If you follow skincare trends, you know that under eye patches have been enjoying the spotlight for some time now. Under eye patches act as an effective vehicle that delivers powerful active ingredients to the delicate skin under your eyes, often targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
Scientifically formulated under eye patches for wrinkles come highly recommended by experts. Keep reading to find out how these under-eye patches work, what to look for in the best under eye patches for wrinkles, and what you can expect realistically from using them, including the time it takes to see results.
What Are Under Eye Patches?
Under eye patches come in various forms; there are traditional sheet mask patches, jelly-like gel patches, ones with adhesive backings to stick to the skin, and so on. That’s not all; using innovative products like LED eye patches has also proven to be a great way to tackle skin concerns around the eyes. Under-eye patches are usually designed to fit the contour of the area under your eyes to maximise results.
Generally, under-eye patches are composed of a variety of active ingredients that target different skin issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles, puffiness, dryness, etc. They work by maximising product absorption into the skin to achieve optimal results. For example, ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, etc. help boost collagen production (collagen is the substance responsible for taut and youthful skin), have brightening properties, and improve hydration.
Best Under Eye Patches For Wrinkles
Oftentimes, wrinkles are a natural consequence of ageing. After all, we use our eyes constantly throughout the day, whether it’s blinking, smiling, laughing, squinting or countless other actions that move the skin around our eyes. Naturally, the skin around the eyes is bound to develop wrinkles—that just means you’re being a normal human. However, the appearance of wrinkles can be a bummer, especially when they have a negative impact on your mental health. If you can relate to this situation, under eye patches for wrinkles may be the solution to your woes.
As you age, your collagen production decreases year by year. This causes your skin to become less firm and more prone to sagging and wrinkles. Other factors like dehydration, lack of sleep, fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, an unhealthy diet, and genetics can also play a role in the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
The best under eye patches for wrinkles are those that contain ingredients that have been proven to be effective in treating these root causes. It is important to note that some of these factors, like genetics, are not in your control. Here are some of the ingredients to look out for in your quest to find the best under eye patches for wrinkles.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only helps boost collagen production but also brightens the skin, making your eyes look refreshed and youthful. Look for forms of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid, in your under eye patches for wrinkles.
2. Peptides
Peptides are a popular anti-ageing skincare ingredient. They aid collagen production, helping restore the smoothness and elasticity of your skin. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. By providing intense hydration, hyaluronic acid plumps the skin, which smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Opting for a product that contains hyaluronic acid (or sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid) in its ingredient list helps its hydrating effect support other ingredients that perform anti-ageing functions.
4. Other Helpful Ingredients
Niacinamide (vitamin B3), caffeine, glycerin, aloe vera, green tea extract, etc., which even out the skin tone, reduce inflammation and soothe the skin, can also support the primary anti-ageing powerhouse ingredients.
LED Under Eye Patches For Wrinkles
With the advent of technology in skincare, we now have access to a variety of products that combine technological innovation with proven hero ingredients to give you the best results. One of the best eye patches for wrinkles is one that combines LED technology with hydrocolloid patches to precisely target skin concerns around your eyes.
LED eye patches work by penetrating the skin with certain wavelengths (or colours) of light. These light rays trigger cellular reactions in the skin, such as skin-repairing mechanisms.
Similar to how ingredient lists determine the effects of a topical skincare product, the effects of an LED eye patch are determined by the wavelength of light emitted. Different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at different depths and trigger different responses. The higher the wavelength, the deeper it penetrates through the skin.
When it comes to the best under eye patches for wrinkles, there are two wavelengths that have the most scientific evidence to back up their anti-ageing effects:
Red Light (630–660 nm)
Red light stimulates cells called fibroblasts, which are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin. Improved collagen and elastin production improves the structure, firmness, and elasticity of your skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by smoothing them out. Red light rays also help with skin repair and firming, hydration and plumping, and wound healing, along with sun damage repair.
Near-Infrared Light (800–1000 nm)
Near-infrared light has a higher wavelength than red light, which means it penetrates deeper into the layers of your skin compared to red light. It improves skin cell regeneration and also improves collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid expression in the skin. It also promotes blood flow in the skin and reduces inflammation. As a result, it improves your skin health and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
How to Use Under Eye Patches For Wrinkles
To achieve the best results, it’s important to understand how to use under eye patches effectively. This includes the frequency of use, duration of each use, and when to use under-eye patches in routine.
The recommended frequency and duration of use are dependent on each product and the instructions that come with them. Some under-eye patches can be used daily, while others are recommended to be used 2-3 times a week. Make sure to follow the product instructions for the best results.
The time of day when you should use an under eye patch is often up to individual preferences. Some people prefer to add it to their morning routine; some prefer using under eye patches before sleeping; and some reserve it for special occasions or self-care days.
Irrespective of the time of day, it is usually recommended that you apply under eye patches to clean skin before any other skincare products are applied. This allows for maximum absorption of the ingredients. After removing the under eye patch, pat in any excess product that remains on your skin. Let it absorb completely before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.
What To Expect From Under Eye Patches For Wrinkles
Using under-eye patches can give you immediate results, short-term results, and long-term results.
Immediate Results: Using under eye patches is often described as a “mini-spa experience." The cooling effect of the under eye patch soothes the skin and reduces the puffy appearance of the under eye area. The presence of moisturising ingredients can give your skin an instant hydration boost.
Short-Term Results: Well-made under eye patches usually show visible results within a few weeks of consistent use. By following the product instructions and being consistent, you can ensure optimal results.
Long-Term Results: Regular use over time can help you achieve youthful-looking skin. To multiply the effectiveness of under eye patches (or any skincare product for that matter), supplement them with healthy lifestyle habits like adequate water intake, high-quality sleep, a well-balanced diet, minimal alcohol consumption, no smoking, etc.
Ready To Try Under Eye Patches For Wrinkles?
If you are struggling with fine lines and wrinkles, it might be worth trying out under eye patches. Under eye patches for wrinkles usually contain effective active ingredients that target the root causes of fine lines and wrinkles. Using an LED mask in combination with active-ingredient-infused under eye patches has also been proven to give visible results in just a few weeks of use. Make sure to do a skin test before using if you have sensitive skin, follow product instructions, and support your skincare efforts with a healthy lifestyle.
