EYE CREAM FAQS

What is Eye Cream?

It is a specially formulated cream that has been tested by ophthalmologists to be safe for use around the sensitive eye area. Eye creams usually do not contain any fragrance, and tend to be more emollient than regular moisturizers. Unlike general face creams, they target specific eye area issues like puffiness, fine lines and dark circles.

What’s the difference between a day cream and night cream?

Day creams are designed to enhance the appearance of your eyes during the day, and usually reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. Night creams take advante of the body's natural restoration cycle to help repair and prevent further damage to your skin while you sleep, using specialized ingredients like alpha hydroxyl acid and retinol.

Is there a best time to use eye cream?

Day creams can make you look refreshed during the day, but it’s while you’re sleeping that most of the repair happens. When you're asleep, skin cells are regenerated, as there's increased blood flow and nourishment to the skin's surface, which means that night time is the optimal time to pamper your eye area.

Why do my eyes look worse in the mornings?

If you’re waking up with dull, fatigued skin, it’s generally a red flag that you’re not getting enough sleep. Being tired slows down blood circulation, which diminishes your skin's sheen and radiance. Prioritize getting at least eight hours of sleep every night, and slather on a night cream packed with antioxidants and other nutrients to replenish your skin.

Can’t I just use my regular face cream instead of eye cream?

No, and here’s why. You may have noticed that most face creams on the market suggest that you avoid the eye area. That’s because it’s the most sensitive area of your face (the driest and thinnest skin) and prone to irritation from ingredients that could be found in a regular cream's formulations. Eye creams, on the other hand, contain special emollients to soothe the area, and have fewer additives than face creams, because they’re not needed.

I’m still a teenager. Am I too young to use eye cream?

While it’s doubtful you have many eye area issues as a teenager, the truth is that age has nothing to do with the lines that appear on the corners of your eyes. It’s actually a combination of heredity and abuse of the area. If you’re still a teenager, something as simple as not pulling on your skin when removing eye makeup can make a big difference in the long term. The bottom line is that the better you treat your skin early on, the less work you’ll have to do later to maintain your youthful appearance.

Are there things I should look for when buying an eye cream?

When choosing an eye cream, it’s best to look for things like darkness-inhibiting ingredients and also consider both the type and potency of the firming ingredients.

Some of the more customary firming ingredients are: retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, caffeine, alcohol, vitamin C and copper. Caffeine and alcohol temporarily make the skin appear taut, while ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, copper and vitamin C actually work under the skin to stimulate collagen growth.

Some of the more conventional darkness-inhibiting ingredients are: vitamin K, hydroquinone and kojic acid. Vitamin K has been shown to inhibit bruising. Researchers believe vitamin K helps to counteract dark shadows caused by too much blood flow and minor bruising under eyes. Kojic acid and hydroquinone are skin-lightening agents, often found in bleaching and age-spot products.

Aren’t all eye creams pretty much the same?

No, research tells us otherwise. It is very important to find the right formulation for your specific eye area needs. Different creams smooth fine lines, minimize dark circles and even reduce puffiness. You will even find eye creams specially formulated for dry or sensitive skin. Occasionally, you’ll find creams that attack all of those problems at once. Remember that the better eye creams are lightweight and glide on easily. If the cream can’t be "tapped" on, you should probably avoid the product. A heavy eye cream can make your skin puff up or even block your pores.

Is there a difference between gels, creams or serums?

Arguments can be made for all of these, depending upon what specific issue you’re addressing. For instance, a rich eye cream generally offers better moisturizing benefits, and works best under makeup. Gels are better for acne-prone skin and tend to work best on puffy eyes. The bottom line is that you should always buy a product that targets the specific benefit you’re looking for.

Is there a best way to apply Eye cream?

Skin around the eye area is very delicate and therefore how you apply your eye cream is very important. First pump a small amount of eye cream, preferably the size of a raindrop, onto your ring finger and warm it. Warming the eye cream on your finger before application actually helps promote better absorption by the skin. Once that’s done, gently dab from the outer eye to inner eye area by circulating on the whole orbit area of the eye until the eye cream is fully absorbed into the skin. Then, using your index and middle finger with a little pressure, brush across the eyebrow from the outer to inner eye and press onto the temple for a few seconds. Voila! You’re done!