What Does Eye Cream Do? The Surprising Truth

When it comes to skin care and eye cream debate, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions floating around. However, it's no secret that it's a popular beauty product.

Many women and beauty enthusiasts swear by it and use it religiously to keep their skin looking young and healthy.

But what does eye cream do? Is it really just a glorified moisturizer and eye treatment, or does it have unique properties that make it worth the extra expense?

If you want to take your skin care routine seriously and you think eye cream is a necessary step for the appearance of fine lines and dark circles, you'll want to read on.

Let's look at the science behind eye cream and find out what it can really do for your skin!

What is Eye Cream?

Eye cream is a type of face cream specifically designed to be applied around the eye area. It is often thicker and more concentrated than regular moisturizers, as the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than other areas of the face.

The primary purpose of eye cream is to hydrate and protect the skin around the eyes. Some brands even claim to reduce puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles and protect the delicate skin from sun damage.

Most eye creams also contain ingredients that can help to brighten the area around the eyes, making you look more awake and refreshed.

Does Eye Cream Really Work?

The evidence on whether or not eye cream works is mixed. Some studies have found that it provides sun protection and can effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and other signs of aging in your eye area, while others have shown that it doesn't make a difference.

It seems that the effectiveness of eye cream depends on the individual product and what ingredients it contains.

So if you're looking for a specific benefit (like reducing wrinkles and dark circles), it might be worth doing some research to find out which products are most likely to help.

That being said, even if eye cream doesn't have a profound effect on skin's firmness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, it can still be a valuable part of your skincare regimen.

One clear thing is that eye cream is very hydrating and can help under eye circles at bay and keep the delicate skin around your eye area looking healthy and hydrated. 

What are the Pros of Adding Eye Cream to Your Skincare Routine?

You know that your eye area can always use some extra TLC, so why not give it a boost with eye cream?

The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest areas on your body, so it's more susceptible to damage. Eye creams are formulated to nourish and hydrate even your eyelid skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Here are some other eye cream benefits that you can check in the pros column!

1. Hydration

One of the best parts about using eye cream is that it can help you maintain your youthfulness while hydrating your skin at the same time. It's like having two benefits in one!

2. Protection

Eye creams can help rejuvenate skin and protect the area from UV rays that lead to fine lines, crow's feet, and premature aging. They also shield the skin from air pollutants and environmental stressors that can make you look older and withered.

3. Reduced puffiness 

Undereye puffiness and bags can make you look tired and older, especially if you don't always get adequate sleep. Eye creams can help reduce the appearance of puffed-up skin, making you look more awake and refreshed.

4. Brightening properties

If you have dark circles, an eye cream with caffeine can help constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of discoloration.

5. Increased collagen production

Collagen is a protein that helps to keep the skin looking youthful and elastic. Eye creams can help stimulate collagen production, which can slow down signs of aging.

6. Easier makeup application

The skin around your eyes is often relatively thin and can be challenging to apply makeup to. Eye creams can help create a smoother surface and make it easier to apply your eye makeup.

7. Even skin tone

Dark circles, thin skin, dark shadows, and discoloration around your eyes can result from many things, including allergies, lack of sleep, and aging. 

If you have dark circles or other discoloration around your eyes, eye cream can help to even out your skin tone.

8. Anti-aging properties

Stress and other environmental aggressors can lead to premature aging. 

Eye creams that contain ingredients like retinol or vitamin A can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and repair aging skin by promoting cell turnover in your skin, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.

9. Reduced inflammation

If you have sensitive skin, you might find that the skin around your eyes is especially prone to inflammation and fluid buildup.  

Eye creams can help soothe the skin, which can be helpful if you have a history of allergies or eczema.

10. All-in-one solution

Rather than using multiple products to take care of free radical damage and other issues around your eyes, eye cream can act as an all-in-one solution. 

This can be helpful if you're looking for a quick and easy way to improve the appearance of your eye area. Perfect for on-the-go!

What are the Cons of Adding Eye Cream to Your Skincare Routine?

