What Do Under-Eye Patches Do for Bags and Wrinkles?

It’s an unfortunate biological fact that the thinnest skin on the body occupies the highly visible space around the eyes. Because of its thinness, this area of delicate skin tends to show signs of aging, fatigue or too many glasses of wine more so than the other parts of your face.

It is not unusual for people to start having thin lines or other unwelcomed aging signs around the eyes before reaching the age of 30. Moreover, lymphedema under the eyes causes fluid to accumulate there, resulting in puffiness and dark circles that can make you look tired.

There are, however, options for treatment.

One option is under-eye patches. These half-moon shaped masks are infused with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. These are placed under the eyes and can quickly zap them back to a more youthful look -- albeit temporarily.

These under-eye patches are essentially mini facial masks that are applied only to delicate skin under the eyes. Most are made of materials like hydrogel or lyocell and are pre-soaked with the skin care ingredients for ease of use.

How under-eye patches work?

As we grow older, our bodies produce less collagen. In fact, after reaching 20 years of age, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. This decrease in collagen results in skin becoming thinner and more fragile.

Since skin under the eyes is thin by nature, this natural collagen reduction makes this area especially vulnerable to signs of aging.

Invented by a scientist in South Korea, under-eye patches are designed to target dark circles, crow's feet, wrinkles and fine lines by drawing moisture up from the bottom layer of the skin to improve hydration and support the skin's natural ability to retain moisture.

The result is brighter and smoother skin right away, and eventually a reduction in dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.

Most dermatologist say the under-eye patches work. But while they are a quick fix, they are not a permanent solution.

How to use under-eye patches

There are various types of under-eye patches on the market. Regardless of which one you choose, read the instructions carefully because products can have slightly different directions based on their ingredients.

Many are designed to be worn for 10 to 20 minutes and used in addition to regular skin care routines. Generally, experts recommend they be used two or three time a week. But again, this can vary depending on the individual product.

Experts say the best time to apply patches is in the morning, after cleansing your face and before applying any other skincare products or makeup. Nutrients from the patches can be better absorbed and the skin can become better hydrated when the patches are placed on clean skin.

Always make sure your hands are clean when applying or removing patches. After taken them off, gently pat any excess serum into the skin. Make sure the serum doesn’t get into your eyes.

It’s important to understand that patches do not work miracles. They do not turn back the collagen clock to completely erase fine lines permanently. However, used regularly and properly, experts say they can diminish the appearance of aging skin and give you a more bright-eyed appearance.