Patches for dark circles under the eyes are a kind of “stickers” soaked in special essences, gels or solutions that need to be glued to the lower (less often, upper) eyelid. Do patches help? - opinion of cosmetologists: yes, but not everything and not from everything!
The fashion for patches came to Russia closer to 2014. The product was positioned as a real salvation from swelling, wrinkles and bruises under the eyes, and Asian women were cited as examples - it was from them that the patches achieved peak demand.
At first, the manufacturers did not lie, honestly warning that the patches were designed more for emergency cases: to relieve swelling before a holiday, to tighten the eyelid for a photo shoot, to prepare the eyes for wedding makeup. Over time, everything changed, and they began to be credited with almost powerful healing properties, comparable to the properties of injection procedures.
So how do patches actually work?
What are eye patches made for?
For the first time, devices began to be produced by Korean cosmetology companies. After this, the technology was adopted by European firms. They are made in the form of overlays or patches. Their appearance resembles a crescent moon, making them sit comfortably on the skin under or above the eyes.
The skin area around the eyes is the most delicate and thin. Therefore, any impact of negative environmental factors greatly affects its quality. The skin may become inflamed, peel, and swell. All this negatively affects a person’s appearance. The disadvantage of the skin in this area is its excessive thinness, reaching a thickness of no more than 0.5 mm. There are also fewer elastic and collagen fibers, adipose tissue and glands capable of producing a protective layer.
Any systemic diseases are instantly reflected in the area around the eyes, making a person look haggard and painful.
The area around the eyes is greatly influenced by the following factors:
- lack of sleep, increased fatigue;
- body overload;
- ultra-violet rays;
- frost and wind;
- pathologies of internal organs.
That is why this area requires special care to prevent the formation of circles, bruises, bags, and swelling. It is necessary to constantly moisturize the epidermis, improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
The most suitable remedy is the use of patches, which are used as emergency cosmetic treatments. They have the following effects on the area of application:
- eliminating signs of fatigue;
- restorative effect on the area of damaged tissue;
- improving lymphatic drainage and blood flow;
- formation of a base for applying makeup;
- moisturizing the deep layers of the epidermis;
- giving the skin elasticity and firmness;
- elimination of swelling due to excessive accumulation of fluid under the skin;
- smoothing uneven areas of the epidermis;
- tightening effect.
The device has the following active composition:
- hyaluronic acid;
- vitamins, microelements, minerals;
- bleaches;
- glycerol;
- amino acids, antioxidants;
- herbal ingredients;
- panthenol;
- proteins;
- oils
Cosmetology companies can add other components and substances to the composition that will improve the quality of the skin and the condition of a person’s face.
Less commonly, you can find cosmetic products containing gold ions. They are needed for the following action:
- cooling inflamed skin;
- hydration;
- calming effect to relieve irritation;
- elimination of pallor and blueness of the skin;
- rejuvenating effect.
The patient may have an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to some components. Therefore, before purchasing and using any patch, you should carefully read the composition and instructions for use.
What effect can you expect from applying patches?
Patches reduce swelling and blueness in the eye area. The serum components help cope with these problems by 50% and the base by 50%. Due to light pressure on the skin, a lymphatic drainage effect occurs, fluid outflow improves and swelling subsides. The same goes for blue reduction. One of the reasons for such circles is venous stagnation. If you improve the drainage of fluid from the tissues, dark circles under the eyes become less noticeable.
“The effect of the mask is not long-term. Patches are good for a short-term period, for example, helping to prepare the face for an important event or applying decorative cosmetics.”
— Anastasia Melnikova
Varieties
There are 4 main types of devices, depending on the base material, which are impregnated with useful substances and liquids:
- Collagen. The product is based on collagen, which is a water-soluble substance. The mask helps tighten the skin and smooth out uneven layers of the epidermis and wrinkles. The result lasts no more than a few hours. If the patient wishes to achieve permanent action, the patches must be applied daily. Coenzyme Q10 is often used together with collagen. This is a substance that transports collagen, oxygen and other products to the deep layers of the skin and periorbital area. Thanks to the action of coenzyme, the product improves the regenerative ability of the area around the eyes.
