- Snail mucin
is one of the most popular ingredients in patches, especially common among Korean manufacturers. Helps relieve swelling after sleep, moisturizes the skin, and has a rejuvenating effect. Suitable for dry and sensitive skin under the eyes. - Charcoal
brightens and tightens the skin, helps get rid of dark circles under the eyes, and relieves puffiness. With regular use, patches with charcoal can significantly lighten the skin and help get rid of age-related pigmentation. - Patches with pearls
are often used before applying makeup. They help nourish the skin with moisture, tighten it and lighten it a little. After such preparation, foundations, correctors and concealers apply evenly and look more natural. - Caffeine and horse chestnut extract
have similar properties. They improve skin microcirculation and reduce swelling. Gives the face a cheerful and rested look. - Gold
in patches is not just a marketing ploy. The precious metal in the masks gives them an anti-aging effect: evens out fine wrinkles, removes dark circles under the eyes and relieves swelling. - Seaweed
also helps fight age-related changes, saturates the skin with vitamins and nutrients, and perfectly moisturizes. - Aloe
helps skin regeneration, protects against environmental influences, stimulates collagen production, restores firmness and elasticity. In addition, aloe contains a colossal amount of vitamins and minerals, actively nourishes and moisturizes the skin. - Retinol
accelerates regeneration and increases skin elasticity and acts as an anti-aging component. It helps fight pigmentation and expression lines around the eyes, eliminates dryness and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. - Antioxidants and vitamins
can be found in many patches. They are designed to relieve fatigue, restore a fresh look to the skin, nourish it and help resist external factors.
What do the patches look like?
Patches cannot be confused with anything else. As a rule, they are thin pieces of gel that are smooth to the touch and melt slightly in your hands. The shape of gel stickers usually resembles a crescent, one end of which has a rounded outline - this shape allows you to maximize coverage of the area under the eyes, where the skin needs special hydration and nutrition. Some manufacturers bring a playful aspect and make patches in the shape of a heart, which consists of two half stickers for each eye.
And the latest trend in Korea is fabric patches. They are made from the same fabric as traditional face masks. In essence, these are full-fledged fabric eye masks impregnated with a special composition. But in this article we will look at traditional ones on a water-gel (hydrogel) basis. We'll talk about fabric stickers separately.
Popular opinion about the Korean novelty
Getting acquainted with samples of Korean cosmetics allows you to use natural and effective cosmetics in your arsenal that ensure long-lasting youthfulness of your facial skin. Many women, having tried unique products of Korean origin for caring for the complex area around the eyes, noted that their problems were resolved very quickly. Today, Korean cosmetics are available to all European women. If you doubt the quality of the offer of Korean brands, there is always the opportunity to study the reviews of those who have already identified for themselves the most effective facial care line from the many offered.
In particular, many women note the high effectiveness of eye patches containing gold. They provide more lasting results. But this does not mean that hydrogel pads are replacing fabric and silicone options. Silicone ones are preferred due to the possibility of repeated use. But fabric ones are valued for the variety of fillers.
For the most part, samples of Korean cosmetics - patches - are characterized by consumer reviews as the best product for caring for problem areas of facial skin.
How patches work
Hydrogel patches are based on a dense and smooth-to-touch gel, which is obtained from brown algae. The hydrogel perfectly retains moisture, adheres well and, under the influence of temperature, deeply moisturizes the skin, giving it the beneficial substances with which it is impregnated. This material is environmentally friendly and safe; it is also used in the food industry.
The skin in the eye area is very thin and sensitive and requires a special approach. She is more susceptible to external factors and ages faster. And under modern living conditions: poor ecology, lack of sleep and constant stress, even young girls complain about wrinkles under their eyes. Well, dark circles and swelling have become constant companions for many. Patches help quickly tidy up the skin under the eyes and slow down the aging process.
Mechanism of action of patches
The effect of using patches depends on their composition, they can be:
- Moisturizing;
- Tonic;
- Nourishers;
- Whitening;
- Anti-aging.
The strips, saturated with highly active components, after tightly adhering to the skin, begin to release all useful substances to the epidermis. At the same time, the underlying material of the stickers prevents them from evaporating, which only increases the effectiveness of care.
A feature of almost all Korean patches is considered to be a clearly noticeable moisturizing effect. With regular use, the strips are able to maintain normal hydrobalance, which not only has a positive effect on the structure of the skin, but also prevents the early appearance of the first signs of aging - dryness, loss of density, wrinkles.
Eye patches: composition
As we said above, hydrogel patches are based on a special gel made from brown algae. In the composition, it can be presented in two varieties: agar-agar (Agar) or carrageenan (Carrageenan / Chondrus Crispus Extract).
