Eye creams and eye serums are specialised skincare products or moisturisers designed to address the unique concerns of the delicate skin around the eyes. An eye cream is typically rich and moisturising as under eye skin is more prone to dryness and dehydration, while an eye serum is a lighter formula with a high concentration of key ingredients. Eye creams and serums can contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B5, peptides and ceramides, to help to plump, firm, and brighten skin around the eye contour. Eye creams and serums are an optional part of your skincare routine, but can provide a number of skin benefits, including visibly fading dark circles, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, re-plumping and hydrated the skin, and keeping the skin soft and smooth. Many eye creams are developed with the expertise of professionals in pharmaceutical sciences to ensure their effectiveness and safety.

Using eye creams and eye serums can have a significant impact on the appearance of the skin around eye area. Depending on the formula, eye cream benefits include:

• Reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the under eye area
• Brightening dark circles and evening out skin tone
• Hydrating and plumping the skin to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture, especially on the eyelids.
• Replenishing dehydrated skin for smoother, softer skin
• Strengthening the skin moisture barrier by keeping the skin hydrated and nourished
• Improving skin elasticity and firmness for smooth, more supple skin around the eyes
• Revitalising and brightening tired eyes
• Comforting and calming sensitive skin around the eyes
• Protecting the skin from environmental aggressors that contribute to photoageing

Eye creams are usually gentle and well tolerated by most skin types. Instead of choosing an eye cream for your skin type, choose based on your specific skin concern.

For dark circles

To address dark under eye circles, look for skin brightening ingredients and ingredients that can revitalise the skin. Niacinamide, flavonoids and vitamin C are great ingredients for dark circles. Niacinamide helps to visibly fade uneven skin tone while comforting the skin, while vitamin C and flavonoids protect against harmful free radicals our skin comes into contact with. The Advanced A.G.E Eye Cream and Antioxidant AOX Vitamin C Gel are both good choices for targeting dark circles.

For puffiness and tired eyes

To help with puffiness and tired eyes, look for an eye cream that can comfort sensitive skin and revitalise the skin. To comfort and soften puffy skin, look for eye creams with ingredients like caffeine and glycerin, which can be found in the Advanced A.G.E Eye Cream.

For dry skin and skin texture

To target dry, wrinkled or tight skin on the eyelids and eye contour: Choose formulas with humectants and emollients. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and ceramides are great at maintaining skin hydration. Vitamin C can also help with protecting against environmental aggressors that can worsen dry skin concerns. Protect dry skin with the Antioxidant AOX Vitamin C Eye Gel.

For fine lines, wrinkles and skin elasticity

To restore elasticity and visibly improve fine lines and wrinkles, choose an anti-wrinkle eye cream formulated with a combination of peptides to promote collagen production. SkinCeuticals recommends the Advanced A.G.E Eye Cream for fine lines and wrinkles.

Eye creams are formulated with various key ingredients to address the causes of dark circles and uneven skin tone. These include:

• Brightening dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation and protecting the skin from free radicals to prevent worsening hyperpigmentation.
• Comforting sensitive skin around the eyes, reducing redness and puffiness caused by irritation and environmental aggressors.
• Restoring skin elasticity and firmness to target dark circles caused by shadows and sagging skin around the eye area.
• Providing deep hydration to strengthen the skin moisture barrier, to prevent the worsening of dark circles.

Application of an eye cream will be the same for all skin types, but sensitive skin may need to be more cautious when first using an eye cream. Always patch test new products and gradually introduce your eye cream or serum, starting with 1-2 times a week and increasing over time. Because the skin around the eye area is delicate, avoid rubbing or tugging at the skin; apply a small amount of product with your ring finger, gently patting the product onto the eyelids and under eye are. Eye creams can be used both morning and night; for your morning skincare routine, finish with a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen.

Eye creams and eye serums are both designed to address the unique concerns of the skin around the eyes, but may have slightly different formulas and textures. Eye creams are typically richer formulas, focused on moisturising and keeping the skin hydrated, while an eye serum tends to be lightweight and fast-absorbing. Eye creams also will contain a blend of key ingredients, where an eye serum typically contains a high concentration of a specific ingredient to provide a specific skin benefit. Ultimately, the choice between an eye cream and an eye serum depends on your individual skin type and concerns.