What is an Eye Cream and Do You Need One?

Eye cream is a topical treatment applied to the area surrounding and underneath the eyes. It usually contains beneficial ingredients that soothe, hydrate or reduce puffiness around this sensitive area. Eye creams are formulated with active ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and vitamins to work effectively on wrinkles, dark circles, and other problems of aging skin.

However, you do not have to wait until your 40s to start picking that eye cream in your beauty shop. Here, we answer all your questions about eye cream to help you choose the best product for you.

At what age should I start using eye cream?

Eye creams with anti-aging ingredients can be used to boost your skin’s radiance and combat the visible signs of aging (fine lines, dark circles, puffiness or bags under the eyes) at any age. People in their 20s may have different eye cream needs from those who are in their 40s or 50s.

If you are still in your early 20s, it’s best to avoid eye creams containing retinol or vitamin K, as they are too strong for your eye area. It’s also best to choose an eye cream with soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera so that your skin will not have any adverse reactions afterward.

When in your early 20s, the main concern is preventing future wrinkles and damage from free radicals. In fact, sufficient and constant moisture with sun protection can already help you avoid the premature appearance of wrinkles, especially in your eye area.

Why are eye cream tubes small?  

A tube of eye cream usually lasts only for six to eight weeks. However, many consumers are still hesitant to splurge on it because of smaller containers and high prices. Eye creams often come in small packages because you actually will need a very minimal amount for every application. A pea-sized amount of eye cream is already enough to cover the entire area. This also allows consumers to try more products without wasting their money.

Eye creams also have smaller packaging because they don’t contain as many chemicals as other facial creams and thus do not irritate the skin or cause skin sensitivity issues.

When should I apply eye cream in my routine?

Eye creams are light enough to be applied before your facial moisturizer. This would mean that you must apply your eye cream after cleansing and toning but before applying your usual day or night cream, depending on the time of day. If you have dry skin, it’s best to apply a hydrating eye cream in the morning and anti-aging cream for your nighttime routine.

What does an eye cream do anyway? 

Eye creams are formulated to work on dark circles, under-eye bags and wrinkles. Anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, vitamin K or peptides plump up the undereye area for a firmer appearance. Ingredients that help reduce puffiness include caffeine and aloe vera. They also contain a great amount of moisturizing agents to prevent the eye area from drying, which is often a precursor to wrinkles.

What are eye cream alternatives?

If you are not yet ready for eye cream, you can actually use your existing moisturizer to keep the eye area hydrated. If you are using serums in your routine, you can also pat them carefully in your eye area so it gets the same benefit as the rest of your face. For puffiness, the good old cold cucumber patch and or even ice rollers will help. However, there is no sure way to permanently reducing eye puffiness.

Eye creams are recommended for use in early 20s or before visible aging signs appear. If you choose to go with anti-aging eye cream, think of it as prevention rather than cure. Use products that target your specific concerns so while they may have a higher price tag, you can be sure they contain the ingredients that will address your specific skin concern.

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