Hydrogel eye patches are a cosmetic novelty of recent years, which is gaining more and more popularity. This product first appeared on the Asian market, but so far European and American cosmetics manufacturers have included hydrogel-based patches in their assortment. We will tell you what function they perform and how to use them correctly.
Functions and Features
Hydrogel eye patches - These are cosmetic mini masks intended mainly for the skin under the lower eyelids and near the outer corners of the eyes. This is a kind of patch, but not made of fabric, but on the basis of a polymer material, which has the ability to absorb and retain a large amount of liquid. Being on the face, hydrogel patches gradually give the skin fluid with a special cosmetic composition, which they were impregnated with. The hydrogel dries and the skin, on the contrary, becomes hydrated.
Patches apply to face care products. Useful substances in the composition of the liquid, which is saturated with "patches", improve the condition of the skin under the eyes.
The material from which the patches are made does not allow moisture to evaporate quickly from the skin, due to this, its moisture level increases, small wrinkles are smoothed out.
In addition, such applications can have a nutritional effect. The specific direction of action depends on the composition of the cosmetic product. Among the effects declared by the manufacturer of applications of mini-masks may be:
- decongestant;
- smoothing;
- tightening;
- tonic;
- anti-aging;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic.
Unlike washable masks and fabric masks, patches are considered an express care product. They are convenient to use: compact, do not require rinsing, 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 small puffiness and small wrinkles that appeared as a result of lack of sleep or fatigue.
However, it is not worth counting on the fact that such applications will relieve deep wrinkles or eliminate other age-related skin changes.
Structure
The fluids impregnated with the patches include various active ingredients, the compositions of the mini-masks have a large number of variations and are multicomponent. Among the ingredients may be:
- oils;
- plant extracts;
- hyaluronic acid;
- collagen;
- vitamins;
- glycerol;
- allantoin, etc.
Korean manufacturers include exotic components such as pearl or ruby powder, snail mucin, swallow nest extract, colloidal gold, etc. So, gold contains the following patches based on hydrogel:
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.
As you can see, gold is a frequent ingredient in patches from Korean cosmetic brands.
How to glue
Typically, each manufacturer gives accurate instructions on how to use hydrogel patches for the eyes. 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 specific cosmetic product has contraindications for use.
Typically, the procedure for using hydrogel-based patches is as follows.
- Before using hydrogel mini-masks, it is necessary to clean the 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 product is packaged in a jar - the required number of patches using a spatula or tweezers (whichever comes with 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 drops or petals. The question arises: how to properly place them on the face, which part - narrow or wide - should be facing the nose? It is believed that here you can act at your own discretion, depending on which area on the face needs more care, although the instructions of some manufacturers say that such patches should still be placed with a narrow tip towards the nose. In each case, the information on the packaging should be considered. Hydrogel patches can also be used for the chin, forehead, and nasolabial folds.
In any case, it is recommended not to place the mini masks too close to the eyes. Avoid contact with eyes with fluids soaked in hydrogel.
How much to hold and how often to use
Hydrogel mini masks should be kept on the face which is indicated in the instructions, usually 20-30 minutes. After this, the patches are removed, it is not necessary to leave them on the face longer than recommended: this will not lead to a better result, but, on the contrary, it can do much harm, since the hydrogel will dry out and begin to absorb moisture from the skin.
Manufacturers also indicate in the instructions how often you can use mini-masks made of hydrogel, and these instructions must be followed: some allow daily use in courses, others 2-3 times a week.
You should always act in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the cosmetic product.
You can use patches at any time of the day, it is often recommended to do it in the morning, before applying makeup.After removing the mini-mask, you should use your fingers to distribute the remaining liquid on the skin, allowing it to completely absorb. Wash or apply the cream after this, as a rule, is not necessary. Here again, you need to follow the instructions that come with the cosmetic product.
What else to consider
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 face tonic. Typically, the manufacturer talks about the possibility of such a method of use in the instructions for the cosmetic product.
Remove patches should be in the direction from the nose to the temples.
After opening, some jars with hydrogel can be stored for up to two months, there are funds 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, which is included to avoid patches drying out. Like any other cosmetics, hydrogel products should be stored away from direct sunlight and heating appliances, at a temperature not exceeding +25 degrees Celsius.
To enhance the effect of applications, some manufacturers recommend pre-cool patches, why put a jar of them for enough time for this in a cool place.
Hydrogel patches, like creams or masks, can be designed for any age or intended for use from a certain age.
Before using on the face, patches should be tested on the skin of the wrists to find out if their composition will cause allergies. Do not apply hydrogel mini masks to irritated or damaged skin.
Domestic cosmetics manufacturers 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 this is a completely different cosmetic product. Some types of such gel masks require subsequent rinsing, others should be left on the skin until completely absorbed.
Below are the 5 best brands of hydrogel eye patches.
