No Eye Cream Has Helped My Dark Circles Until This Recommendation From A Dermatologist

I was never a big believer in eye cream. But after a straight-talking facialist told me mid treatment that she could tell I didn’t use it, that all changed. Since then, I’ve dabbled with specific eye products but with little consistency – either because I didn’t get the immediate results I was looking for, or they ended up irritating the area, which is much more sensitive given it’s thinner and has fewer sebaceous glands than the rest of the face.

I found the perfect formula after a meeting with Madrid-based dermatologist Natalia Jiménez, who recommended the Collagen Bank line from drugstore brand, Neutrogena. Now, I find it easy to be consistent and have seen impressive results for my dark circles.

The best way to apply eye cream, according to a dermatologist

Jiménez stressed that eye products should always be applied just after cleansing and before moisturising. As she said this, I could see another expert, pharmacist Marta Masi, nodding her head in agreement. This order will prove more effective for several reasons, one of which is that “applying eye cream immediately after cleansing ensures the more delicate skin is not affected by the higher concentration actives that we use for the rest of the complexion,” as the derm explained.

Neutrogena

Collagen Bank Eye Gel Cream

By using it first, the cream forms a barrier preventing the active ingredients of subsequent treatments from penetrating or irritating the skin (especially the likes of vitamin C or retinol). And by following this order, not only is it easy to incorporate it into your routine – you get better penetration of the product.

The effectiveness of our skincare also depends on how they are used. And in the specific case of eye cream, the way it is applied does make a difference – largely to do with the fact it’s a very sensitive area. Dr Jiménez advises using only the equivalent of a grain of rice for each eye, and when applying it, it is essential to do so gently, both under the eye and on the upper eyelid, and always from the outside towards the inner corner.

The dermatologist-approved eye cream

With a wealth of eye creams on the market, Dr Jiménez advises to look for products with a light and moisturising texture, which contain active ingredients like niacinamide, hydrolysed collagen and micropeptides. The dermatologist also confirms that it requires patience to see results, given the area is so delicate and potent products should therefore be avoided.