Gel stickers, which include more than 5 additives: extracts from plants, fruits and other components, are considered richer in composition and, accordingly, more effective. And the more, the better. Often in their composition you can find aloe extract, Asian centella, snail mucin, gold, pearl powder, swallow's nests and other useful ingredients.
If you want gel stickers to solve a specific problem, pay attention to the following ingredients in the composition.
- Rose extract is perfect for young girls. It delicately moisturizes the skin and stimulates its blood circulation.
- Shea butter, horse fat, swallow's nest extract - suitable for older skin, have a powerful nourishing and smoothing effect.
- Snake venom is good at smoothing out wrinkles, but in reality it rather has a prolonged antioxidant effect, like red wine extract.
- Seaweed is best for relieving swelling. The fact is that seafood contains a large amount of minerals, which ensure lymph flow and reduce swelling under the eyes.
- Aloe, collagen and hyaluronic acid are excellent moisturizers.
- Pearl powder and vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, removes dark circles and brightens well.
What determines the time of use?
A beauty product can significantly refresh your face in the shortest possible time, make it more attractive and prepare it for the application of decorative cosmetics. The patches do not last long, but the duration of the procedure largely depends not only on the mechanism of action of the strips, but also on their type:
- Fabric. Made from biocellulose. These are the thinnest strips in which the concentration of active components is lower compared to hydrogel strips. Duration of application - up to 20 minutes;
- Collagen. The base is collagen obtained from seaweed. They have a short-lasting lifting effect. Dries in 15-20 minutes;
- Hydrogel. A jelly-like substance impregnated with a complex of highly concentrated components, which gradually pass from the patches into the skin. Due to the hydrogel, the strips remain moisturized for a long time, so you can keep them on for up to 40 minutes. Although most manufacturers do not recommend applying hydrogel strips for more than half an hour.
Korea also produces special products - silicone mini-masks. They do not contain any special vitamins useful for the epidermis; they work by preventing skin stretching. They are fixed on the face at night; the main purpose of use is to prevent wrinkles and tighten the skin.
Patch catalog
How to use patches correctly
It is better to stick patches on clean and toned skin. It is believed that it is correct to apply them with a narrow, sharp edge to the inner corners of the eyes, and with a wide edge to the area adjacent to the temples. But in reality there is no single rule. You can apply the patches however you want, depending on the result you want to achieve. A wide area in the temple area will help relieve swelling and lighten circles, near the nose - smooth out wrinkles and additionally moisturize the dry skin of the wings of the nose.
Did you know that gel stickers can be used not only under the eyes? They are also applied to other areas of the skin that require hydration: to the nasolabial folds, on the forehead and even on dry elbows.
When express care is required
Korean patches can be designed for both one-time and reusable use. For example, if the goal is simply to give freshness to your face, you can use disposable ones. If you need to “heal” the skin, remove peeling, smooth out wrinkles, you will need to regularly use reusable ones.
This express care can be done at any convenient time: after a hard day at work or a sleepless night, before breakfast or while cleaning the house. Within twenty minutes, while the express mask has an effect, you can do any business. After removing the mask, the skin around the eyes will take on a fresh, rested look.
How long to keep patches under the eyes
The standard time for using the product is 20-30 minutes. The minimum time for them to take effect is 10 minutes. If you forgot to note the time, look at the condition of the sticker - you feel that it has given up all the moisture and has begun to stick to the skin - remove it. It is not recommended to keep the hydrogel on the skin in the eye area for longer than 30 minutes, much less leave it overnight. The fact is that it has a reverse reaction and after thirty minutes begins to “take away” moisture.
Remember the most important rule - patches cannot be overexposed!
What are the contraindications?
Eye patches have their limitations on use. Manufacturers recommend carefully studying the composition before use to exclude a possible allergic reaction. If you are prone to allergies, you must first conduct a test. You need to stick one patch on your wrist, leave it on for ten minutes, then remove it. If within 24 hours you do not find any changes on the skin, then you can safely use them for the eye area.
In addition, it is not recommended to use patches for those who have various damage to the skin (wounds, microcracks, cuts). For rosacea and conjunctivitis, the use of patches is also strictly prohibited.
How often can patches be used?
Some people use gel stickers daily in courses of 30 days, some every 2-3 days, and some exclusively before an important event. In fact, there are no restrictions. It is not necessary to use patches within a month if there are 30 pairs in a jar. As a rule, the shelf life allows you to “stretch out” the pleasure for longer. But if you want to achieve lasting results - increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin and forget about circles and puffiness under the eyes - make it a habit to use them every morning before applying makeup.
An open jar should not be kept for more than two months. You can see the expiration date of an opened product on the packaging; it is indicated by an icon and is calculated in months. For example, “12M” means use within 12 months.
