remaining particles are simply smoothed over the skin with light movements - they fill in irregularities, making the dermis smoother.

Small wrinkles in the lower eyelid area and the corners of the eyes lend themselves well to smoothing with such plasters. The hyaluronic acid they contain retains water well, so it is not recommended to apply such pads on puffiness or bags, as you can harm the skin even more. More suitable for dry type, and as additional components may contain extracts of medicinal herbs, green tea, as well as lightening elements.

Such patches work well not only on the periorbital zone, they can also be applied to other areas of the face, as well as the neck. It is recommended to keep it for at least 30 minutes. Hydrogel applicators are distinguished by a very good lifting effect and are able to perfectly smooth wrinkles. It is for this feature that this type of patches has gained particular popularity among women.

The fabric is mainly based on Korean brands. In appearance, such patches are similar to cotton pads. They are made of cotton fabric. The main component of these linings is collagen, although there are also several exotic components: osmanthus or snail mucus extract. A variety of gels, fortified creams and serums, as well as herbal extracts are used as impregnation.

This type of overlays is the very first, it all started with them. They moisturize and smooth the skin well, eliminate puffiness, but this result is not too long - in a day, the entire effect is leveled.

In combination with coenzyme Q 10, the capabilities of such patches are significantly increased, because the skin receives more nutrients, as well as oxygen. This helps to restore the skin.

The pads are based on one of the varieties of silicone, which form a kind of thin film on the skin, thereby creating the effect of aligning the top layer. Often these reusable pads are used to protect the under eye area when applying makeup or coloring the eyelashes. For greater convenience, these patches have different contours and shapes, which are ideal for the lower eyelid area and near the nose.

Gold patches are also released, but they are very expensive.... Their effectiveness is equated to Botox injections - such linings, when applied regularly, eliminate shallow wrinkles and suspend the aging process of the epidermis. Keep them on the upper or lower eyelid for up to 50 minutes.

They are new, but have already won many fans. They have tiny "needles" made of hyaluronic acid. Such a structure makes it possible to deliver active elements to the subcutaneous layers much faster and more efficiently. The acidic peaks dissolve slowly, so they are left on the face overnight.

The leading positions in the production of applicators are occupied by South Korean developers. Among the most popular brands are the following.

• Konad Gel Eye Patch - a gel-based patch that invigorates skin areas and removes small wrinkles (temporary effect).

• Eye zone mask purederm refers to collagen mini-masks, contains collagen, vitamin E, green tea, but for a good result, regular, repeated use is recommended.

• Crystal Collagen Gold Powder Eye Mask it has a very fast effect, it is used in situations where you need to achieve instant results. Besides mini gold particles, there are also various oils, vitamins and tartaric acid.

• ESL Snail Nutrition Eye Hydro Gel Patch belong to reusable gel applicators, effectively act on wrinkles.

• SNP Bird's Nest Aqua Eye Patch - hydrogel pads, which contain an extract from the swallow's nest. Other components include hyaluronic acid, betaine, sapphire powder and various organic extracts. This composition helps to reduce puffiness, smooth out small folds.

• Kocostar - hydrogel applicators, which perfectly nourish the skin, contain colloidal gold, which promotes epidermal regeneration.

• Esedo Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch contain microparticles of gold, very effective for swelling and darkened areas.

Applicators from Russian manufacturers are also distinguished by their very high quality and efficiency.

• Faberlik Prolixir - patches on a fabric basis and with a gel filler, perfectly nourish, reduce swelling, the effect is quite long, lasts for several days.

• Librederm has a good moisturizing effect. In addition to the periorbital zone, they can be glued in the nasolabial and glabellar region. They also come with microneedles, which replaces salon treatments.

Belarusian cosmetics are also distinguished by their excellent quality. Patch manufacturers can easily compete with Korean brands.

• Belkosmex - fabric patches have a long-lasting effect, refresh the dermis well, smooth out fine wrinkles.

• Belita-Vitex also have a fabric base with sufficient impregnation. They hold well and are highly effective.

The patches of Japanese brands are also quite effective. Most of their products include seaweed extracts. This composition promotes deeper penetration of moisture and nutrients.

When choosing applicators, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the needs of the skin, and also the desired result:

• with puffiness and dark circles need funds with good lymphatic drainage, which improve microcirculation;
• with wrinkles it is better to choose applicators with anti-aging characteristics.

Patches are sold in hermetically sealed bags (small amount) or in round jars. For your own safety it is better not to purchase products of unknown brands.

Applicators give noticeable results when used systematically. Cosmetologists recommend applying them 2-3 times a week or as needed. Usually they are characterized by a cumulative effect, in this regard, it is worth using patches in courses (10-15 procedures) every 3 months.

Apply patches to well-cleansed and dried skin. Leave them on for about 20 minutes. Each package indicates more precisely how long they need to be kept on the skin. The plasters are removed starting from the side of the nose towards the temples. No need to wash after removing the applicators, the rest of the impregnation is driven into the dermis with light pats. There are also night patches that you can sleep with all night.

Each type of patch has specific application features. It is recommended to slightly moisten fabrics with water, gel ones - to hold them in your hands to warm them a little, remove the protective film and stick on the desired area. Apply patches so that 2 mm remains from the upper edge of the patch to the ciliary edge. If it is necessary to reduce puffiness and circles under the eyes, the agent is applied near the inner corner of the eye, and when smoothing wrinkles, it is necessary to cover the entire area with the applicator. Care should be taken not to fold the skin under the patches.

Storing patches does not require a certain temperature; it is quite enough to keep the jar closed in a cool place, away from sunlight. Many people store the linings in the refrigerator, but be careful to too cold patches do not irritate delicate skin. Also, when storing them, you should not change the temperature often, this can reduce the duration and effectiveness.

If you need to get rid of problems with the skin around the eyes, and the patches were not at hand, you can try to replace them with some food products or simple gadgets:

• chopped cucumber or potato circles will help get rid of bruises and bags under the eyes;
• parsley lotions will save you from traces of insomnia;
• lemon slices help brighten the epidermis;
• mashed strawberries, raspberries or currants have a slight lifting effect;
• ice cubes (especially from herbal decoctions) will quickly refresh and relieve puffiness.

To achieve an optimal effect in the application of applicators there are several nuances to consider:

• in order to achieve a good result, it is worth applying patches regularly, in courses, taking a break between them;
• do not reuse the pads, reusable after use should be washed well and kept in a closed jar;
• if the patches are large, they can be cut, this will not reduce the effectiveness;
• when using applicators, it is worth reading the instructions for the product so as not to harm the skin.

Most women who have used the patches note their beneficial effect on the skin and a quick, though not too long-lasting, result.

A correct lifestyle and healthy sleep will help to avoid such problems.

The following video provides an overview of Petitfee & Koefl hydrogel patches.