An Eye Cream Review

Your eyes reveal a lot about you: your attitude, your age, and some say—your soul. It is for these reasons that eye creams are a top priority for those interested in maintaining their beauty. The best eye creams are those that have been specially formulated for use around the sensitive eye area. They generally don’t contain fragrance and are more emollient than regular moisturizers. Unlike general face creams, an eye cream targets specific issues like puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.

Puffy Eyes and Bags

For the most part, puffy eyes are easily corrected—unless of course, you have a serious allergies or a medical condition. Puffiness is caused when fluid gets trapped under the eye and is usually most severe in the mornings. Gels are a great solution due to their cooling effect. There a few good creams too, but beware, as many of them contain added moisturizers, which only add to the puffiness issue. Look for products that contain botanical extracts to release trapped fluids as they smooth and firm the sensitive skin around your eyes. While there are many "quick fix" remedies, most eye creams need to be used for at least 30 days before noticeable improvement is visible.

Dark Circles

Unlike puffy eyes and bags, dark circles are notoriously challenging. That’s because they can be hereditary, caused by allergies, or simply a result of getting older. The skin under the eye tends to get thinner as we age, causing the veins under the eye to become more visible. This may also be worsened with sun exposure, lack of sleep and even menopause. If you have deeply pigmented skin due to heredity, you might consider a prescription strength lightening cream.

Some eye creams contain optical diffusers in their formulations. Although they don’t actually treat dark circles, these can certainly help minimize their appearance. Some of the most popular and effective eye cream ingredients for battling dark circles are vitamin K, vitamin C, and the ever-popular Coenzyme Q-10. Vitamin K, which aids in the body’s natural clotting process, has been acknowledged in several dermatologic studies as one of the best treatments for dark circles. You might also seek out eye creams that contain an SPF over 15, to prevent any further pigmentation.

Crow's Feet, Fine Lines And Wrinkles

We’ve all seen them, but none of us really want them: those fine lines and wrinkles that appear at the corner and under the eye area. What causes them? It’s a combination of genetics, aging, environmental factors, and of course daily abuse. There are fewer oil glands in this area of the face and the skin is also thinner. Years of pulling and tugging with makeup remover, smiling, squinting, and many other factors all contribute.

Fortunately, dermatologic advances over the past two decades have been incredible. Look for formulations that include powerful antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. Even more popular these days are the use of retinoids, or vitamin A, which encourages new cell renewal, and can actually smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol has been shown to increase collagen production as well as strengthen the skin. Age spots are also something that can be treated with retinoid formulations.

General Tips

It’s all about the moisturizing. When your skin is dry, wrinkles and fine lines are only exaggerated. A good eye cream will leave the skin looking supple and should decrease the appearance of fine lines. When identifying a general eye cream for daily upkeep, you want something light that can be worn under makeup. You also want something that not only hydrates the skin, but that creates a moisture barrier to seal it in. Also, antioxidants are a good idea, as they will soften fine lines over time. If the maze of products seems too daunting, you might also try a multi-tasking eye cream that can treat a combination of things (fine lines, puffiness, dry skin, etc).

There is a common misconception that the more you use, the better the product works. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. You should use the directed amount, as the active ingredients have been taken into account when the directions were designed.

If you’re using an eye tightening cream, make sure it’s the last product you apply (even over makeup), because the ingredients of the other products may break down the active ingredients.

Lastly, remember that the application of your eye cream is critical, no matter what issue you’re addressing. Over stimulation and/or abuse of this sensitive area will actually be counterproductive to what you’re trying to accomplish. Always gently tap the eye area with your ring finger. Never pull, rub or tug.