After reading this Beauty Product Junkies post and informally talking with a few friends, one thing is clear: Few people are clear on what eye creams do and whether you need them. So here are a few FAQs about eye cream. (If you have other questions, just leave a comment.)
Do I really need an eye cream?
Yes; to protect the delicate area around your eyes, you need to apply moisturizer every day.
Can't I just use my normal face cream?
Sure — it's up to you. The skin around your eyes isn't inherently different from the skin on, say, your cheeks. If you like your moisturizer, there's no reason not to use it near your eyes. Depending on your skin type, you may prefer (as I do) to use a separate eye cream. If you have oily skin, for instance, you may want a hydrating eye cream but a mattifying face lotion. But there's nothing holding you back from using the same moisturizer all over your skin.
To find out whether eye creams can eliminate your wrinkles, read more.
Eye creams can get rid of wrinkles, right?
Nope. No cream can actually eliminate existing wrinkles. If that were the case, people wouldn't try Botox, would they?
Crud. Well, what can they do, then?
A good eye cream keeps your skin moist, which minimizes the look of wrinkles and can hydrate skin — which, in turn, can reduce puffiness and prevent your skin from forming more wrinkles. An eye cream with glycolic acid can help exfoliate your skin, which will make crow's feet look less deep. Emollient creams with silicones or glycerin can create a smoother surface on the skin, which minimizes the look of wrinkles.
Also, keep an eye out for creams that brighten your skin superficially. Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream ($29.99) isn't just for the eyes (see? I told you!) but along with anti-aging amino acids, it contains mica particles that reflect light. It's just a cosmetic change, but it makes an immediate improvement in your appearance.
What else do I need to know?
A daytime eye cream — or any daytime facial moisturizer, for that matter — is worthless if it doesn't contain a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The best way to prevent wrinkles from forming around your eyes is to wear SPF 15 or 30 day in, day out. You can pile on a $300 eye cream each night, but if you're not using sunscreen in conjunction with it, you're throwing away your money.
Hudson
Catherine Malandrino
Galeries Lafayette
Yes, i just usually use my regular face creme. It's 100% organic and feels sooooo good on my eyes
1Hmm, so.. Is it possible to use both sunscreen and eye cream at the same time? One won't prevent the other from working? I've always been confused about this..
2Sunscreen is sooooooooooooo important.
3Bella, I have very thin skin around my eyes and so get darkish circles + blue veins. What type of eye creams will minimize this?
4I would never not use an eye cream!
5eye creams are thicker and more absorbent than face moisturizer. I really helps when you are tried and not well rested.
6I just got into the eye cream regimine. I figure at 23, I should start early trying to prevent wrinkles.
7I just started using eye creams too. I'm pretty young, but I figured it's never too early to start.
8Also, wear some freaking sunglasses so you arent squinting and creating MORE crows feet! And stay out of the sun.
9Eye cream is definitely a part of my nightly regime.
10Thank you! I've been using an ultra-hydrating face moisturizer around my eyes but wasn't sure if I should be using something more advanced; with all the pricey creams out there, I don't know what's what. I'm not trying to eliminate anything, just prevent!
11I have several eye creams that I use, trying to find the one I like best. I apply one each day, along with sunscreen, even if I do nothing else.
12alliallialli, you can use both -- the sunscreen won't "counteract" the eye cream and vice versa.
Sporty11, unfortunately, eye creams can't get rid of your circles. What they can do is hydrate your skin, which will help your skin look plumper. I would work on getting 8 hours of sleep every night, eating lots of fruits/vegetables, generally living healthy — and of course, finding a good concealer.
13I used a Clinique eye cream for a while and didn't notice any difference around my eyes. On the other hand, I have ridiculously oily skin so not sure I need help keeping anything on my face "moist."
14That's pretty interesting. I've never considered using an eye cream until just recently. Guess I'll have to start looking!
15I use Aveeno eye brightening cream, but i'm looking to get a new one when this one runs out. I've never seen one with SPF. Guess i'll put on my sunscreen before the eye cream.
16Is sunscreen really necessary if you live in a colder climate?
17Yes!
18I heard using normal moisturizers around the eye area can give you something called milia seeds. is that true?
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