Nothings worse than applying concealer to dark under-eyes, only to reveal their two best friends: exaggerated patches of dry skin and oh, hi puffiness! Youre definitely not alone in this struggle: The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the body, meaning its easily irritated and susceptible to damage.

But all dark circles are not created equally, says Tyler Hollmig, M.D., director of dermatologic surgery at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. While lack of sleep is certainly a factor when it comes to dark, dry, or puffy under-eyesits not necessarily the main culprit.

For example, lots of smallish sun spots can appear as general hyperpigmentation, Dr. Hollmig says. But because the skin there tends to crepe together, they can be difficult to detect. Whats more, aging can cause the skin around your eyes to become thinner (emphasizing discoloration), allergies can set off puffiness, while simply rubbing your eyes or over-washing your face can crank up the dryness.

Unfortunately, makeup clings to these problem areas like glue, which is why, before banishing your circles with color correction, your skin should be properly prepped. A good eye cream can help, but when you need serious reinforcements, turn to under-eye patches. Think of eye masks just as you would your face mask, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. They complement the creams you are using on a regular basis. They can give you a boost of brightness, hydration, de-puffing, or whatever specific job they are designed to do.

Watch for irritation: Because the under-eyes are hypersensitive, using an eye mask with strong anti-aging ingredients, like acids and retinol, may cause excess irritation. They can definitely be beneficial, but proceed with caution, says Dr. Hollmig. I typically recommend nice bland ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, he says. If patients have sun damage, it might be worthwhile to incorporate a lightener like vitamin C if their skin can tolerate it.

Give it time: Your wear time will depend on the patchs ingredients. If the mask contains a strong active like retinol, pay attention to your skins reaction (stinging or burning is a red flag) and follow the packages instructions. If youre simply opting for a moisturizer-heavy mask, give your skin time to drink it up. Getting ready for a special event? Pop them on when you wake up, wear them during breakfast, and remove them before getting ready. Use them whenever your under-eyes need a boost, like during a long flight or after a night of heavy drinking.

Refrigerate! Plenty of under-eye patches are formulated to be cooling because it helps drain fluid and de-puff. Storing yours in the fridge overnight before use can amplify that effect. Pair them with a good cup of coffee and youll actually want to get up in the morning.

Got all of that? Good. Class dismissed! Now, for a few expert-approved under-eye patches to make your decision-making easy breezy:

BEST OVERALL

All good stuff here. Icelandic glacial waters, fruit oils, and nourishing ceramides will send your under-eyes swimming in delight. I carry them on planes and use before photos and events, says Heidi Waldorf, M.D.,founder ofWaldorf Dermatology Aestheticsand associate clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai University.

BEST VALUE

Botanical collagen and peptides help firm and lift tired under-eyes. This product gives you a ton of bang for your buck with 30 pairs in one container, and comes with a handy spatula for retrieving them.

3Baggage Claim Eye Masks (6 pairs)

$25.00

These super shiny patches have three layers to enhance their efficacy, Dr. Zeichner says. The outer layer is made of foil to retain heat and prevent evaporation, the middle elastic layer keeps the mask in place, and the inner biocellulose layer protects the skin and delivers hyaluronic acid, peptides, and more. Talk about a triple threat.

4Cooling Water Eye Patches (6 pairs)

$22.00

The star ingredient here is caffeine, which Dr. Waldorf says is great for temporarily tightening the under-eye skin. It also packs seawater and lavender to soothe the skin, while aloe vera extract hydrates and tames any redness for an instantly brighter look.

5Eye Therapy Patches (6 pairs)

$49.00

A favorite of Drew Barrymores, this musk rose, safflower, avocado, and wheat germ-infused product alleviates puffiness and darkness, and added ceramides act like a tall glass of water, giving skin the refreshing drink it needs.

6Patchology FlashPatch Eye Gels (30 pairs)

Caffeine, castor seed oil, peppermint and lavenderextracts, collagen, and hyaluronic acid join forces to de-puff, hydrate, and brighten the under-eyes for a difference you can actually see and feel.

724K Gold Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches (30 pairs)

$75.00

Is there anything fancier than embellishing your face in gold? These patches contain colloidalgold and caffeineto lift and firm, niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3)to reduce discoloration,and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

8Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask (12 pairs)

$70.00

These little patches pack a punch of retinol, which is why they promise dramatic, 15-minute results when it comes to decreased lines and wrinkles. If you do grab these, remember Dr. Hollmigs adviceproceed with caution and dont overuse if your under-eye skin tends to be sensitive.

9Este Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask (4 pairs)

Give these patches just 10 minutes, and we promise your under-yes will look renewed, thanks to a winning combo of soothing chamomile, de-puffing caffeine, moisturizing squalane,and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.

10Inn Beauty Electrify Eye Mask (4 pairs)

$18.00

Recommended by Dr. Zeichner, vitamin C-rich star fruit brightens and hyaluronic acid moisturizes in these very Instagrammable, lightning bolt-shaped beauties.

11Exquisite Brightening Anti-Puff Eye Mask (5 pairs)

$70.00

The unique design of this mask is unlike any other on the market, as it connects from one side of your face over your nose to the other side, Dr. Zeichner says. Its biocellulose base protects the skin while peptides and botanical extracts brighten and help de-puff the under-eye skin.

Excerpt from:
11 Best Under-Eye Patches and Masks, According to Dermatologists - Prevention.com