What are eye patches?
According to the manufacturers' explanations, collagen patches for removing dark circles under the eyes and eliminating signs of fatigue are arched patches, mainly on a fabric or hydrogel basis, which are glued under the lower eyelids. These patches are soaked in a special essence that can smooth out fine wrinkles, remove dark circles under the eyes, and reduce swelling and swelling.
The main component of the patches is a hydrogel, which begins to act upon contact with warm skin. As it melts, it restores the water balance of the dermis, nourishes it with active emulsion, nutrients and vitamins. As a result, a moist environment is created on the skin, which helps the skin recover faster and start regenerative processes. In addition to collagen from seaweed, the patches contain extracts from grape seeds, grapefruit, mint leaves, wormwood, and chamomile. Vitamins A and E nourish the skin.
Patches effectively act on the fine network of wrinkles in the eye area. They smooth out skin wrinkles, fight swelling and lighten dark circles.
Unlike other face masks, when using patches there is no need to take a horizontal position and put off all your business until later. The patches are securely attached to the skin, so you can take the rejuvenating procedure and continue to do your homework.
Any cosmetic product always has contraindications, so before using patches, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Obvious contraindications to the use of patches are conjunctivitis, skin damage in the area of application and allergies to the components of the composition.
Our dictionary
The name patch comes from the English word patch - “patch, blotch, plaster.”
Patches differ from creams for the area around the eyes in that patches are, first of all, express care products. If you have swelling, puffiness or bruising under your eyes in the morning, or you need to look 100% before an important event, patches will help quickly tone the area around your eyes. However, the effect of the patches is short-lived, which, in fact, is the main reason for disappointment in the patches.
Patches are not a magic wand, they are just a product somewhat reminiscent of fabric face masks. They are also impregnated with healthy gels. And their effect is also short-lived. Therefore, you should not expect the impossible from a 20-30 minute mask. However, patches will certainly help to remove slight swelling, signs of fatigue, fine wrinkles and dullness of the skin. And this is already an excellent result.
In turn, the cream for the area around the eyes does not have such a quick effect in counteracting wrinkles. Under the influence of the cream, the improvement in skin condition occurs gradually, so it is not so clearly noticeable.
Hydrogel eye patches: features of use and best products
Hydrogel patches - one answer to seven troubles! This is an express product that in just 15–20 minutes returns youth to the eyes, and playfulness and freshness to the look.
What are hydrogel eye patches?
Hydrogel patches are special masks created to care for problem areas (in our case, the area around the eyes). They are made from a special water-based material (hydrogel), which contains a high concentration of active substances, thanks to which it is able to penetrate deeply into the cells of the epidermis and act on the problem from the inside, not just masking it, but solving it in a short time. Hydrogel patches stick to the skin very well (they don’t need any glue, and you don’t have to lie down with them either - you can walk around the apartment and go about your business).
Depending on the composition of the gel, patches can solve the following problems: get rid of dark circles under the eyes, eliminate swelling, tighten the skin, smooth out facial wrinkles, moisturize the epidermis and fill it with vitamins, activate cellular renewal, start regeneration processes, eliminate signs of fatigue, whiten, start natural processes of collagen and elastin production, refresh the skin, etc. There are also complex patches that solve several problems at once, restoring the skin around the eyes to its former beauty. However, do not be under any illusions: the product may have a slight therapeutic effect, but patches cannot get rid of long-term deep wrinkles, ptosis, age spots and pronounced folds.
You can use hydrogel patches daily (preferably in the morning, before applying makeup) - they perfectly tone and nourish the skin. For those who do not have enough time for such a procedure every day, you can limit yourself to 2-3 times a week - this will be quite enough for a cosmetic, therapeutic, cumulative and wow effect!
You need to remove the pads very carefully so as not to stretch the thin skin, so when removing them, they are “led” from the nose to the temples, and the remaining nutrients are driven in with your fingertips. By the way, there is an opinion among Internet users that hydrogel patches should be left on the skin until they dry completely, so that the periorbital area will absorb all the beneficial substances without any residue. But... if you leave the patches on your eyes for too long (read: until they dry completely), the opposite effect may occur: the bags will become even larger, the swelling will become more pronounced, dryness, peeling and itching will appear. The fact is that an excess of nutrients is just as bad for the skin as a deficiency, besides, dried out patches will simply pull moisture from the area around the eyes, causing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.
Life hacks for using hydrogel patches
Hydrogel patches themselves have a cooling and toning effect, but if you want to enhance it, put them in the refrigerator (not the freezer!) before use. Such cryotherapy will increase skin tone, strengthen blood vessels and capillaries, and also quickly deal with dark circles under the eyes.
