Introducing: Derm Talk with Hello Gorgeous!

A Dermatologic Surgeon helps us understand 11 lines and how best to use patches

Hello, Gorgeous!

I just caught myself scowling at my screen while concentrating on a particularly tricky issue. Naturally I panicked that I was increasing my eleven lines. I probably was.

Answers to some of your questions

A few of you have written in asking about how to use eye patches and patches in general for best results (and not in a yarrr sort of way). Fortunately for us, Dr. Howard Sobel, Clinical Attending Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital kindly helped answer some of your questions.

I’m also excited to share that this will be the first in a new series/section, Derm Talk.

Can we talk about 11 lines? What causes them/what makes them worse/what can we do (aside from injectables) to soften the look/fade them?

Dr. Sobel: 11 lines or furrows are caused by dynamic lines, which are formed when you move your corrugator muscle, which causes a furrow to form in the shape of an 11.

Incidentally, the corrugator muscle is a small muscle that helps control facial expressions. Unfortunately for those of us who are squeamish about injectables, Dr. Sobel said the best treatment for 11 lines is “injecting Botox into the corrugator and frontalis muscles.”

How do you depuff under your eyes without drying out/increasing lines around your eyes?

Another question I’m asked often is how to get rid of under-eye pillows. Dr. Sobel helped with some tips.

Dr. Sobel: Puffs under the eyes are caused when the skin relaxes and then sags creating a puffy or pouch like appearance and added fluid build up can make it worse.

Dr. Sobel also said to avoid puffiness around your eyes:

• It helps to sleep on your back with an extra pillow

• Avoid salt, smoking, alcohol and crying.

• Additionally, allergies can make puffiness worse.

If you’re looking for a more intensive treatment, Dr. Sobel said “Puffy eyes can be treated with RF (radio frequency) lasers that break down fat and ligaments in the eye bag and CO2 lasers.” Looking for a more gentle or immediate approach? He recommends using creams with caffeine and cold cucumber compresses.

Another question a few of you have sent in are a request for tips on how to achieve the best results when using patches. Dr. Sobel had a few:

Dr. Sobel: For best results, I recommend using patches and always cleaning and washing the treated areas with a gentle cleanser to remove all dirt and oil that could cause patches to not adhere.

Choose the right size patch that fully covers the area of the wrinkle or open pimple.

Also, don't overlap, peel and peel the patch from the edges. It's also important to remember to wash with a gentle cleanser after removing the patch.

Curious about trying some eye patches? I like these.

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Expression Line Hydra-Gel Patches

If you’re looking to smooth your eye area, check out these contour gel patches. A main ingredient is a 2% Uplevity Peptide solution which targets skin that’s lost its firmness. These patches are also great at smoothing crow's feet, and the dreaded eleven lines. Other active ingredients include niacinamide for brightening, cactus flower, squalane and hyaluronic acid for extra moisture.

I love the way these patches gave me a just took a nap look immediately after using them. There are also patches shaped for around your eyes and specifically for scrunch lines between your brows. Genius and effective ($65, peterthomasroth.com).

Do you have any questions for a top derm? Any thoughts on injectibles or topical treatments? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