- Fabric. The manufacturer uses cotton fabric, which is impregnated with cosmetics, medicinal products, creams, gels. Vitamins, trace elements and minerals are often added. Therefore, the structure of the product being manufactured becomes similar to a wet wipe. After application to the skin, it loosely adheres to the surface layer of the skin, beginning to saturate it with useful substances. Since there is no active contact with the skin, the lifting effect is not fully formed. But other effects in the form of hydration, lymphatic drainage, acceleration of blood flow are formed qualitatively. That is why the cost of such products is less than that of other types of patches.
- Hydrogel. They contain the maximum dosage of hyaluronic acid. Thanks to this, the skin is saturated with water and softens. The surface layer of the epidermis is smoothed, therefore eliminating the possibility of early formation of wrinkles. The hydrogel is able to connect with the skin to the maximum, so the effect is greater. A mechanical effect appears on the epidermis, squeezing it, so tissue regeneration occurs. The skin begins to synthesize its own hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. When using the product, it has a lifting effect, eliminating swelling, and reducing wrinkles. Manufacturers add various plant substances, peptides, antioxidants, and ascorbic acid to hydrogel patches. They help strengthen not only the epidermis, but also blood vessels. The aging process slows down. The product can be used not only in the area around the eyes, but also in other areas, for example, neck, face, nasolabial fold.
- Silicone. This type of product contains one type of silicone. Therefore, when it is used, a film forms on the skin. A smoothing effect appears. There are thicker varieties of pad-shaped patches. They are necessary during eyelash extension and lamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of irritation and additionally moisturize the skin. Their shape can change slightly, so they can be used in any area around the nose and eyes.
To choose the right product, you can consult a professional cosmetologist. It is also possible to use different types according to the type of material, choosing the most suitable variety for yourself.
Why are “mass” and “luxury” patches useless?
Cosmetologists are well aware that even the most expensive caring cosmetics created by popularly promoted brands are useless. Such manufacturers, as a rule, do not have special laboratories staffed by doctors, pharmacists and scientists who create truly high-quality medicinal and caring cosmetics. They also do not have access to 70% of the components that actually have a positive effect on the skin.
Counting on long-term results from applying patches is stupid. From the entire range of similar products, you can only choose emergency tightening patches. They help with bags under the eyes, but not dark circles.
They are usually used by makeup artists and makeup artists. They consist of a silicone impregnation that adheres to the eyelid and intensively evaporates moisture, creating an instant contraction effect. Skin bags are tightened for 8-12 hours. During this time, contact with water and moisturizing cosmetics (even if it is foundation) should be avoided.
And you need to understand that the abuse of such “SOS products” will definitely not have a positive effect on the skin. Rather, on the contrary, it will weaken and dehydrate it even more.
How to glue correctly
Manufacturers make cosmetics so that they are most convenient for people. The flexible shape allows them to be used on any area of the face and neck. Often early wrinkles occur in the nasolabial folds; patches can also be used in this part of the body.
The use of the product can occur in several stages.
- Massage. Preliminary massage movements promote blood flow, which improves the saturation of the skin with beneficial substances, and also enhances lymphatic drainage.
- If there are any damage, wounds, or cuts on the skin surfaces, it is not recommended to use patches on them. This can cause irritation, inflammation, and infection.
- People prone to allergies should use the cosmetic with great caution. You can apply 1 patch to your wrist, checking whether an allergic reaction occurs in the form of inflammation, itching, burning, redness and other side effects.
- There should be no cosmetics present on the skin surfaces where the product is applied. You can pre-clean the epidermis using tonic, gel and other cleansing devices.
- If fabric varieties are used, they need to be slightly moistened before use so that there is a greater effect of gluing to the skin. If a person uses gel varieties, they can be warmed with the palms of their hands, and then remove the protective layer. The product is applied to the required area with special care.
- When gluing the product, you must remember that the upper edge should be 1-2 mm below the eyelash growth zone of the lower eyelid.