Patches can easily replace eye cream, so after using the “pads” there is no need to apply additional products - there will be an excess of nutrition and hydration. What this can lead to was stated above. Experiments are not worth conducting. Between using hydrogel patches, cream can and should be applied. The ideal option is alternation. Day – cream, day – patches. The care will be complete and comprehensive.
Hydrogel eye patches can be used not only in this area. They work great on other areas of the face: nasolabial folds, neck, forehead, lips, cheeks.
There are also tips on how to properly glue patches. If you need to get rid of dark circles, puffiness or bags under the eyes, it is recommended to apply the patches with the wide side towards the inner corner of the eye. When you need to slightly tighten the skin and smooth out facial wrinkles, hydrogel “pads” are placed with the wide side towards the outer edge of the eye
After using the patches, you should never put them back in the box, even if they are still damp. Bacteria that live on the surface of the skin have already colonized the used patches, and their return to the jar means that the remaining patches will also be affected by bacteria, which will not only shorten their shelf life, but also reduce their effectiveness. But you can give used patches a second life by using the magical power of the gel they contain. To do this, you just need to pour hot water over the pads and wait until the top shell dissolves. Depending on the volume of liquid, you will receive a moisturizing facial toner, a jelly-like essence-mask, a nourishing base for alginate masks, and a smoothing hair rinse.
TOP 7 hydrogel patches for the eye area
Friendly Collagen Eye Patch, Sally's Box
Moisturize and improve skin tone, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation. When applying the product to the skin, a pleasant cooling sensation is felt, thanks to which circles, swelling, crow's feet and bags under the eyes disappear. Sally's Box hydrogel patches will remove the consequences of even a sleepless night and a fun party in a matter of minutes. The skin around the eyes will be rested, smoothed and well-groomed.
Hydrogel collagen patches for the skin around the eyes (RUB 280)
Premium Syn-Ake Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch, Limoni
Eye patches with snake venom are a real godsend for skin rejuvenation! The effect of snake venom is similar to the effect of Botox: nerve impulses are blocked, muscles relax, collagen synthesis increases, wrinkles are smoothed out (even deep ones, albeit for a while). In addition to a pronounced anti-aging effect, Syn-Ake moisturizes, tones, whitens, nourishes, evens out skin tone and eliminates swelling.
Hydrogel eyelid patches with snake venom (RUB 1,720)
Hydrogel Eye Patch Black Pearl & Gold, Petitfee
Patches with black pearl extract and gold bioparticles (don’t worry, they don’t cost as much as an airplane wing). They act instantly and do not cause irritation or allergic reactions. They have a jelly-like consistency that quickly dissolves and penetrates into the deep layers of the epidermis, providing a complex effect: smoothing facial wrinkles, improving skin structure, high-quality hydration, removing swelling and eliminating pronounced bags under the eyes.
Hydrogel eye patches with black pearl extract (960 RUR)
Propolis Eye Patch, Maxclinic
Another patch with gold particles. The skin around the eyes is perfectly rejuvenated, moisturized to the deepest layers of the epidermis, microcirculation is improved, and bruises are eliminated. After 15 minutes, you simply won’t recognize yourself in the mirror, even if you haven’t slept for a whole day before!
Hydrogel eyelid patches with propolis (RUB 1,680)
Green Tea Eye Gel Patches, JayJun
Toning and antibacterial hydrogel patches provide the skin with long-lasting hydration and nutrition (even after you take them off). The main active ingredient is green tea leaf powder, which soothes inflamed skin, softens it and tightens collagen structures. The area around the eyes is greatly transformed, becoming more toned, beautiful and refreshed. Bruises disappear, bags dissolve, fatigue disappears as if by hand.
Hydrogel eye patches with green tea (RUB 1,860)
Princess Eye Patch Silver, Kocostar
Hydrogel patches with colloidal silver have a powerful rejuvenating effect and eliminate any signs of fatigue. Just what you need when you need to get ready quickly and look 100%. The aloe juice included in the composition reduces dryness and irritation, and caffeine has a powerful drainage effect. The result is noticeable after the first use of the product and lasts for quite a long time.
Hydrogel eyelid patches with colloidal silver (RUB 1,428)
Salmon Oil Nutrition Hydrogel Eye Patch, Eyenlip
Ultra-nourishing patches with a high concentration of salmon oil are ideal for dehydrated skin around the eyes. The pads restore its firmness and elasticity, eliminate flaking and dryness, relieve swelling and inflammation, and replenish the lack of vitamins and other nutrients.
Hydrogel eye patches with peptides and salmon oil (RUB 1,750)
Types of eye patches
There are currently a large number of eye patches on the cosmetic market, which differ both in properties and purpose. There are patches for cleansing, for moisturizing, for aging skin, and so on. Therefore, before purchasing or using, you must carefully read the composition of the patches and what purposes they are intended for.
