When it comes to eye creams, I’ve always been a little skeptical. Do I really need something separate for such a small part of my face? Is it somehow special? And why do they cost a lot more than regular face creams (and for a much smaller amount)? On the other hand, sure, the eye area can get a lot of stress from removing makeup, rubbing our eyes, the constant staring at computer screens, and blinking. Any kind of fatigue is also most pronounced in that area.
Is eye cream one of the biggest marketing scams of all time? Or is it warranted?
The more research I did, the more it seemed that there’s a real ideological battle in the beauty industry regarding eye creams. One camp says they’re absolutely necessary as the skin is thinner under our eyes, they need special care etc. The others just think it’s a marketing bullshit and any regular serum and moisturizer would do the same job.
Still not convinced either way.
So, let’s see some common issues/claims regarding eye skin care and whether experts/science back them up.
Eye care: Pro + Con
+ The skin is thinner under our eyes. This statement seems to be true. Even if experts differ on how to treat it, they agree that it is thinner and thus can be more sensitive. Well, that’s a start.
+ We can have special under eye issues. Probably don’t need research to back this up. Dark circles, puffiness, scarecrows are quite specific to our under-eye area. This means they can require special help and special active ingredients to treat them.
+ The skin area is very sensitive. Another fact. Because the skin is thinner and our eyes are close, we must pay attention to what kind of creams we use there. Skin-irritants, like fragrance or very heavy creams are not suitable for the eye area.
+ Regular face creams are just as good for the under eye area. This is where experts differ a little bit. The problem with regular creams is that they may contain skin-irritants, like perfume or some essential oils. Very heavy creams can also be too much for the thin under eye skin. Also, a word on testing: “Eye creams (at least ones from reputable companies) should be tested to see if they are harmful if you accidentally get some in your eye. Face creams may or may not be tested this way”.
+ Eye creams can’t reduce under-eye circles and puffiness, because it’s hereditary. Well, partly true. Genetics do play a part in how your eye area looks, but lifestyle factors also matter. Anyone who ever experienced longer periods of stress, bad eating, or lack of sleep can pay testimony for this. But there are ingredients like caffeine that can help a little by boosting circulation.
The verdict: Do we need eye cream?
After reading a dozen of articles and research summaries, here’s my take on eye skin care products.
Eye creams
I’m more inclined to tilt towards the “Yes, we need eye cream” camp, but if you have beautiful, smooth, normal skin, with no under eye problems, then I think you’re fine with a good moisturizer, provided that it’s safe, non-irritant, does not contain fragrance and is light. But a specially formulated and tested eye cream might be more convenient, especially if you use heavier face cream or oils.
Special eye serums, creams, or masks
My verdict: These can be useful. As I have dark circles, I did try several eye serums and found that the ones containing caffeine indeed work, so I’ll continue to use them. Try The Ordinary Caffeine Solution – it’s effective and budget-friendly. I also love these eye masks before a special occasion. Quite cheap, but literally works wonders on my skin.
Anti-aging eye serums
That’s still a NO for me as I haven’t read anything that would indicate that the eye area would need special anti-aging ingredients. Your regular anti-aging serum with retinol, niacinamide, or vitamin-C will be perfectly enough, no need to spend on special anti-aging eye serums. Look at the ingredients and if it’s similar to your face serum, just let it go.
Eye skin care 101
+ Look for a lightweight cream that is easily absorbed by your skin. Think refreshing gel creams or light lotions, like the Kiehl’s Avocado eye cream.
+ Don’t buy eye creams that have fragrance or perfume in them.
+ Be gentle, ALWAYS tap it on rather than massaging it in. Here’s a good tutorial on how to apply eye cream the right way.
+ If you’re looking for some quick boosters, look for hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and caffeine.
+ You can keep your eye creams in the fridge for some extra refreshing. Or use an ice roller on puffy, tired eyes.
+ Always ask for samples and see whether you like the texture or whether it irritates your eye.
+ Don’t expect overnight results, as most skincare products, eye creams need some time to work too.
+ Don’t automatically buy the most expensive eye cream, look at the ingredients and test!
+ Putting cucumber slices on tired eyes is not a cheesy movie myth, it actually works. Try it!
+ Never ever forget SPF in your eye area. Because the skin is so thin, the UV rays can harm them a lot, cause photoaging, and even skin cancer.
What is your take on eye creams?
I’m always really iffy about eye creams as well but I think I’ve landed in the camp of no…my under eye area is really good at the moment and I feel like constantly touching that area when I don’t really need to would just do more harm than good at this poin.
Julia // The Sunday Mode
Oh, for sure, if you have no issues I think you’re good with moisturiser. I just need all the help I can get in my lifelong battle against dark circles:)