From dark circles to fine lines and wrinkles, there are a number of common concerns that seem to plague the delicate skin around the eyes, and addressing this problem area requires more than just a generalized skin care routine. Sure, a deep cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer is a great first step to rejuvenating and revitalizing your overall appearance, but if you want to truly tackle the effects of poor sleep, or the natural aging process, then it may be time to introduce a more targeted product into your arsenal. Thankfully, there is a wide array of specialized eye care products available on the market, and if you’ve found yourself wishing you could turn back the clock on your eyes, then an under eye mask may be the ideal solution for you. Designed to properly address the unique concerns you may have, these impressive masks can quickly transform your eye area from dull to radiant, and they don’t require much time or effort in order to be effective. 

However, not all under eye masks are the same, and there can be significant variation when it comes to the types of problems they are able to address, and what ingredients they contain. This is why it’s so important that you do some initial research before you begin trying to shop for a new product, and one of the best places to begin is with our buying guide. Created to give you all of the information you need so you can make a more informed purchasing decision, this article dives deep into the complex world of under eye masks, and provides greater insight into the ingredients you can expect to encounter, as well as the various concerns each option is meant to alleviate. Whether this is your first time buying a skin care product, or you’re a seasoned enthusiast who already has an established routine, this buying guide will empower you to make a well-informed decision as you select an under eye mask, and will ensure you walk away with the right product for your needs, whatever they may be. 

What Do Under Eye Masks Help With?

When creating the perfect skin care routine, the first thing you should always start with is what your own personal concerns are, as this is going to be different from person to person. Are you someone that tends to struggle with having very dry skin all year round? Or are you someone who is constantly blotting excess oil away from your face throughout the day? Do you struggle with dark circles under your eyes from too many late nights? Or are you starting to see the signs of aging with fine lines and wrinkles now making an appearance? Identifying these unique concerns is the only way to tailor your skin care routine so that it’s able to actually address the problems you are facing, and this is true when purchasing a moisturizer, cleanser, serum, or targeted under eye mask. However, unlike your overall skin and appearance, the under eye area can be prone to some very specific and unique concerns, and because it’s quite delicate and thin, it often shows signs of fatigue, aging, and dehydration, more prominently. Given the delicate nature of the skin around the eyes, it does require specialized care in order to correct the issue without causing additional damage, and some of the core concerns a proper under eye mask may be able to assist with include:

Key Ingredients

Once you’ve successfully identified the key concerns you’re facing with your under eye area, the next step in the shopping process is going to be selecting the correct mask that includes the correct ingredients for your needs. If you hate how noticeable your fine lines and wrinkles are, for example, then you’re going to want collagen more than you’ll want niacinamide, as the former is known for its ability to promote skin elasticity, and the latter is more beneficial for sun damage. Conversely, if puffiness is your main concern, then something that contains cooling ingredients like cucumber extract or aloe vera will be better at soothing your skin than hyaluronic acid would be, as you don’t want to be drawing in excess moisture that may actually make the problem worse. Understanding the role each potential ingredient plays is the only way to ensure you actually can address your needs effectively, and some of the core components you’re likely to encounter while shopping will include:

Final Considerations

Under eye masks can be a powerful tool for combating everything from puffiness and dark circles to fine lines and wrinkles, however, in order for these products to be truly effective, you need to be choosing the correct option for your specific skin care needs. Before incorporating under eye masks into your routine, you’ll first want to spend some time looking in the mirror to see exactly what you’re most unhappy about, and from there you can then hone in on the exact components and ingredients that will offer you the greatest benefits. Whether you need a powerful antioxidant like vitamin C for environmental damage, retinol for fine lines and wrinkles, or hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, there truly are options available that can address a wide range of common problems, and it just takes a bit of research and patience to find the solution that will work best for you. 

Once you do find that perfect under eye mask, the best thing you can do is to remain consistent with your application, as the most noticeable results will come from frequent usage instead of occasional use. It’s also essential that you follow the included directions regarding how and when to apply the masks, and you should always immediately discontinue using them if you notice any type of irritation or allergic reaction. Other than that, incorporating an under eye mask into your daily skin care routine should be a fairly simple and straightforward process, and it can be a luxurious and beneficial addition that leaves your skin looking healthier, brighter, and with a more youthful glow. With that said, an under eye mask is only one component of a proper skin care routine, so make sure you use them alongside your normal cleanser, toner, and moisturizer so that you can get the most noticeable results, long-term.