Eye Need These: The Definitive Guide to Eye Creams That Actually Work

Eye Need These: The Definitive Guide to Eye Creams That Actually Work

Take care of one of your most beautiful features. The eyes may be the window to the soul, but they are also the first place signs of fatigue, stress and age show. The skin around your eyes is delicate and produces little natural oil, making it more vulnerable to fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and loss of elasticity. An eye cream can help. While often an afterthought in people’s routine, a quality eye cream delivers potent actives into the skin, and helps to smooth, lift and nourish this fragile skin. It is not a superfluous step- it is a strategic choice to prevent issues down the line. Whether you are looking for a new eye cream, or searching for your first, we’ve selected a few favorites for your consideration. 

 Do I Really Need a Separate Eye Cream?

Yes! The skin around the eyes is anatomically different than the skin on the rest of the face:

  • It is thinner, meaning that when collagen and elastin break down, it is more noticeable
  • It has fewer oil glands, making dryness and fine lines more prevalent
  • It is constantly moving, from blinking and expressions, which makes wrinkle formation easier

This is why solely relying on your face cream is not enough. A proper eye cream is formulated with certain ingredients to target these issues, such as:

  • Peptides for firmness
  • Gentle brightening agents, such arbutin or niacinamide
  • Humectants, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, for hydration
  • Anti-puffiness ingredients, like caffeine, to help with fluid retention

How Do I Apply Eye Cream?

Eye cream should be applied gently, along the orbital bone and eyelid for best results.

  • Use a small amount: A pea seized amount is enough for both eyes
  • Gently Tap: Do not rub the eye area! Apply with your ring finger in a gentle tapping motion to prevent pulling this delicate skin
  • Use morning and evening: Applying your eye cream twice a day guarantees that the skin is nourished and protected 24/7

Can Eye Cream Really Reduce Dark Circles?

It depends on the cause of your dark circles. Some dark circles are caused by lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep or a Vitamin K deficiency. Some dark circles are genetic, or caused by either vascular issues (circulation) or due to bone structure, such as hollow under-eyes. Understanding the source of your dark circles, paired with an appropriate eye treatment will help you to address the issue.

At What Age Should I Start Using Eye Cream?

It’s never too late (or early!) to start. Preventative care should begin immediately, even if you are in your 20's. By your 30's, collagen production has already begun to slow down, making peptides and antioxidants a must-have in your routine. By your 40's and beyond, collagen and elastin production has decreased even more, making lifting, firming and deep wrinkle support increasingly important. 

Eye Cream Needs by Age Group:

  • 20's: For prevention, focus on light hydration and Vitamin C
  • 30's: For first signs of aging, use peptides, niacinamide or a gentle retinol
  • 40's: Focus on loss of elasticity, static wrinkles and pigmentation, with ingredients like growth factors and ceramides
  • 50's+: Maintenance and lipid restoration takes priority with richer, more emollient formulas that rely on more advanced peptides and stronger actives if tolerable

Editor’s Selection: Elevated Eye Treatments

With so many to choose from, it can be daunting and difficult to know where to start. However, we've collected 6 of our favorite eye treatments for you. Whether you are struggling with wrinkles, dark circles or sagging (or all three), these products will make a noticeable difference in your skincare routine!

Watch our Lead Esthetician Samantha's Technique for Depuffing the Undereye

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results from an eye cream?

You will see improvement in hydration levels almost instantly. Brightening effects can take 2-6 weeks, whereas wrinkle reductions usually require 6-12 weeks of consistent use before you begin to see improvements.

Should eye cream go on before or after moisturizer?

Apply your eye cream after your serum(s) and before your moisturizer. Remember, it is important that you apply products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest to ensure absorption.

Can I use the same eye cream morning and night?

Overwhelmingly yes! However, if you prefer a richer texture at night, or if your eye cream contains photo-reactive ingredients such as retinol, it it best to alternate.

An eye cream is a long term investment in your skin. While results might not appear immediately, the true pay off comes from being able to look into a mirror, and see your own gaze happily looking back at you.

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