Recognising the vital importance of incorporating eye cream into your routine as a skincare essential
To apply or not to apply eye cream.
Most of us have probably debated the vital importance of eye creams.
We’re finally setting the record straight by letting you know why dermatologists deem this step essential and separate from moisturizing our entire face.
Our eyes have the power to captivate people, and express genuine emotions, as much as they can reflect our lifestyle. These reasons are probably why it is said that our eyes are the windows to the soul. They behold so much wonder and so it is just right for us to give our eyes the care and attention they need.
So, why eye creams?
Truth be told, it is not just our vision that needs to be protected. We must also keep in mind that the skin around our eyes is thin and delicate with fewer oil glands, and often where the first signs of aging appear.
This area of our face is more prone to dryness, dullness, and discolourations. To further emphasize the need for eye creams, just think about how we can get wrinkles from smiling, laughing, or squinting, frown lines from furrowing our brows, and dark circles or puffiness from fatigue.
Read on and know more about how eye creams are necessary for retaining a youthful glow and why the best time to use them is before skin concerns become apparent.
How eye creams are different from face creams
Our eyelids and under-eye area are three to five times more delicate than other parts of our face. Moreover, the pores around our eyes are at least ten times smaller in comparison to the rest of our faces.
Knowing that our skin is not created equal, taking a customized approach to eye skincare is recommended and has proven effective.
Eye creams may contain similar active ingredients as face creams and moisturizers but are formulated to be more gentle and more hydrating for the delicate skin around our eyes.
Eye creams are made to match the pH of your tears meaning they’re less likely to cause any irritation. Some face creams and moisturizers especially those with exfoliating acids may be too harsh for the eye area.
Benefits of using eye creams
- Fights the common signs of aging
Eye creams are usually developed with antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrators that revitalize and smoothen the skin surrounding the eyes to prevent and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduces puffiness and dark circles
Puffiness and dark circles are often triggered by lack of sleep, fatigue, allergies, aging, and in some instances crying. Ingredients such as antioxidants, caffeine, and cool applicators can help soothe tired, strained eyes and brighten the under-eye area.
- Maintains skin elasticity
Formulated with hydrators and collagen-boosting ingredients, eye creams can help to improve the skin’s firmness and tightness to prevent sagging.
- Protects delicate skin from elements
Eye creams will boost the resilience of the eye area to ward off potential irritants. It is also sensible to apply them before makeup for a more even tone and easier blend.
Ingredients to look for in eye creams
- Caffeine effectively improves the appearance of dark circles and reduces puffiness.
- Peptides are amino acids that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to combat premature aging and retain an even complexion.
- Green tea dilates blood vessels to prevent dryness.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to brighten and even skin tone..
- Hyaluronic acid provides bounce, and resilience, and keeps skin hydrated.
- Squalane is a hydrator that can reduce wrinkles or crow’s feet, and dark circles.
- Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that plumps and firms the skin while improving the appearance of pigmentation.
- Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide supports moisture retention to reduce fine lines as well as brighten dark circles.
Eye cream recommendations for every skin concern
If you need a hypoallergenic option:
PCA Skin Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel is an anti-aging eye gel that can be applied on the eyelid and under-eye area every morning and night. It helps to strengthen and tighten the skin around the eyes in as little as one week.
If you want color correction and sun protection:
Colorescience – Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy acts like an eye concealer with SPF 35 to shield your skin from UV radiation. It also curbs puffiness and discoloration, making it a great eye cream for dark circles. It contains peptides and botanical ingredients to keep the eye area refreshed, firm, and smooth.
If you seek to improve visible imperfections:
ZO Skin Health – Intense Eye Creme defends your eyes from free radical damage to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing overall complexion and skin texture.
If you’re looking for a lightweight eye serum:
ZO Skin Health – Growth Factor Eye Serum has a built-in cooling applicator that rejuvenates tired eyes. It boasts hydrating ingredients that plump skin and growth factors that support skin vitality.
Tips on how to apply eye cream properly
- Cleanse and tone your face before putting on any skincare product. A damp and moist face makes your skin more absorbent.
- Always wash your hands or use a scooper or spatula to prevent contaminating your eye cream with irritants.
- A little goes a long way. Put a pea-sized amount of eye cream onto your ring or middle finger. Gently dab it onto your eye area starting from the innermost corner, moving outwards and upwards until fully absorbed. It is wise to wait at least two minutes before applying anything else.
- Refrain from getting eye cream in your eyes or near your lashes. Also, avoid rubbing under-area as it may contribute to fine lines and dark eye circles.
- Be consistent for lasting results.
Conclusion
The delicate skin around our eyes is subject to fine lines and wrinkles from micro-movements due to our facial expressions, and damage from environmental aggressors every day. Eye creams give this vulnerable area the special maintenance it needs to stay nourished and supple. Incorporating eye creams into your beauty routine is of utmost importance because it is preventative as much as it is reparative.