Depending on the direction of action, the following types of patches are found:
Moisturizing
Quickly nourish skin cells with moisture and vitamins, visually smooth out wrinkled mesh.
Feeding
Designed for comprehensive skin healing and enrichment with nutrients. Contains retinol, placenta, pearl powder and plant extracts.
Draining
Such patches help remove or reduce swelling of the eyelids. They contain extracts of green tea and horse chestnut.
Whitening
These patches contain caffeine and parsley extract. As a result of use, dark circles under the eyes are lightened and the condition of the skin improves.
With microneedles
These patches are, of course, not the needles we are all familiar with, but solid filler particles that are part of the composition. Without injuring the top layer of skin, due to micropunctures, the hydrogel with all useful components is delivered to the very deep layers of the dermis.
Apart from the high cost of the product from trusted manufacturers, in contrast to the instant effect of conventional fillers, their use gives visible results only after completing the course. But the beauty effect is quite comparable to visiting a beauty salon.
"Golden"
Such patches contain collagen, hyaluronic acid, and gold particles. They have a smoothing effect similar to Botox. There is a slight blocking of facial expressions due to inhibition of the transmission of nerve impulses. In addition, gold hydrogel, which works at the cellular level, improves the flow of biological processes, slowing down natural age-related changes.
With acids
Patches with acids have a restorative and rejuvenating effect. The gel with which they are soaked contains panthenol, lactic and fruit acids, which, in combination with hyaluronic acid, soothe and refresh the skin. For additional smoothing of wrinkles, increased elasticity, and normalization of metabolic processes, extracts of algae and ginseng root are used.
Rules for using patches
Patches are applied to the area under the eyes - perhaps the most delicate skin on the face. And to prevent patches from harming the skin, certain rules must be followed.
It is strictly forbidden to sleep with patches
There is a misconception that you can apply patches at night, and then the effect of long-term exposure will increase. In general, you should always use cosmetics (and not only them) according to the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer.
The recommended period for applying patches is 20-30 minutes. This time is enough for the beneficial substances to be absorbed from the essence into the skin. The fact is that the hydrogel from which the patches are made gives off moisture during the first 30 minutes, and after that it begins to take it back. So there is no need to overexpose the patches, your skin will take everything it needs within the first 30 minutes.
Patches are best used in the morning after waking up
If you apply patches before bed, there will be no effect in the morning. After all, we have already said above that patches are a short-acting express remedy.
On the contrary, in the morning, when you are preparing breakfast, apply the patches for half an hour. And you will rejoice in the elimination of the consequences of sleep and a fresh, rested look.
Patches can and should be used on a regular basis
Patches, like eye cream, have a cumulative effect. And to get rid of bruises or puffiness under the eyes, they can be used every day or every other day. And not only when it’s urgent to take action to look good.
Patches do not need to be stored in the refrigerator
Storing any cosmetics in the refrigerator definitely has a beneficial effect on its effective lifespan. As for patches, it is not necessary to store them in the refrigerator. The wet hydrogel base has a sufficient cooling effect. What is more important is the mandatory use of a special plastic spoon that comes with the patches to remove them from the jar. Using such a spoon prevents the development of bacteria in the storage container.
On a note
An opened jar of patches can be stored for no more than 60 days. For maximum effect, place it in the refrigerator. Cooled hydrogel better fights puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
No need to apply eye cream after patches
Patches can easily replace cream for the area around the eyes. Since the essence of the patches itself has a caring effect, the use of additional care products is unnecessary.
How to apply eye patches correctly: tips from Korea + photos
We love patches for their quick effect and versatility! They can be used for different areas - apply patches to the nasolabial folds, between the eyebrows, to the area around the lips and eyes, or to any area where there are wrinkles. There are also special lip patches to restore and moisturize delicate skin. We have prepared a cheat sheet!
We show you how to properly apply eye patches using our proprietary cheat sheet. 
You need to remove patches from your face carefully, in the direction from the nose to the temples - this way you will not stretch the delicate skin. There is no need to wash your face after use; the remaining essence on the skin can be massaged in with your fingertips like a regular moisturizer. It is not necessary to apply eye serum - the patches have already moisturized the skin well.
How long should I keep the patches under my eyes?
Basically, patches are effective only until the composition dries. Then, on the contrary, they will take moisture from the skin cells rather than moisturize. Therefore, we follow the manufacturer’s recommendations - the recommended application time is always indicated. As a rule, you need to keep the patches on for 15-30 minutes. Therefore, if you still doubt whether you can leave patches under your eyes overnight, we assure you that you do not need to do this
But there are exceptions! For example, the hydrogel mask from our rating is created specifically for overnight care.
