The area around your eyes is not only thinner but has different issues than the rest of your face. So, yes, a specialized cream is key. Learn what are the best choices out there for each issue you may have.
Our eyes can give away a lot of secrets. If you don’t give them the special attention they need, they can make you look more tired or even older than you really are. Puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and sagging skin—these are all tough issues to face when it comes to the sensitive, tender skin in this area, but with the rights products and techniques, your eyes can look just as fabulous as the rest of you.
Under-eye Bags and Puffiness
If you love salty foods and coffee, chances are you’ve noticed your eyes look puffier than most. High concentrations of sodium and dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol can cause our skin to retain water, making us look puffy, particularly around the eyes. But don’t worry, it’s easy to depuff this area with the right tools! First off, an ice roller can help reduce the puffiness in the area.
After rolling your under eye area into soothed bliss, reach for Acwell’s Licorice pH Balancing Eye Cream. This is a portable, de-puffing eye cream formulated with licorice and caffeine! So relaxing and gentle first thing in the morning, and perfect to throw in your bag for when eyes start to feel tired throughout the day.
Also, remember to balance out your latte addiction and love of salty snacks with plenty of water, too. Before you know it, those puffy bags will be history!
Dark Circles
More often than not, dark circles are hereditary. If one or both of your parents have these stubborn, bruise-like spots under their eyes, chances are you’ve inherited the condition from them. There’s also the chance that they’re being caused by allergies—nasal congestion causes the blood vessels that drain around the eyes to dilate, leaving the area looking darkened. No matter what the cause, dark circles can be frustrating to deal with. In addition to taking antihistamines (if your dark circles are allergy related) and elevating your head with pillows when you sleep to alleviate any pooling of fluids, you’ll want to reach for a brightening eye cream to help with these troublesome spots.
A great bet is the Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Eye Serum, which works on multiple levels to treat and hide dark circles. Hyaluronic acid infuses dry, tired skin with moisture to help plump up a sallow under eye area, while sugarcane extract gently brightens dull, dry skin.
Fine Lines
Crow’s feet and budding wrinkles around the eyes can be one of the first signs of aging, and the right product can be your best defense against these pesky fine lines.
Hydration is key, as are amino acids, antioxidants, and proteins that promote rejuvenation and plumping of the skin. Try I’m From’s Ginseng Eye Cream. Infused with anti-aging ginseng (three different types!) and hyaluronic acid, this formula protests and stimulates collagen production while also plumping.
Dryness and Irritation
The skin around the eyes is thinner and requires more specialized attention than that on the rest of our face. It is especially sensitive and prone to drying out, even more so if you’re using waterproof eye makeup and heavy-duty makeup removers on a regular basis. It’s important to use a treatment at the end of the day that soothes and locks in moisture, helping them to heal at night.
We recommend Etude House’s Moistfull Collagen Eye Cream. This lightweight formula (the better for absorption) aids in the recovery of this delicate area thanks to the brand’s super collagen and Baobab seed oil by nourishing, moisturizing, and firming the skin around your eyes. Gently tap the product on with your ring finger from the outer corner of the eye, moving inwards, as the last step of your routine and hydrated, well-rested eyes will be yours.
Oily Lids
If you’ve done your skin care research, you know that oily skin needs hydration too, and this is no different when it comes to the eyes. If you find that your lids and the area around your eyes is oily, causing eye makeup to slip or reacting in milia (bumpy, clogged skin) when typical heavy eye creams are applied, then a gel formula eye cream will suit your needs best. Erborian’s Seve de Bamboo Eye Matte is perfect for oilier skin types. The bamboo sap in the formula is intensely hydrating but quickly absorbed into the skin, drying to a softened matte finish that diffuses the look of fine lines and dark circles and leaves a perfect base for any eye makeup or undereye concealer.