- If the patient needs to remove puffiness, the product is glued closer to the inner corner of the eye. If it is necessary to eliminate wrinkles, the device is applied to their area. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the skin does not gather in folds, as this will form new defects in the epidermis.
- When using hydrogel bases, a smoothing effect is formed. The product must be applied from the nose to the temple area. Removal is carried out in the same direction.
- After removing cosmetics from the skin, particles of nutritional preparations may remain. Under no circumstances should they be washed off; after a while they will be absorbed. To speed up this action, you can perform a small massage using your fingertips or apply small pats.
Each manufacturer may have differences in the method of application. Therefore, before using patches, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions for use.
It is necessary not only to apply the cosmetic product correctly, but also to store it. The packaging must be at room temperature. If manufacturers indicate a low temperature, the packaging is placed in the refrigerator. If reusable products are purchased, they must be rinsed with water and stored in a disposable bag or container.
Advantages and disadvantages
Novosvit gel pads provide the skin with all the substances that help restore it. In the shortest possible time, they will relieve swelling, eliminate bags under the eyes, and return the skin to a healthy tone. In addition, lifting strips will allow you to achieve the following results:
- improvement of lymphatic drainage, skin hydration;
- improvement of skin elasticity, tightening effect;
- normalization of microcirculation.
The strips are very easy to apply and just as easy to remove, even if they were left on the skin all night.
gel pads have proven themselves as an effective remedy for eliminating cosmetic imperfections around the eyes. However, their use is characterized by short-term results. They will help you get rid of bags under your eyes, which will allow you to avoid applying tons of foundation, so they can be considered as an addition to your makeup. To ensure long-lasting results, women should resort to hardware methods.
Do not also forget that it is not recommended to use lifting strips after a short period of time. The interval between their use should be at least two months.
Reviews about these patches are very contradictory - for some they help improve their appearance after a sleepless night, for others they have no effect at all. In any case, it is clear that it is impossible to treat them as a panacea. The use of lifting strips can give a short-term visual effect, but to completely get rid of wrinkles and bags under the eyes, you will have to resort to more serious and expensive procedures.
Duration
For most masks, all beneficial substances are absorbed within 1 hour of use. You should carefully read the instructions for use. It tells you how long to keep the cosmetic device on your face. The time can be 10 – 20 minutes, but not more than 1 hour.
In rare cases, it is possible to use fabric masks overnight. However, if this is not written in the instructions for use, then there is no point in doing this. All beneficial substances penetrate the epidermis at the time indicated by the manufacturer.
Will wrinkles disappear after using patches?
Immediately after applying Korean patches, the number of wrinkles decreases. Prolonged stay of moisture on the surface of the tissue leads to super-hydration, due to which the upper stratum corneum swells and wrinkles hide underneath. As moisture evaporates, age-related changes return.
Patches provide a cosmetic effect that masks defects, but does not cure. The duration of action depends on the composition of the serum. Products with modern moisture-retaining components will maintain the level of moisture for a long time.
Swelling is not good for the epidermis. If you use patches often, the skin loses its barrier properties and becomes dry and wrinkled.
The best eye patches
A certain type of patch may be suitable for each patient. For some, it is better to use fabric overlays; for other patients, hydrogel overlays are suitable. But manufacturers periodically release ratings of masks that are most popular among people.
Cosmetologists often advise purchasing patches from the following companies:
- Chanel;
- Skinfood;
- Tony Moly;
- Misoli;
- Secret Key;
- Petifree.
The last 2 companies most often produce masks based on gold ions. This is considered the best device that promotes rejuvenation and improves skin quality. In rare cases, you can find a product based on snail mucus or black pearls.
They all differ in cost. The more useful substances are concentrated in the patches, the higher its price.
Pasting the patch
An anchor with zero stretch is glued in the projection of the area of large lymphatic vessels; most often it is recommended to attach it to the area of the parotid lymph nodes. Thin beams of kinesio tape are applied in a fan-like manner without tension along the main lymphatic vessels. A similar manipulation is done with the second half of the face. To activate the adhesive layer, it is recommended to lightly rub the tapes along their entire length.
