For when you've tried and failed to banish under-eye shadows or slow the signs of ageing around your eyes, don't despair. It might just be time to put down your eye cream and try microneedling patches instead.
The beauty love-child of sheet masks and microneedling tools, these little eye masks promise to smooth out small wrinkles and brighten dullness under your eyes, without the need for invasive procedures.
While different brands supercharge their products with specific actives, the key ingredient unifying them is hyaluronic acid, the hydrating powerhouse that you probably already know can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. The genius of microneedling patches though is how they deliver this hydration to the skin.
View full post on Instagram"The skin’s natural barrier function means that most eye creams and serums simply sit on the surface, leaving the HA unable to penetrate deeply enough to make a difference", explains Sabrina Shah-Desai, consultant ophthalmologist at Radara.
That's because hyaluronic acid often has a high molecular weight, meaning in topical skincare it is too large to deliver hydration below the top layer of your skin.
Microneedling patches, on the other hand, provide a more efficient delivery system for HA, by "creating tiny micro-channels in the epidermis, a bit like a well, so hyaluronic acid can sit inside and penetrate the skin more effectively", continues Shah-Desai. This means the maximum amount of hyaluronic acid, as well as any other actives in the formula, are absorbed, leading to firmer skin that smooths the appearance of fine lines.
Not only are the patches suitable for all skin types, they are also very easy to use. Simply apply over the area of concern, for example your under-eyes or where your smile lines are, and gently press down. Then, leave them on for the period indicated on the brand's specific packaging, although many experts agree that it's safe, and sometimes more effective, to wear them while you sleep.
View full post on Instagram"Results can be seen within 20 minutes, making the patches the perfect pre-party beauty buy", explains Henrik Sandstrom, product manager at Swiss Clinic about the brand's Hyaluronic Microneedle Patches. "However, the best possible results will be seen if worn overnight, up to 12 hours, as this will allow the active compounds to fully absorb into the skin."
You'll benefit from the fact that the patches can be used without pain, damage to the skin or downtime too, but be warned; you won't see results on deeper wrinkles - where cosmetic treatments, like botox, might be more successful. So, before you invest, check you'll be happy with achieving mild anti-ageing results as well as a brighter, more energised complexion.
The brands to try:
For crow's feet: Radara's micro-needling patches, £165
With over 3000 micro-needles on each patch, Radara's patches have been found to reduce crow's feet by an average of 35% in four weeks.
For dark circles: 111 Skin Meso Infusion Overnight Micro Mask, £100 for four
The masks from 111 Skin use vitamin C, alongside hyaluronic acid, to brighten the eye area and ease pigmentation below the surface of the skin.
For fine lines: Natura Bisse Inhibit High Definition Patches, £350 for four
Natura Bisse use two sizes of hyaluronic acid (high and low molecular weight) to increase the hydration benefits to your skin. It also contains the neuro-peptide conotoxin, which is designed to work a little like botox, by having a relaxing effect on your facial contractions to stop deeper wrinkles forming.
For flights: Vichy LiftActiv Micro Hyalu Patches, £20 for two
While you might be too shy to apply a full face mask on a flight, you can help tackle the effects of tiredness and jet lag while you snooze, with Vichy's discreet hyaluronic acid patches.
For first-timers: Beauty Pie Hyaluronic Acid Microneedle Patches, £24.56 for ten
With a cocktail of hyaluronic acid, peptides and Centella Asiatica (a herb with calming properties that is popular in K-Beauty products), these affordable patches work out at less than £5 per pair for Beauty Pie members.
