Yes, You Do Need an Eye Cream and Here's Why

We’re all rather protective of our peepers, and most of us have spent money on eye serums and creams in the past to help combat signs of aging around our eyes, but there are some people who insist that eye creams are a waste of money. Here’s why I disagree…

The ads all suggest that a good eye cream can reduce the signs of aging. Some products even claim to be able to erase them completely. If you look in the mirror and see fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles you’re probably thinking that an eye cream is the answer to your skin care problems, but are they really worth it or are eye products just a form of expensive moisturizer?

Not necessarily, although you do have to find one that is right for your skin to get the effects you’re looking for. Eye creams aren’t just standard moisturizers at all, in fact they are formulated specifically to be used on the delicate skin around your eyes. For this reason, eye serums and creams often tend to be thicker than standard moisturizers.

They are also more nourishing and nurturing to your skin, usually containing more oil than a standard moisturizer. They are packed with targeted ingredients designed to get to work on the skin around the eyes, too, which you won’t necessarily find in a facial moisturizing cream or lotion.

Because the skin around the eyes is more fragile than elsewhere on your face, it’s often the first part of your face that shows up your age, tiredness, and dehydration. The eyes are always moving, too, and this constant movement can bring on wrinkles and lines over time. Added to that, your under-eye area is prone to a build-up of fluid which leads to puffiness and dark circles. This is where eye products can really help.

What to Look for in an Eye Product

Dark circles

Dark circles are often genetic, but they can be exacerbated by sun damage, aging, and even a build-up of blood and fluid.  Look for products containing vitamin C, as they work to thicken the skin and can help to conceal dark circles.  Other ingredients to look out for in your eye serums include Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, and kojic acid.

Fine lines and wrinkles 

These can partly be blamed on sun damage and are also a result of your skin making less collagen as you age. Collagen helps to keep your skin supple and elastic, and eye creams containing vitamin C, peptides, and retinol have been found to help boost collagen production in various studies. Ceramide and hyaluronic acid-based products may also help as they prevent water loss and also improve skin’s elasticity.

Puffy eyes

Your eyes can appear puffy when there’s a build-up of fluid and/or blood under them, showing through the skin. There have been some studies that indicate caffeine-based eye products may have an effect on circulation, reducing puffiness.  Other studies found that cold temperatures are also an effective way to treat puffiness, so double your advantage and put your eye creams in the refrigerator!

For advice on eye skin care, speak to your Esthetician.