The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face, so this is often where you’ll see signs of aging first. It also means you need to pay special care and attention when using an eye cream. Here we'll discuss what to look for in an eye cream formula to target your specific under-eye concerns, and how to apply it for best results.
What Ingredients to Look for in Your Eye Cream
Eye creams can help reduce puffiness and crow’s feet, brighten up dark circles and make your face look younger and more awake. Some formulas are designed to address one of these concerns, while others are do-it-all products. Here are some ingredients to look for when seeking out an eye cream:
- Antioxidants, like vitamin C or niacinamide: protect your eyes from future damage from sun, pollution, stress and lack of sleep
- Retinoids: help stimulate cell turnover
- Peptides: help increase elastin and collagen production
- Arnica, caffeine and vitamin K: target blood vessels to increase circulation and reduce swelling
- Hyaluronic acid and shea butter: hydrate and seal in moisture around the eye area to prevent fine lines
How to Apply Your Eye Cream
STEP 1: Apply a pea-size amount on your ring finger.
Eye creams are super concentrated, so a pea-size amount is all you need for both eyes. For that delicate area, use your ring finger since it naturally has the lightest touch. You don’t want to put too much pressure on the skin.
STEP 2: Apply small dots from the inner corner underneath your eye to your brow bone.
To apply, start at the inner corner underneath your eye, applying small dots in a semi-circle up to your brow bone. Gently tap in that semi-circle pattern to stimulate circulation until the product is fully absorbed. Be sure not to pull or stretch the skin while you’re doing this.
Remember: Don’t get too close to your eye to avoid irritation. Also, unless the product label directs you to, avoid applying on or near your eyelids.
STEP 3: Wait before applying concealer.
After applying your eye cream, wait about 90 seconds before applying concealer or other skin care products to give it time to fully absorb.
Still unsure? Watch the video below to see these steps in action.More Tips on How to Use Your Eye Cream
For best results, use your eye cream morning and night. Some people prefer to use it during the day to make their concealer look better; others prefer using it at night. As for how this step fits within your routine, you’ll want to apply your eye cream after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer or night cream.
Kaitlin Willow is Dermstore's Community Manager. She lives and breathes words—reading as many books as possible and writing her own novel, too. Kaitlin also has a sliiiight obsession with her dog, Benny. Learn more at kaitlinrwillow.com.
