Buying guide for Best eye gel pads
As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. The skin underneath our eyes is especially fragile, and both aging and a lack of sleep contribute to heavy eye bags and dark circles. If you frequently have these issues, eye gel pads could be the easy fix you’re looking for.
Eye gel pads are typically small, comma-shaped patches that you wear for 10 to 30 minutes. They contain substances such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, which hydrate your skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Eye gel pads can also come as padded eye masks, some you can wear when you sleep.
Eye gel pads are a worthy investment for people of any age, and they’re also much more affordable than any cosmetic procedure. Aside from their shape, you should also consider their active ingredients, reusability, temperature, and ability to stay in place before deciding on a set.
Key considerations
Eye gel pads are fairly straightforward to apply. Simply affix them to the area underneath your eyelids, or, if it’s a mask, place the mask over your eyes and wrap the elastic around the back of your head. Here are a few key qualities to keep in mind as you search for high-quality gel pads.
Shape
Eye gel pads, typically, come in one of two popular shapes: comma-shaped patches or more traditional eye masks.
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Patches go right underneath the eye. Their small shape and slightly sticky, gel texture allow them to stay put for as long as you wear them.
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Eye masks come with a fastener, usually elastic, that goes around the back of your head to keep it in place.
Both shapes have their pros and cons. Not all under-eye patches are reusable. Eye gel masks can be easily frozen or microwaved, and tend to last longer than patches. However, if you hate feeling constricted in your sleep, an eye mask may cramp your style.
Active ingredients
The active ingredients in a set of eye gel pads will depend on their intended purpose. In pads specifically designed to combat aging, retinol is a popular ingredient. Retinol stimulates fresh skin cell production, thus helping to fade hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and blemishes. Hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and replenishes skin, is another common ingredient.
A more natural gel pad set may utilize essential oils, some of which are also known to replenish and revitalize skin. Jojoba oil and lavender are two such ingredients. Others include coconut or coconut water, cucumber extract, and aloe vera gel.
Consider avoiding eye gel pads with sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens, which are known to cause skin irritation. Remember that the skin under your eyes is quite sensitive, so you’ll want the products you use to be gentle.
Duration of use
Some of the best eye gel pads yield skin improvements after a mere 10 to 30 minutes of use. Other formulas may specify that overnight wear is recommended. Anti-aging eye gel pads, for example, need the extra time to erase fine lines. This makes eye gel pads a solid alternative to eye creams, which aren’t only heavier, also but require overnight use to be effective.
Features
Material
Eye gel pads in mask form tend to be made from plastic. Higher quality masks are manufactured from medical grade silicon or a similar material. Eye masks often contain small beads, meant to help keep the mask cold after you freeze it.
Under eye patches are often made from silicon too, or a similar material. Some models are made with similar material to that of bandages, either a woven fabric or latex.
Either way, eye gel pads can be frozen or warmed to work more effectively.
Price
Eye gel pads vary widely in price. Reusable masks are generally cheaper than under eye patches. You can expect to pay between $5 and $30 for quality eye gel pads.
Inexpensive
A basic eye gel mask costs between $5 and $10. Eye gel masks are the more economical choice since you only have to purchase one item instead of a set.
Mid-range
If you’re looking to purchase a set of under-eye patches, expect to spend between $10 and $20. Under eye patches, in general, contain more collagen, retinol, and other active ingredients than most masks, hence the price increase. Getting one use, or possibly two uses at most, out of under-eye patches is common.
Expensive
Eye gel pads for $30+ are likely under eye patches with extra, enhanced ingredients. The addition of special oils and leaf extracts accounts for the increase in price. Products in this range are a great splurge (or gift) for lovers of beauty products.
Caution
Discard your eye gel mask immediately if it becomes punctured or begins to leak.
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Tips
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You can clean your eye gel pad, if it’s a mask, with warm water and mild soap. Under-eye patches aren’t meant to be washed.
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It’s important to be careful with the products you use under your eyes since the skin there is so sensitive. Test out an under-eye patch by leaving it one for two minutes. Remove it if you feel irritation or a burning sensation.
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An eye gel mask can work wonders for sinus relief. Simply put one on before taking a brief nap.
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For optimal storage, keep your eye gel pads in a cool, airtight container.
FAQ
Q. Does my eye gel pad have to be cold to work?
A. Cold reduces swelling and undereye circles by shrinking dilated blood vessels. Combined with active ingredients like retinol, cold eye gel pads will yield the best results.
Q. How long do eye gel pads last?
A. Under-eye patches are meant for one-time use. Depending on how well you take care of them and the frequency of use, eye gel masks can last from several months to a year. If you use one daily, you’ll likely want to replace it within a year.
Q. Do eye gel pads have a lasting effect?
A. Eye gel pads are meant for short-term effectiveness, so their effects will wear off after twenty-four hours or so. You can use eye gel pads repeatedly, or invest in a quality eye cream for more lasting effects.