To achieve the maximum effect from aesthetic taping using tapes, it is advisable to additionally glue a fan-shaped tape with an anchor in the projection of the supraclavicular lymph nodes, and direct its rays to the supramillary and parotid large lymphatic plexuses.
Perforated facial tapes are also applied without tension. It is recommended to wear them during the day or evening, as it is during the waking period that the maximum lymphatic drainage effect is achieved. In case of a complicated situation, they can be left overnight, having previously read the instructions for use.
Eye patches at home
You can resort to traditional methods of therapy by making masks using improvised means. They will have less effect, but will enrich the epidermis with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and microelements that help enhance metabolism and tissue regeneration:
- Cucumber based mask. You need to take a fresh cucumber and grind it in a blender or grater. Excess juice is removed from the resulting consistency. Add cane sugar to a consistency of 0.5 teaspoon. Pre-purchased vitamin E is added in a concentration of 1 teaspoon. Mix the resulting mass thoroughly. Cotton pads or cotton fabric cut into the shape of a moon are dipped into it. Lightly squeeze out excess liquid and place on the area around the eyes for 20 minutes. If the mixture remains after use, it can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days.
- Anti-edema mask. Parsley, chamomile, mint, lemon balm, and green tea help well against this symptom. Take 1 teaspoon of all these products and mix thoroughly. Add 150 ml of boiled water. Leave for 30 minutes or until completely cooled. The resulting products are filtered and cooled. Cotton pads or cotton cloth are soaked in the liquid and then applied to the face for 10-15 minutes. The decoction can be stored in the refrigerator and used within 1 week.
- Gel mask. You need to chop 1 cucumber, add chopped Kalanchoe or aloe leaf to it. Separately, gelatin is soaked in cold water; after melting, the substance is added to the vegetable pulp. All components are thoroughly mixed and heated in a water bath. Do not bring it to a boil. That is, it is necessary to warm up for 3-4 minutes. The entire consistency should become liquid without lumps. The liquid is removed from the heat, mixed thoroughly and cooled, but it should not turn into jelly. Dip cotton pads or cloth into the liquid and apply to the face for 20 minutes.
Thanks to the components described above, it will have a bactericidal, decongestant, lymphatic drainage, immunostimulating, and antibacterial effect. In the applied area, tissue swelling and darkening of the skin are eliminated. If you use a gelatin-based mask, a lifting effect is created.
Many patients think that the use of patches is comparable to a panacea. But that's not true. In the process of natural aging of the body, the cosmetic product will gradually cease to help, more serious measures will be needed to restore the youth of the body. In addition to using patches, a person needs to eat properly and promptly treat all systemic diseases. Drinking regime is also important. If side effects or allergic reactions occur when using the product, it should be canceled immediately and consult an allergist, cosmetologist, or dermatologist.
Options for solving the problem
If drooping eyelids appear with age, you can try to solve the problem yourself by using lifting masks prepared at home. To do this, you can use improvised means that are found in every housewife’s kitchen. Such procedures will prolong a woman’s youth without significant costs for cosmetic services.
If drooping eyelids are a congenital problem, then visual correction will be required. More recently, a new bloodless method has emerged called laser lifting. The effect is achieved due to the penetration of the laser beam into all layers of the skin, as a result of which the work of cells is activated. Regular procedure solves the problem of drooping eyelids, sagging skin, and facial wrinkles around the eyes.
Another effective procedure that solves the problem of drooping eyelids and puffiness under the eyes is RF lifting. The radio wave technique activates the work of cells, forcing them to work at an increased rhythm. Due to this, natural rejuvenation is achieved, bags under the eyes disappear, and the eyelid is tightened.
If a woman wants to get rid of the problem forever and in one procedure, then she can resort to the surgical method of eyelid correction. Blepharoplasty is a type of plastic surgery. It allows you to correct skin defects and change the shape of your eyes.
Important point! No matter how effective blepharoplasty is, it should only be used if there are specific instructions.