Now that we've looked at some of the potential benefits of eye cream, let's look at some of the drawbacks.

There might be a plethora of advantages, but there are also a few cons you should be aware of.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you're considering adding an eye cream to your skincare regimen:

1. Eye cream is not a miracle worker.

If you expect it to dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging, you might be disappointed.   

Eye creams can help improve the appearance of your under eye area, but it's not a one-time cure. 

2. Not all eye creams are created equal. 

Some eye creams contain more powerful ingredients (like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid) than others, so it's essential to do your research and find one that will be most effective for your skin. 

Find an eye cream that is tailored to your specific skin type, especially if you have delicate skin. Otherwise, you might end up with an ineffective product that does more harm than good.

3. Eye cream can be expensive. 

Depending on the brand you choose, eye cream can be a bit more pricey than other skincare products. 

But that doesn't mean you have to shell out hundreds of dollars for the best eye creams on the market. There are plenty of high-quality, affordable options available.

Do your research and find one that fits your needs and your budget.

4. It takes time to see results. 

Like any other skincare product, eye cream takes time to work and treat dark circles. You won't see results overnight, so be patient! 

It can take a few weeks or even months to see the full effects of eye cream. Even then, you need to be consistent with your application to maintain the results.

5. It can be difficult to apply. 

Your undereye area is delicate, so it can be easy to accidentally tug or pull when you're applying eye cream. 

Be gentle and take your time applying your eye cream to avoid any irritation.

What Should You Look for in Eye Cream Ingredients?

When shopping for eye cream, paying attention to the ingredients is essential. As we mentioned, not all eye creams are created equally, so find one that's specifically formulated to contain ingredients that can give optimal benefits to your skin.

Here are some of the best ingredients to look for in an eye cream:

• Vitamin B3 -  An essential vitamin that helps maintain moisture and even skin tone.

• Retinol -  A powerful active that helps depuff, firm, and plump the skin while fighting skin discoloration.

• Squalane - A highly effective moisturizing ingredient for all skin types because it mimics the skin's natural oils.

• Aloe Vera - Helps keep the delicate under eye skin smooth and elastic. It also repairs damaged skin barriers.

• Hyaluronic Acid - Adds volume to the skin and stimulates collagen production for even, smoother skin.

• Vitamin C - Effectively lightens scars, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, puffinesand dark circles. Vitamin C (like vitamin E) is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals as well.

• Green Tea - Aids in reducing inflammation and puffiness, keeping the skin around the eyes looking young and fresh.

• Peptides -  Provides a tightening and lifting effect to your undereye area by facilitating skin cell repair and rejuvenation.

• Caffeine - A powerful antioxidant that restores, tightens, and firms the skin. 

How to Choose the Right Eye Cream for You

Now that you know what to look for in an eye cream, it's time to start shopping! But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?  

First, consider your skin type. If you have dry and aging skin, look for an eye cream with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane. 

Choose an oil-free eye cream that won't clog your pores for those with oily or acne-prone skin. 

If you have sensitive skin, look for an eye cream that is fragrance-free and contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

If you're suffering from hyperpigmentation and discoloration, amino acids and vitamin C is your best friend.

Second, read reviews from a skincare expert or other people with the same skin type as yours. See what they loved (and didn't love) about a particular product before making your decision.

Third, patch test and find a trial size to test out before committing to a full-size product. Don't be afraid to experiment! Trying out new skincare products can be a lot of fun, and it can help you avoid products causing irritation.

Finally, set a budget and stick to it. There's no need to break the bank just to get your hands on a good eye cream, so find one that fits your budget without compromising quality.

The Takeaway

If you want to improve the appearance of your under-eye area, eye cream is a wonderful addition to your skincare regimen. Just remember to do your research, read reviews, and find a product that fits both your needs and your budget. 

Consult a board certified dermatologist

And most importantly, be patient! It takes time to see results with any skincare product, so give your eye cream a few weeks (or even months) to work its magic.