Given all the asks I’ve gotten about eye creams lately, I’ve decided to make this post! Eye creams appear simple; its a moisturizer specifically for the eye area, concentrated with ingredients designed to deal with common eye concerns (ie. dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, etc.). As always, its never that simple and I’m ready to talk your ear off about it!
Eye creams claim a lot, but often don’t deliver. Unless a product contains proven effective ingredients, its not going to do anything other than hydrate/moisturize. The same can be said for most skin care products.
Certain eye creams can work wonders; for example, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution contains, you guessed it, caffeine. Caffeine can help to reduce puffiness, and you can see immediate results from this solution. Another example would be the Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Serum. This contains retinol, which is a powerful ingredient against fine lines, texture, and many assorted skin concerns.
However, keep in mind, if a product doesn’t contain ingredients that have been proven to effect an eye concern, they won’t do much. For example, the Algenist ELEVATE Firming & Lifting Contouring Eye Cream is pricy and won’t do much for your wrinkles, as the majority of its ingredients are ineffective on wrinkles.
Also, to further complicate matters, you have the concern of milia. Milia are little flesh colored bumps that can appear around the eyes. They don’t tend to disappear unless removed (go to a dermatologist for this). Multiple factors can lead to their development, but creams that are too heavy for your particular eye area can cause them. Therefore, many people like an eye gel for their eye area, as it doesn’t clog them and feels comfortable.
For me, I need something heavier, as I have dry eye skin as well as eczema around my eyes. I’ve used Eucerin around my eyes before to treat my eczema, which to some may seem excessive and pore clogging. It really depends on what your individual needs are and what you can tolerate.
Now the big question: Do you need an eye cream? I would recommend it, but its not necessary. Many people have success simply extending their skin care onto their eye area. If this works for you, then don’t worry about it and continue doing it. I personally like a dedicated eye cream (along with some of my facial serums, so I do a combination). They work well if you have an issue specific to the eye area that needs treatment. Again, its your choice!
Recommendations by Skin Concern:
Dryness: Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel or Benton Fermentation Eye Cream
Puffiness: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG or Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-puffing Eye Massage
Fine Lines/Wrinkles/Dark Circles: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum or ROC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream
P.S: Dark circles have varying causes and a cream may not be able to get rid of them. Genetics and lifestyle have a far more powerful influence. Here is a resource on the different kinds of under-eye circles and what you can do to minimize their appearance.