How to use hydrogel eye patches correctly?

Hydrogel eye patches are a cosmetic novelty of recent years that is gaining more and more popularity. This product first appeared on the Asian market, but to date, European and American cosmetics manufacturers have included hydrogel-based patches in their range. We will tell you what function they perform and how to use them correctly.

Hydrogel eye patches - These are cosmetic mini-masks designed mainly for the skin under the lower eyelids and around the outer corners of the eyes. This is a kind of plasters, but not made of fabric, but based on a polymer material, which has the property of absorbing and retaining a large amount of liquid. Being on the face, the hydrogel patches gradually give the skin a liquid with a special cosmetic composition, with which they were impregnated. The hydrogel dries up, and the skin, on the contrary, becomes hydrated.

Patches refer to face care products. The beneficial substances contained in the liquid with which the "patches" are impregnated, improve the condition of the skin under the eyes.

In addition, such applications can have a nourishing effect. The specific direction of the action depends on the composition of the cosmetic product. Among the effects declared by the manufacturer from the applications of mini-masks can be:

• anti-edema;
• smoothing;
• tightening;
• tonic;
• anti-aging;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic.

Unlike washable and fabric masks, patches are considered express care products. They are easy to use: compact, do not require rinsing, they are well fixed on the skin, stick to it, so they can be worn on the face while you are doing some of your own business, for example, working at a computer.

With the help of correctly selected hydrogel patches, you can improve the appearance of the skin, moisturize it, remove slight puffiness and fine wrinkles that have appeared as a result of lack of sleep or fatigue.

The liquids with which the patches are impregnated include different active substances, the compositions of the mini-masks have a large number of variations and are multi-component. Ingredients may include:

• oils;
• plant extracts;
• hyaluronic acid;
• collagen;
• vitamins;
• glycerol;
• allantoin, etc.

Korean manufacturers include exotic ingredients such as pearl or ruby ​​powder, snail mucin, swallow nest extract, colloidal gold, etc. So, the following hydrogel-based patches contain gold:

• Gold Racoony HydroGel Eye and Spot Patch by Secret Key

• Propolis Eye Patch by Maxclinic;

• Kocostar Princess Eye Patch;

• Premium Syn-Ake Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch by Limoni

• Gold Royal Jelly (with gold and royal jelly) from KOELF;

• Hydrogel Eye Patch Black Pearl & Gold by Petitfee;

• Gold Hydrogel Eye Mask by Shangpree et al.

Usually, each manufacturer gives precise instructions on how to use hydrogel eye patches correctly. Therefore, first of all, you should carefully study the information on the label and in the insert and follow it, not forgetting to clarify, whether a particular cosmetic product has contraindications for use.

Typically, the procedure for using hydrogel patches is as follows.

• Before using the mini hydrogel masks, you need to cleanse your skin. In no case should you apply them on a face covered with powder or foundation.
• Then you should remove from the jar - if the cosmetic is packed in a jar - the required number of patches using a spatula or tweezers (depending on what comes in the kit).
• Place the hydrogel "patches" on the skin under the lower eyelids, secure with light tapping movements of the fingertips.

Many patches are in the form of asymmetric droplets or petals. The question arises: how to position them correctly on the face, which part - narrow or wide - should be facing the nose? It is believed that here you can act at your discretion, depending on which area on the face needs more care, although the instructions of some manufacturers say that such patches should be placed with a narrow tip towards the nose. In each specific case, the information on the packaging should be taken into account. Hydrogel patches can also be used for the chin, forehead, nasolabial folds.

On the face, hydrogel mini-masks should be kept for a while which is indicated in the instructions, usually it is 20-30 minutes. After that, the patches are removed, you do not need to leave them on the face longer than recommended: this will not lead to a better result, but, on the contrary, can harm, since the hydrogel will dry out and begin to absorb moisture from the skin.

Manufacturers also indicate in the instructions information on how often you can use mini hydrogel masks, and these instructions must be followed: some allow daily use in courses, others 2-3 times a week.

You can use patches at any time of the day, it is often recommended to do this in the morning, before applying makeup.After removing the mini-mask, use your fingers to spread the remaining liquid over the skin, allowing it to be completely absorbed. As a rule, you do not need to wash or apply cream after this. Here, again, you need to follow the instructions that come with the cosmetic product.

Reuse of patches is not allowed. Some types of hydrogel patches can be dissolved in water, and the resulting liquid can be used as a facial toner. Usually the manufacturer talks about the possibility of this method of application in the instructions for the cosmetic product.

After opening, some jars of hydrogel can be stored for up to two months, there are products with a longer shelf life (up to six months or up to a year). Keep the jar with a tightly closed lid and a protective membrane that comes with the kit to prevent the patches from drying out. Like any other cosmetics, products with hydrogel should be stored away from direct sunlight and heating appliances, at a temperature not higher than +25 degrees Celsius.

To enhance the effect of applications, some manufacturers recommend pre-cool patches, why place a jar with them for a sufficient time in a cool place.

Before using the patches on the face, it is worth testing the patches on the skin of the wrists to find out if their composition will cause an allergy. Do not apply mini hydrogel masks on irritated or damaged skin.

Domestic manufacturers of cosmetics produce gel masks for the skin under the eyes, packed in tubes, in bottles with a dispenser or in jars. These masks are called liquid patches, but they are a completely different cosmetic product. Some types of these gel masks require subsequent rinsing, others should be left on the skin until completely absorbed.

Below are the top 5 brands of hydrogel eye patches.