Frequency of application
Manufacturers recommend using mini-masks up to 5 times a week, although there will be no harm if the strips are applied even 2 times a day. The frequency of use is determined in each case individually and largely depends on the type of skin, its condition and the severity of defects.
Young girls can apply sticker strips only in cases where in the morning they see in the mirror a face with swelling and dark spots under the eyes. In adulthood, it is advisable to use them as often as possible, this will normalize metabolic processes and improve blood circulation, which in turn will enhance collagen production.
As a result, after 1-2 months you will notice thickening of the skin, increased elasticity, smoothing of wrinkles and lightening of hyperpigmented areas.
The number of times you can use this innovative beauty product is indicated in the product description, so it’s a good idea to carefully study the instructions for use.
How and where to store patches
Many manufacturers recommend storing patches in the refrigerator. This way they retain their properties longer and relieve swelling better. But this is not necessary, you can simply put them in a dark, cool place.
In an already open jar, it is necessary to close the lid tightly so that the moisture does not evaporate. For the same purpose, it is not necessary to tear off and throw away the protective membrane, this way you will protect the patches from drying out.
Storage rules
Many people value patches for their cooling effect on the skin, and to further enhance this effect, store the packaging in the refrigerator. However, such storage is not at all necessary. Hydrogel applicator strips are initially placed in an emulsion, which is saturated with useful components and retains the moisture content of the product.
The packaging can be kept at room temperature, but preferably somewhere cooler and not exposed to direct sunlight. However, the most important thing during storage is to follow three important rules:
- Close the jar tightly each time;
- Remove patches only with a spatula (usually included in the kit);
- Do not place already used strips in the packaging.
Compliance with these recommendations will preserve the quality of the stickers throughout the entire stage of their use and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microflora in the serum.
How to make patches at home
If you love DIY home remedies and want to experiment with gel stickers, the recipe is very simple.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar seaweed;
- 100 ml hot water;
- additional supplements depending on the goal you want to achieve (lemon juice, aloe, chamomile or green tea).
As a result, you will end up with rather large bars of gel with a very modest composition, which will most likely slide off in the process, and it will be completely impossible to walk with them. But if you want, experiment.
Recommendations for selection
Before purchasing, you must thoroughly study all selection criteria. In addition, you need to determine in advance the goals you want to achieve: eliminate wrinkles, remove swelling, bruises, give freshness, etc.
Manufacturer
This innovative development is the merit of a team of professional Korean cosmetologists, doctors, and scientists. Therefore, it would be wise to choose a product produced by Korean manufacturers. You can also use the rating of the best patches, which will be presented below.
Volume
If you decide to try patches for the first time, then you should not immediately take a set of 60-90 patches. For the first use, it will be enough to purchase a container with 2-12 pieces.
Application
Most of the patches are intended for the area under the eyes. However, some manufacturers produce pads that can also be used for the upper eyelid. In addition, it is also important to consider the time of application: manufacturers produce overlays for evening/morning use or universal ones that can be used at any time.
Action
An extremely important criterion when choosing eye patches. It determines for what purposes they will be used. Are they needed for express care that gives instant results, or for ongoing care that has a cumulative effect. At the same time, it is extremely important to consider what cosmetic problems the patches should be aimed at solving.
How to choose patches
To begin with, we note that you can use the product at any age. But experts still believe that the most suitable period is from 25 to 45 years. At 25 years old, the skin is still able to cope with problems and recover on its own, but after 45, more powerful products will be needed.
Thus, you should choose patches based on your age, current skin needs and problems that need to be solved. Our ingredient cheat sheet in point No. 4 (“what are patches for”) or our consultants will help you choose the ones that are right for you.
Contraindications to the use of cosmetic eye pads
Despite the fact that patches mostly belong to the hypoallergenic group of cosmetic products of natural origin made in Korea, there are still a number of criteria according to which it is still advisable not to use them. The recommendation is appropriate to follow when:
- manifestations of eye diseases (conjunctivitis, painful irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, eyeballs);
- skin diseases (rosacea, rashes, itching);
- the presence of microcracks, cuts in the area around the eyes.
In other cases, patches are not only possible, but advisable to use daily. It is especially recommended to do this for women after 30 years of age - at the first age-related manifestations.
How much do eye patches cost?
The cost of patches varies depending on the brand, the number of stickers in the package and the concentration of certain ingredients. Let's say that some patches contain gold in an amount of 10 ppm (per mille), and in others - 100 ppm. The number of useful extracts can also vary: from 5 to 10 or more. So for one pair of gel stickers you can pay from 45 to 350 rubles, for 30 pairs (or 60 pieces - more often the quantity is indicated on the package per piece) - from 950 to 2,000 rubles and more.
