If you've been staying up late (think: bachelorette parties, long flights, or a holiday nosh), chances are the effects are starting to show on the super-delicate area around your eyes.
According to experts, the skin around your eyes is the thinnest in your entire body, and since it contains fewer oil glands, it is more prone to dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
Unfortunately, with most of us swamped with work, visiting the spa or getting 8 hours of sleep is out of the equation, and, let's face it, there's only so much that a concealer can hide.
The solution? Under-eye sheet masks which promise to get rid of dark circles and treat puffiness.
Sure, they're perfect for Instagrammable selfies, but do eye masks really work? Are they the holy grail of dull, uninspired under eyes as so widely believed? Let's find out.
What Are Under-Eye Sheet Masks?
Under-eye masks are typically crescent-shaped patches. They have recently become popular in the skincare space due to their sheer convenience (goodbye tea bags and sunscreen, lol!).
Unlike eye creams that often dwell heavily on your skin, eye masks are infused with lightweight but powerful serum packed with restorative ingredients like hyaluronic acid, syn-tacks, and more.
They also double up as skin soothers with a rich, cooling effect that would easily pass for a good night's sleep.
Best of all? These sheet masks are self-sticking, convenient patches that work magic in 20 mins tops, giving results in just one application. Although some sheet masks might seem a stretch too far, when you do the math per package, it's not so pricey after all.
How To Choose (And Use) The Best Under-Eye Sheet Masks For Your Skin
1. Look out for irritation
Since the eyes are ultrasensitive, using a sheet mask with powerful anti-aging ingredients, like retinol or niacinamide, can lead to excess irritation. Of course, they are beneficial, but it's prudent to proceed with caution.
We typically recommend nice drab ingredients like peptide, rose water, or hyaluronic acid. If you are susceptible to sun damage, it might be worth incorporating a lightener like Vitamin E- that is, if your skin can tolerate it.
2. Refrigerate!
Most under-eye sheet masks are formulated to be cooling because they help get rid of dark circles and treat puffiness. Leaving them in the fridge overnight before use can heighten the effect. Even better, pair them with a good cup of latte, and you'll actually want to wake up in the morning.
3. Give it some time
Your wear-time will depend on the sheet mask's ingredients. If the mask contains a powerful active like caffeine, pay close attention to your under-eyes' reaction (burning or stinging is a red flag) and follow the package's instructions to the latter.
If you're applying a moisturizer-laden eye mask, give your skin time to drink in all the goodness. Prepping for a special event? Wear them when you wake up, pop them on during breakfast, and remove them just before you leave the house.
What Are the Benefits?
Puffiness and dark circles are just some of the traits that our eyes show when they feel a little out of love and, while sheet masks are not a magic wand, they'll definitely help reduce unwanted traits.
Certain products, like BioRepublic's Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask, dare to go a step further. Not only does this sheet mask repair, as the name suggests, but it's also packed with a youth-enhancing peptide to reduce the look of saggy, puffy skin. A dose of Hyaluronic acid, squalene, and rose water add a triple hitter of hydrating benefits on top of that, leaving your under-eyes looking more youthful in no time.
Sure, eye creams can also remove dark circles and puffiness on a daily basis. But a sheet mask will provide an instant boost of soothing and hydration to your under-eyes. Better still, it'll have an anti-inflammatory and cooling impact on the skin surrounding your peepers in a way no eye cream can.
How to Use Under Under-Eye Sheet Masks For Skin Treatment
Depending on the company, different under-eye sheet masks have different specifications on how to wear them. Nonetheless, these are the simple steps to follow when popping on an eye mask:
- Cleanse your face
Ridding your face of impurities before wearing an eye mask keeps the skin clean and ready to drink in all the goodness in the mask.
- Wear the under-eye mask according to the brand's instructions
Typically, most eye masks are worn for 15 to 20 minutes. However, they can be worn for as long as recommended by the brand.
- Remove the mask
Careful, don't just strip it off. For the best results under those cute eyes, apply the sheet mask 2-3 times a week.
You might also find some under-eye masks designed to be worn overnight. These are typically preventive. All in all, the simple steps above will get your peepers looking fresh and revitalized in no time.
Under-Eye Sheet Masks Do's and Don'ts
To get the best out of your under-eye sheet masks, here's a list of things to keep in mind:
- For sheet masks, do not apply any cream or gel before applying the sheet masks. They simply won't work.
- Always read the package's instructions. They're written by experts who know how best to utilize these under-eye boosters.
- Never reuse under-eye sheet masks. They're designed for single-use only.
- Do not cool sheet masks for too long. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures could affect how the serum works.
- Only wear sheet masks for the duration of time recommended by the manufacturing brand. Putting on under-eye masks for too long could cause them to stick to your skin. In fact, removing them after they dry out could cause damage to your eyes and the surrounding skin.
The Key Takeaway
To truly correct deep-set issues for the skin around your eyes, you'll need to consult a derm about cosmetic procedures. In the meantime, opt for under-eye sheet masks specifically designed to get rid of dark circles and treat puffiness.
For maximum results, always source under-eye sheet masks from reputable brands. BioRepublic is one of those. Our under-eye sheet masks are a cut above any other in the market. Whether you want to repair your peepers after a night out or simply want a quick fix to signs of aging and stress, we've got you covered.
The best part? We're always looking to give you the best bang for your buck with some tasty discounts on our under-eye products. Sign up for our newsletter today and get 20% off your first purchase! Tell us a better deal- we'll wait.
