Eye Patches: Benefit or Harm?

We tell you how to use eye patches correctly so that the effect is obvious and you don’t think that everything is in vain

In the editorial office of Femme4, a lively debate arose about the effectiveness of eye patches: some editors cannot imagine a single morning without them, others, on the contrary, try not to abuse them once again, believing that they have a negative effect on the skin, especially in the long term … We decided to learn about the peculiarities of using eye patches from an expert, a dermatocosmetologist at the Remedy Lab clinic, Kulbe Mara, in order to finally resolve this dispute.

 “The patches originally appeared in Korea, and then they spread throughout the world and became popular everywhere. Many European cosmetic brands supported this general trend and began to release their patches along with Asian manufacturers. ”

The most popular and well-known eye patches in the beauty industry are the so-called “care” cosmetic patches. Essentially, these are moisturizing masks for the eye area. However, in addition to moisturizing patches, there are also special silicone options for makeup artists in the form of self-adhesive patches that protect the area around the eyes while applying makeup.

Eye patches can be divided according to their composition:

collagen – got their name from collagen, which is part of their composition. It perfectly moisturizes and regenerates the skin, making it more elastic;

hydrogel – based on hyaluronic acid;

fabric – patches made of cotton fabric impregnated with serum.

The patches can be used as an express moisturizer in home care about 1-2 times a week to maintain and improve skin condition. More often it is possible only in cases when you urgently need to put yourself in order after a sleepless night or a fun party. By the way, some makeup artists advise using eye patches before applying evening make-up, as a base, for even application of cosmetics and greater durability of the image.

Where do dark circles under the eyes come from?

Dark circles under the eyes appear due to the peculiarities of the structure of the skin: the skin around the eyes is quite thin, large blood vessels are visible through it, therefore the effect of dark blue circles under the eyes is created – the “panda effect”. This area is also prone to swelling due to the close proximity of the paint bags containing adipose tissue. There are few sebaceous glands in the area under the eyes, which is why it is most susceptible to aging and the influence of negative external factors, which means that it requires special attention and care.

Benefit

Patches can be classified as regular care products for the delicate area around the eyes, since they give a positive visible effect, although not always long-term. Most often, patches are impregnated with concentrated serum with a high content of hyaluronic acid or light acids for a whitening effect. The composition may also include panthenol, which regenerates the skin around the eyes, caffeine – to brighten and strengthen blood vessels, and green tea extract – with a decongestant, anti-inflammatory effect. Pay attention to the composition of the products and choose patches depending on the targeted active ingredients based on your problem.

Apply patches on face for 15-40 minutes, as soon as they start to dry, they should be removed.

Harm

It is believed that using patches on a daily basis is not recommended, since some of them contain a large amount of silicones, petrochemicals, preservatives: they are added to the patches to accelerate blood circulation and whiten the skin, which greatly dry it out.

“The effect of face lifting patches is comparable to the result of going to a beautician. The patches have a cumulative effect, so I recommend using them 3-4 times a week. ”

The patches are usually kept at room temperature in the bathroom, but if you want to enhance the effectiveness of products such as hydrogel and collagen patches, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator. Cooled patches will quickly relieve puffiness and improve microcirculation around the eyes.