19 Of The Best Eye Creams For Brighter, More Hydrated Eyes
Do eye creams work?
Yes, but not all products are made equal, which is where formulation and ingredients come in. For example, those packed with hyaluronic acid can certainly work to plump and hydrate, whereas those with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and SPF (an absolute must) will help to protect the skin. But it’s important to note that topical creams, no matter how potent the active ingredients, cannot stand in for sleep, water, and a healthy diet. Furthermore, as we age, our fat reserves deplete; this cannot be amended with a cream alone. In this instance, you may want to think about a treatment or something more invasive. However, an eye cream can help boost firmness and minimise lines, which contribute to the look of sagging skin. This is where your retinol comes in.
Does everyone need an eye cream?
If you are under the age of 30, it’s unlikely that you will require a targeted formula for your eyes, but even if you don’t suffer with dark circles, wrinkles or dryness, you may have other reasons for choosing to use an eye cream. “Many people, even without these specific concerns, may be prone to milia in this area,” explains Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe’s consultant dermatologist. “Milia are small, firm white bumps composed of trapped keratin, a protein found naturally within our skin. These may occur in the eye area due to occlusion from heavier skin care products, so in some cases, it may be necessary to use different, lighter products around the eyes to avoid them.”
What eye creams do dermatologists recommend?
Ask any expert, and the answer will always be those that use clinically proven ingredients. It’s why so many eye cream formulas contain ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, because they have years of clinical data attesting to their efficacy. That said, any expert you talk to will always recommend choosing ingredients in an eye cream formula that are based on your individual needs, so make sure you know what your goals are, whether it’s reducing fine lines, boosting hydration or diminishing dark circles. If you have more than one concern, then look out for a formula that uses a combination of several ingredients, like CeraVe’s Eye Renewing Cream. According to Dr Granite, it’s a multitasking product that contains peptides to boost collagen and elastin production, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier and skin hydration levels, niacinamide to soothe and caffeine to help improve microcirculation and puffiness.
Can eye cream reduce dark circles?
Just as a topical cream cannot fully fix the loss of fat, it can never completely erase dark circles either. Creams can, however, work to brighten their appearance, especially when used in conjunction with regular, gentle massage, plenty of water, sleep and a healthy diet. When it comes to ingredients to look for, vitamin K can help reduce the appearance of dark circles by strengthening blood vessel walls, preventing blood from pooling under the eyes, and dark circles from forming.
What to look for in an eye cream
The ingredients to look out for depend on your individual skin concern, but in general, ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol are good for addressing discolouration, texture and a loss of collagen, while formulations that star hydrators and humectants (think: hyaluronic acid, squalane and glycerin) are ideal for those with dry and sensitive eyes.
When should I start using eye cream?
“There is no perfect age to start using an eye cream,” says Dr Anjali Mahto. “But if there’s a certain eye concern that’s bothering you, for example, dryness around the eyes, then there is no reason not to start to hydrate and moisturise in your teens. Otherwise, for most people, incorporating one might be useful once they have a good routine in place, so twenties onwards for most.”
How to apply eye cream
The skin around your eyes is incredibly sensitive, so it’s important to be gentle. Which means no pulling, prodding, rubbing or dragging, but rather, tapping the skin and pressing the product in; tapping the product in also has the added benefit of gently boosting circulation around the eye area, adds Dr Granite. Use sparingly – a pea-sized amount is enough or as otherwise instructed. And don’t forget the brow bone.
How often should you apply eye cream?
It depends on the product. Most eye creams are suitable for everyday use, some can even be applied twice daily. “Most eye creams can be applied as often as you need,” shares Dr Ginni Mansberg. “Eye creams containing caffeine, which are excellent for combatting puffiness, will usually give you several hours of benefit, so you shouldn’t need them more than twice daily.” When it comes to products containing SPF, you might want to top up throughout the day, especially when in hotter climates.
Is it better to use eye cream at night or in the morning?
As a general rule, creams containing antioxidants and SPF are best used in the morning, advises Dr Williams, so that they can defend the skin against the day’s aggressors. Meanwhile, you’ll want to use your retinols and other collagen-stimulators in the evening.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Stefanie Williams is a specialist dermatologist and medical director at Eudelo
- Dr Anjali Mahto is a cosmetic and medical consultant dermatologist on Harley Street, and the author of The Skincare Bible
- Dr Ginni Mansberg is a general practitioner, author of multiple health books and the medical director of ESK Skincare
- Dr Alexis Granite is a consultant dermatologist and CeraVe’s consultant dermatologist