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Choosing the Right Eye Cream for Your Skin Concerns

28 May 2023 Reviewed by Dr Tania Romano,
PhD - Head of Medical & Education SkinCeuticals

Article Overview

The delicate skin around our eyes is often the first to show signs of ageing, stress, and late nights. Choosing the right eye cream can make a world of difference in addressing those skin concerns and maintaining brighter, youthful-looking skin. But with so many options available, navigating the world of eye creams can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll help guide you through key ingredients to look for when selecting the best eye cream to address your specific skin needs.

What are the benefits of eye creams?

Eye creams are specifically formulated to address the delicate skin around the eyes, which is thinner, more sensitive, and prone to showing signs of ageing and fatigue earlier than other areas of the face. While a good general moisturiser can offer some benefits, dedicated eye creams often contain a targeted blend of ingredients and a lighter texture better suited for this delicate area. Here are some key benefits of using an eye cream:

Intense hydration: The skin around the eyes is particularly prone to dryness, which can exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Eye creams provide intense hydration to plump the skin and smooth out your complexion.

Strengthening the delicate skin moisture barrier: The skin around the eyes is more susceptible to environmental aggressors, and eye creams often contain antioxidants and other protective ingredients to strengthen the moisture barrier and protect against free radicals.

Preps the skin for makeup: A well-hydrated under-eye area provides a smoother canvas for applying makeup, helping to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines and minimise creasing.

Targeting specific concerns:Different eye creams are formulated to address concerns specific to the eye area. Common eye concerns include:

Wrinkles and fine lines: Eye creams often contain ingredients that promote collagen production, improve elasticity and restore hydration, like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Dark circles: Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine can help brighten dark circles caused by pigmentation and thinning under eye skin.
Puffiness and bags: Eye creams containing caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and cooling agents can help reduce puffiness and bags and comfort the skin.
Dryness and sensitivity: Most eye creams are formulated with nourishing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and emollients, to replenish dry and sensitive skin.

How to choose the right eye cream

Choosing the right eye cream depends on your specific concerns. Here's a guide to help you select the best one for your needs:

For fine lines and wrinkles

Key ingredients to look for include retinol (start with a low concentration and gradually increase), peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants (like vitamin C or E). These ingredients help promote collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and provide hydration, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For puffiness and eye bags

Look for eye serums or creams containing hyaluronic acid, caffeine, green tea extract and cooling ingredients. Caffeine helps reduce buildup of fluid that causes puffiness, Look for: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and cooling ingredients. Caffeine helps and reduce puffiness while hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin. Cooling ingredients can also provide temporary relief from puffiness. Avoid heavy, oil-based creams that might exacerbate puffiness.

For dark circles

Look for ingredients that brighten and reduce disolouration, like vitamin C (also beneficial for antioxidant protection), niacinamide, kojic acid and licorice root extract. Consider eye creams with light-reflecting properties that can provide temporary skin brightening benefits.

For dryness

Look for hylauronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and emollients (like shea butter or jojoba oil). These ingredients attract and retain moisture, helping to keep delicate skin around the eyes hydrated and soft. Avoid products with harsh fragrances and irritants that can further dry out the skin.

For skin sensitivity

Look for hypoallergenic formulas, fragrance-free options, and ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. These ingredients are gentle and help comfort the skin and strengthen the moisture barrier. Make sure to patch test any new eye creams before applying it to your entire eye area.

Tips for using eye creams

Ensure you’re getting the most out of Using eye cream correctly can maximise its benefits and prevent irritation. Here are some helpful tips:

Less is more: Too much product can overload the skin and potentially lead to milia (small white bumps). You’ll only need a pea-sized amount of eye cream, for both eyes.
Be gentle: Gently apply with your ring finger, as it applies the least pressure, and avoid direct contact with the eyelids or lash line. Avoid rubbing or tugging at the skin.
Dot and tap: Dot the cream around the eye area and lightly tap into the skin until fully absorbed. This can help refresh the eyes, as well as help the product penetrate the skin better.
Direction matters: Apply the cream from the inner corner outwards, following the natural direction of the lymphatic drainage to help reduce puffiness.
Timing matters: Use eye cream twice daily, morning and night, after cleansing and toning. In the morning, allow the eye cream to absorb fully before applying makeup.
Be consistent: Like any skincare product, consistency is key to seeing results. Use your eye cream regularly as part of your daily routine.
Storage: Store your eye cream in a cool, dry place to maintain its efficacy. Storing your eye cream in the refrigerator isn’t always necessary, but it can provide a temporary cooling and de-puffing effect.