How to apply patches correctly
Patches love clean and dry skin. Therefore, after the preparatory procedure of washing with water, lotion or gel, you must wait until the skin is completely dry. In some cases, it is allowed to apply patches to cosmetic serum. The composition of the patches allows them to be smoothed out without difficulty.
If special fabric patches are applied, the skin should be prepared differently for them - you need to moisten it a little.
Hydrogel patches must be glued at a distance of two millimeters from the lower eyelash growth line.
If there is a need to lighten dark circles under the eyes and eliminate swelling, then you need to apply them with the wide side towards the inside of the eye.
If the main goal is to eliminate facial wrinkles and crow’s feet, use the wide side towards the outer corner of the eye.
If you need to reduce crow's feet around the eyes, then the patches are applied to the outer areas of the eyes, almost vertically.
If you often suffer from swelling, experts recommend first performing a light massage under the eyes and, after half an hour, applying a “sticker”.
The patches are removed in one motion.
After removing the patches, the remaining emulsion is not washed off, but allowed to be absorbed. After which you can apply a little cream.
How to use
Like any beauty products, patches have their own specific uses.
Do not abuse the wonderful effect, which is visible after 15&minus, 30 minutes. The use of patches should be moderate, depending on the characteristics of the skin and the chosen brand of skin care product.
The method of applying Korean patches is very similar:
- It is necessary to cleanse your facial skin.
- Carefully open the package with the product.
- Glue the patches to the area under the eyes at a distance of 2 mm from the lower eyelashes.
- You need to keep them for 20 minutes, since it is during this time that the patch transfers all the nutritional components. You should not leave the product on for a longer period, because the skin has already absorbed the required amount of active ingredients.
- The patches should be removed in the direction from the nose to the temples. The remaining product should not be washed off or removed with a napkin; it is better to let it absorb into the skin. To do this, you can use light patting movements.
- Apply eye cream suitable for your skin type.
The components will be better absorbed if you do a light massage before application. It activates blood circulation and prepares the skin.
In case of such a problem as swelling under the eyes, you should prepare before applying the mask. To do this, first do exercises for the eyes, then - lymphatic drainage massage of the problem area. And only after 25&minus.35 minutes the “plasters” are applied.
How often to use
Disputes over patches have been going on for a long time. What is the correct approach to this miracle remedy? Some people believe that they can only be used as an emergency measure, and that basic skin care should be carried out using a cream. However, this belief is not entirely true.
One-time use of patches will indeed briefly return the skin to a fresh and rested appearance. So how many times should you use masks? If you use them on a regular basis, the effect will become cumulative and more pronounced.
Depending on the chosen brand of product, they can be used 1 or 2 times a week for several months.
During this time, small wrinkles will smooth out and the skin will become fresher. But you shouldn’t expect that patches will save you from deep wrinkles. To do this, you will need a stronger product, in the form of a cream or serum, which will have to be used regularly.
Additional ways to use patches
Patches can be used not only in the area under the eyes, they can also be applied to other problem areas to smooth the skin and remove fine wrinkles.
Against wrinkles between the eyebrows. Stick 1 patch vertically with the narrow end up in the center of the forehead.
Against horizontal wrinkles on the forehead Glue the patches horizontally on the forehead.
Against nasolabial folds . Place the patches in any direction on the nasolabial folds.
Against creases on the neck (“rings of Venus”. Apply patches to the folds of the skin, in a chain, so that they overlap each other.
On a note
You can make a nourishing tonic from used patches. To do this, simply dissolve them in warm boiled water. You can use this tonic for only 2-3 days. To extend the period of use, pour tonic into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. Now every morning you can wipe your face with a healthy ice cube.
Advantages and disadvantages of patches
The relentlessly growing popularity and demand for patches is easily explained - these cosmetic products have many positive qualities that delight modern ladies. Let's look at the benefits of such products.
- They are sold in sealed packages.
- Easy to apply. The procedures for laying patches are as simple and clear as possible - any girl can easily cope with them.
- Most products have a very pleasant but unobtrusive aroma that many people like.
- Patches are multi-tasking - they can be placed not only on the area around the eyes, but also on other areas.
- The products in question can provide highly effective moisturizing of the skin.
- With the help of patches, it is possible to significantly reduce facial wrinkles - a common problem for many representatives of the fair sex.
- Typically, patches do not cause any burning, itching or redness during use.
- Quality products demonstrate high efficiency and fast expected results. This is especially true for original branded products that are sold in specialized stores.
- A wide range is another significant advantage of patches. On sale you can find products with different compositions and effects. There are anti-aging, smoothing and many other effective options.
As for the shortcomings of the new product, the patches do not show them yet. The only problems in using patches are individual intolerance to one or another component. Another drawback that is not directly related to this skin care product is the price. In some cases it can be quite high.
