What Does Eye Cream Do + Benefits
Wondering if you really need an eye cream?
You might be asking yourself, “What does eye cream do that an all-over hydrating product doesn’t already do?”
For starters, eye cream targets the under-eye area in a way that a standard, general-use moisturizer can’t. The under-eye area has different needs than the rest of the face, so using an eye cream that addresses these needs is crucial.
What are the benefits of eye cream?
The skin around the eyes is anatomically different from the skin covering the rest of the body. It's thinner and contains less fat, which makes the tiny capillaries and veins in the under-eye area far more visible.
In addition to anatomy, lifestyle choices and behaviors can also contribute to more visible under-eye concerns. Sleep deprivation, chronic sun damage, smoking and certain medications can all lead to under-eye puffiness and dark circles.
The more we learn about what works for the under-eye area, the more precisely and effectively we can treat the skin there. Using an eye cream, like Eye Sculpt, is one of the first lines of defense against these issues.
The right eye cream can help support elasticity, reduce the appearance of dark circles, improve fine lines and wrinkles, soften and plump the skin — it's a game-changer for your routine!
What to look for in an eye cream
Not all eye creams are created equal, so it's important to know what to look for when investing in one. Identifying active ingredients backed by scientific research is a great place to start.
Take caffeine, for example. While many think of caffeine as just an ingredient in coffee or soda, it can also significantly benefit the under-eye area.
Caffeine is a stimulant with vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it can shrink the size of under-eye blood vessels and make them less visible. Caffeine can also increase elasticity — it’s so much more than just a beverage that gets you going in the morning.
Depending on your skin's unique needs, other active ingredients can be beneficial. You may be less familiar with some of them, like bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) and replexium (a peptide complex). However, these effectively stimulate skin cell turnover and boost collagen and elastin, helping to firm and smooth the under-eye area.
You'll also find more familiar ingredients in an eye cream, like hyaluronic acid (a product also created naturally by the body). Hyaluronic acid is one of the safest and most hydrating skin care ingredients on the market, keeping the under-eye area moisturized, plump and resilient.
In addition, a variety of vitamins, like C and E, can benefit the under-eye area. These vitamins are effective antioxidants, fighting the free radical damage that can cause premature aging and under-eye issues. Vitamin C in particular can help brighten skin, which is especially helpful for those who deal with dark circles.
When choosing an under-eye cream, focus on products that don’t contain any added dyes or fragrances. A quality eye cream doesn’t need them, and they only increase the risk of an adverse reaction — the skin under your eyes is sensitive, so you'll want to use only safe, gentle ingredients.
When to apply under-eye cream
A quality skin care routine usually contains multiple products, each targeting specific areas of concern. Each product plays a vital role in your skin health and appearance, but applying them in the correct order ensures you get the best results from each one.
Under-eye cream should be applied after cleansing, toning and applying serums. Generally speaking, apply your products from thinnest to thickest. Serums that are lightest in consistency should be applied first, as they're the easiest for the skin to absorb.
Make sure to give your skin enough time to thoroughly absorb each product before moving on, and always finish with moisturizer (and sunscreen for your morning routine).
Other ways to manage the under-eye area
While eye creams are beneficial, they aren’t the only way to care for your under-eye area. Combining any of the following with an effective eye cream can improve that delicate skin even more.
Microneedling is an effective way to stimulate collagen production in the under-eye area. Using small, controlled punctures, microneedling essentially tricks the skin into a wound-healing, collagen-producing response.
There is minimal downtime associated with microneedling as well, although the under-eye area is more sensitive than other areas of the face.
Dermal filler (like Juvederm or Restylane) can also help replace lost volume in the under-eye area. When injected just under the skin, it can minimize the appearance of dark circles or thinning skin. Many fillers use hyaluronic acid as their primary active ingredient, which helps the under-eye area appear plumper.
Finally, one of the most crucial ways to prevent under-eye concerns (especially those related to premature aging) is to always wear sunscreen. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from UV damage and, in turn, the premature breakdown of collagen. Make a habit of wearing SPF daily — even if you don't plan on being in the sun. It's one of the best ways to keep your skin looking youthful!
In summary...
What does eye cream do? While it may seem like just one more skin care step, using a specialized eye cream can significantly improve the appearance of your under-eye area. Eye creams target the uniquely thin skin around your eyes, helping to keep it firm, bright and plump.
To learn more about finding the right skin care products, book a consultation with one of our advanced practice providers. We'd love to create a skin care plan to help you reach your goals.
Peer review
This article was medically reviewed by Chelsie Rogers, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant with 6 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.
SOURCES:
New biological insights into skin aging around the eye | JAAD
