They say the eyes are the windows to the soul—so, if your eyes scream tired, depleted, and shriveled, what message are you sending? Most of us would agree that our eye areas could use some TLC. The fact of the matter is that the skin there is about ten times thinner than the rest of the face—and considering that we already experience skin thinning as a result of aging, the eye orbit is often first to get hit with fine lines and wrinkles. Tack on genetic influences, sun damage, and even lifestyle factors, and it’s really an uphill battle. Not to mention, the under-eye is also apt to experience hyperpigmentation, dehydrated itchy skin, and puffiness. But are all of those eye creams, eye gels, and eye serums out there really worth the splurge? Allow us to shed some light.
Do You Really Need a Separate Eye Cream and Face Cream?
New York-based dermatologist Dr. Fayne L. Frey, MD is not the first to declare that “eye cream is a waste of money.” But it seems that for every skin expert who dismisses eye creams, there is another one proclaiming you can’t live without it. So, which one is it? Well, that depends on your skin. As long as your normal face cream doesn’t irritate your eyes and provides enough moisture, then carry on. Generally, a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer will work just as well around the eyes as it does on the rest of the face. But it’s worth noting that there are certain ingredients that specifically address the common concerns surrounding the under-eye region.
The Best Night Eye Cream Ingredients For A Smooth, Refreshed Eye Area
Not only is the under-eye area especially susceptible to visible signs of aging, but it also tends to be more sensitive than the rest of the face, requiring a balance of gentle and powerful. Here are some of the best night face cream ingredients to look for, based on your primary eye concerns:
Color Correcting and Brightening
If eliminating dark circles and enlivening the space around the eyes top your list of goals, look no further than a color-correcting product that contains some of the following ingredients:
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Arbutin
- Vitamin C
- Azelaic acid
- Tranexemic acid
- Mulberry extract
- Licorice extract
Diminishing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
We express a lot of emotion with our eyes, which means that we’re constantly contracting those muscles, whether we’re smiling, laughing, crying, or otherwise. As we age, our skin loses its ability to bounce back, leaving crow’s feet and other fine lines behind long after the expressions have melted away. Luckily, there are plenty of science-backed ingredients that can rejuvenate and smooth without disturbing the delicate skin. Here are just a handful:
- Retinoids especially milder, more easily tolerated options like granactive retinol
- Alpha-hydroxy acids, like lactic acid and glycolic acid (in lower concentrations)
- Peptides
- Hyaluronic Acid
Antioxidant ingredients can also serve as age-defying ingredients, protecting against UV rays, pollution, and smoke, among other environmental stressors. These include:
- Green tea extract
- Beta-carotene
- Berry extracts
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Niacinamide
Plump and Hydrate
There’s a reason why the space around the eyes can take on a dry, crepey texture: it doesn’t have any oil glands. So, it’s no wonder that a little hydration can go such a long way. Here are some of our favorite thirst-quenching ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe vera
- Honey
- Glycerin
- Squalane
- Ceramides
Reduce Puffiness
The dreaded eye bags. It should go without saying that your first line of defense is getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water. But when all else fails, these skincare ingredients have you covered when it comes to reducing inflammation around the eyes:
- Caffeine
- Black or green tea extract
- Willow herb
- Witch Hazel
- Ginseng
- Turmeric
- Chamomile
Other Tips for Taking Care of the Eye Area
It’s not only about what you put on your eye area that matters. Aside from the obvious (don’t smoke, eat well, drink water, and get plenty of rest), there are a number of extra measures you can take to keep your eye region in tip top shape:
Be Gentle
The skin around the eyes tends to be sensitive and wrinkle-prone. If you’ve got a habit of rubbing your eyes, it’s time to break it! If the root problem is that your eyes are itchy, you may want to visit your doctor and look into allergy medicine that will quell the discomfort. But equally as detrimental as rubbing is tugging the skin when applying products. Whether you’re removing your makeup before bed (please do!) or slathering on some night cream, tread lightly. Too much pressure on the skin can contribute to fine lines—so always dab, don’t drag.
Always, Always, Always SPF
Give Yourself a Facial Massage
The Moral of the Story
Night time is the right time, as they say—at least when it comes to taking care of the skin around your eyes. As a minimum, aim to sleep seven or more hours a night, and make sure you’re staying hydrated. Whether you choose to snag a dedicated eye cream or you find a gentle, all-purpose night face cream that can tackle your under-eye concerns, the important thing is that you’re not letting this fragile, wrinkle-prone region go neglected.