We hope we have answered all your questions. And if not, we will be happy to answer! Ask them in the comments. Go to the website and choose the patches you like in our catalog.
Be charming!
The best brands
Based on reviews from women, we have compiled a list of the most effective patches. If you don’t know which product to choose to try out a new beauty product, we recommend that you pay attention to one of the following options:
- Tete cosmeceutical 100% Collagen - hydrogel patches, saturated with collagen, perfectly moisturize the skin and eliminate fine wrinkles, cost about 1300 rubles for 60 pieces;
Tete cosmeceutical 100% Collagen
- Levrana liquid patches - have the form of a gel in a plastic bottle, which is enough for 60 applications, the price is about 600 rubles;
Levrana
- Kocostar tropical fruits with papaya - bright orange hydrogel patches, fit perfectly, do not slip, effectively moisturize and smooth the skin, price about 1600 rubles for 60 pieces;
Kocostar
- Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye - Korean hydrogel patches with black pearl powder, price about 900 rubles for 60 petals;
Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye
- Gold Racoony - golden patches made of hydrogel, contain adenosine and colloidal gold, 90 units in a package - 60 crescents and 30 round patches that can be glued to the forehead, between the eyebrows and other areas of the face, price about 1200 rubles;
Gold Racoony
- Lancome - made from biocellulose, impregnated with a concentrate containing probiotics, packaged in individual packages of 2 pieces, the price for 12 “petals” is about 4,000 rubles;
Lancome
- Berrisom Placenta firming hydrogel eye patch is a Korean product that contains several anti-aging components: placenta, collagen, adenosine, arbutin, hyaluronic acid.
Berrisom Placenta firming hydrogel eye patch
Reason #1: hygiene
After use, micro-particles of skin and household dust, which can be found in any, even the cleanest room, remain on the hydrogel patch after use. If you put them back in the package, bacteria will start to grow on them. The pathogenic process will lead to “infection” of all other patches, including the nutritional serum.
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Why do you think there is a plastic spatula included with the patches? Probably so as not to put your hands into the packaging.
Which patches are better, hydrogel or collagen?
Hydrogel products solve problems with wrinkles to a greater extent, which makes them a wide choice for the age group 50+. Such products have a more saturated composition, and many of them contain components similar to Botox.
Collagen patches have a less fundamental effect on the skin - their effect lasts no more than 2-3 days. However, the results from their use are noticeable almost immediately.
Both hydrogel and collagen patches have their own characteristics, so when choosing between these two options, it is important to consider the condition of the skin.
Reviews
According to buyers, hydrogel patches are the most convenient in this class of cosmetic products. The pads perfectly moisturize and nourish the skin, and also have a compression effect on its tissue. Applicators with gold particles, seaweed and collagen are most suitable for young girls. For women with age-related changes, patches containing hyaluronic acid are preferable, and to combat pronounced wrinkles (including expression lines) - products prepared on the basis of snake venom and snail mucin.
Based on numerous reviews, we can conclude that hydrogel applicators do an excellent job with swelling. At the same time, to remove dark circles under the eyes, it is best to use special lightening products. Buyers noted that to eliminate intense changes, it is preferable to use overlays with a sufficiently long exposure time.
How to replace patches at home?
You can reduce puffiness and refresh your look not only with the help of patches. True, compared to homemade alternatives, this cosmetic product is actually easier to use. As a replacement you can use:
- tea bags;
- cucumber slices;
- ice cubes;
- cotton pads soaked in various life-giving compounds.
As impregnation for cotton pads, you can use cucumber juice, chamomile decoction, egg white, and oil mixtures. The cotton pads must first be cut into a crescent shape.
To get rid of crow's feet and give the skin elasticity, you can use a mixture prepared from:
- egg white;
- oily vitamin E.
Beat the egg white until it forms strong peaks and add 3 drops of vitamin E. The product has the ability to tighten the skin, eliminating wrinkles.
Instead of applying patches under your eyes, you can hold cold tablespoons for a couple of minutes, pressing the back of them against the skin. To enhance the effect, spoons can be pre-sent to the freezer.
Reason #3: Uselessness
If you pour boiling water over used patches, the nutritional components will disintegrate and become useless. Even if a fraction of the ingredients are retained, the effect of such a potion is negligible. If at all.
Here are instructions for the correct application and use of patches:
Remember, after use, patches must be carefully removed and thrown away.
Everything else is dancing with a tambourine. But if one of your friends loves beauty life hacks from the “crazy hands” series, offer them the following: A cute hat-mask so as not to burn in the sun An absolute high-end among anti-aging masks An insulated mask for the winter, if the previous two are not available enough...
