Do You Really Need Eye Cream?

We went straight to the pros for an answer.

Eye cream has long been the center of heated debate in the beauty industry. Some dermatologists recommend using one for the care of particularly delicate and sensitive skin around the eyes, while others dermatologists make it unnecessary and expensive extra Claims to be a step. “Eye cream is an elegant moisturizer formulated to match the pH of tears. [they are] It’s less irritating, “writes a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Aegean Chan In an Instagram post. “In my personal opinion, all you need in that area is a moisturizer.”

Unlike some non-negotiable skin care products such as sunscreen and taking off makeup at night, there is still no clear answer as to whether you really need to use eye cream. To help determine if it deserves luxury, we asked two professionals to share their views on this subject. Read on to learn how dermatologists and beauticians recommend care for the very delicate areas under your eyes.

What is the difference between moisturizer and eye cream?

“Moisturizers are intended to maintain and / or increase hydration of the skin surface,” he said. Dr. Monica Lee, Dermatologist and clinical instructor at the Department of Dermatology and Dermatology, University of British Columbia. “Therefore, it can be used almost anywhere on the body.”

Eye cream, on the other hand, is specially formulated for use under the eyes, which is famous for its delicate skin and signs of aging. As a result, the texture is lighter and tends to contain the following active ingredients: hyaluronic acid Also Vitamin C— Targets specific concerns. “It depends on the material [it contains]Eye cream can have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects [which helps protect the skin against environmental stressors that can cause premature aging, like UV rays and pollution].. It can also reduce swelling, lighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines in the area. “

Is it safe to use a moisturizer as an eye cream?

“It depends on the situation, and adequacy is more important than safety,” says Dr. Li. “In general, moisturizers can be used as eye cream. However, the composition of the moisturizer may not be suitable for the skin around the eyes, given how delicate and thin the area is. Eye cream is especially gently formulated. Skin care products made for these concerns are both preventative and repairive, as the skin around the eyes initially shows signs of aging (such as wrinkles and sagging). Remember that it can be. “

Chania Shehade, OdashiteHead esthetician agrees. “Moisturizers tend to contain heavy oils and acids that can cause eye and skin irritation,” she explains.

When is the right time to start using eye cream?

“Eye cream can be started at any time,” said Dr. Li, who states that it is most often used on adult skin. “Mature skin [that shows signs of aging]⁠—Skin sagging, fine lines, dull tones, or uneven pigmentation—

What is the best technique for applying eye cream?

Despite its name, do not apply eye cream near your eyes, such as under your eyelids or lower eyelashes. “Apply a pea-sized amount around both eyes and gently tap the orbital bone with your ring finger to smooth it to the temple,” explains Shehade.

Need a little extra help to see your best after a long night? “You can use cool Guasha Alternatively, use a face roller after application to improve swelling, tightening and shine around the eyes, “Shehadeh adds. She recommends storing the face tool in the refrigerator when not using it for momentary cooling and depuffing.

What ingredients do consumers need to look for when buying eye cream?

“this is [your] “Skin care goals,” explains Dr. Lee. “Some important ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid and ceramides. [to hydrate], Retinol [to target wrinkles]Vitamin C [to treat dark circles] When caffeine [to reduce puffiness].. “

Shehadeh proposes plant-based ingredients such as aloe, hyaluronic acid, algae or seaweed extracts, and lightweight oils such as jojoba to soothe and hydrate green tea and caffeine extracts. “These ingredients have been shown to help protect delicate eye areas,” she adds.

Is Retinol Eye Cream Safe to Use Around Delicate Eyes?

Although they are specially formulated for eye contours, retinol eye cream is powerful and should be used with caution. “Commercial retinol eye creams are relatively safe due to their low levels of retinol,” says Shehadeh. “But we don’t recommend long-term use. If you’re using a retinol-based eye cream, apply it only at night and use a light, moisturizing eye cream for daytime use. It is recommended.”

If you Skin is sensitive or reactiveAvoid prescriptions that contain retinol, and choose mild, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.

Can Eye Cream Cause or Exacerbate Milium?

Milium is a condition in which a small, painless white ridge is formed on the face (often the cheeks) or eyelids. They are actually small cysts that form under the skin when keratin, a protein naturally produced by your body, is trapped, Dr. Lee explains.

According to Shehadeh, eye cream should not cause or exacerbate milium if used properly. If the product is the cause, the small ridges are “usually the result of eye cream containing old creams and oils and the accumulation of old dead skin cells,” she adds. “If you think eye cream is the cause Milium, Replace your current product with water or aloe-based eye cream. If that doesn’t work, talk to your dermatologist.

Originally published in 2020. Updated in 2022