The delicate skin around your eyes is often the first to show signs of aging, like dryness, fine lines, and dark circles.
So, what does eye cream do? It targets early signs of aging, hydrates, brightens, and protects the eye area.
Eye cream might seem like just another skincare product, but it is especially important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
This article will cover what eye cream actually does and why it is an essential part of a skincare routine.
The Importance of Eye Cream
The eyes are typically the first parts of the body to show signs of aging.
That is because the skin around your eyes is different compared to the rest of your face.
The skin around your eyes is about ten times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face.
Unlike the thicker skin on your cheeks or forehead, the under-eye area has fewer oil glands, which means it is more susceptible to dehydration.
That is why it requires special care to keep it hydrated, firm, and youthful.
Fortunately, there are natural eye creams formulated with plant-based ingredients to provide benefits to the under-eye area.
Benefits of Using Eye Cream
Using an eye cream offers multiple benefits for the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Eye creams, like our Brightwave Eye Cream, hydrates, fights signs of aging, brightens, protects, and reduces puffiness.
Hydration
Have you ever woken up with dry, flaky skin around your eyes?
Eye creams are designed to lock in moisture, preventing dryness and keeping your skin plump and smooth.
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid work wonders by attracting and retaining water in the skin.
This ensures that the delicate area around your eyes stays hydrated and healthy throughout the day.
Anti-Aging
The use of anti-aging eye creams can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients such as retinol and peptides encourage cell turnover and boost collagen production, which helps to firm the skin and reduce signs of aging.
This makes the skin around your eyes look more youthful and smooth.
Brightening
Dark circles can make you look more tired and older than you really are.
Eye creams like Brightwave often contain brightening ingredients like vitamin C and caffeine, which help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and promote an even skin tone.
Regular use of these creams can give your eyes a more rested and youthful appearance.
Protection
Environmental damage can take a toll on the delicate skin around your eyes.
Antioxidants in eye creams protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV rays.
Additionally, these creams can strengthen the skin barrier, making it more resistant to external aggressors and keeping the skin looking healthy and vibrant.
Picture it as a shield that guards your skin against the environmental hazards of daily life.
Reduces Puffiness
Some eye creams target puffiness, which can be caused by fluid retention or allergies.
Eye creams typically contain ingredients like caffeine to help reduce puffiness and leave you looking less puffy.
Key Ingredients in Eye Cream
Some key ingredients you will likely find in an eye cream include hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides, antioxidants, ceramides, glycerin, caffeine, and niacinamide.
REMINDER: You do not necessarily need a product with every single ingredient listed here. Think of it as a guide! Different eye creams target different concerns.
Hyaluronic Acid
Due to its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in many eye creams.
It works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, keeping the delicate area around your eyes hydrated and plump.
This reduces the appearance of fine lines and leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Retinol
Retinol is well-known for its anti-aging benefits.
This ingredient encourages cell turnover, which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol makes the skin around your eyes look more youthful and radiant by smoothing and improving its texture.
Peptides
Peptides are essential for firming skin and boosting collagen production.
These short chains of amino acids signal the skin to produce more collagen, which helps to firm and strengthen the skin.
Using eye creams with peptides can reduce sagging and make the skin around your eyes appear tighter and more youthful.
Antioxidants (Vitamin C)
Antioxidants such as vitamin C are crucial in brightening the skin and protecting it against free radical damage.
These ingredients help to reduce dark spots and promote an even skin tone.
Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays.
Ceramides
Ceramides help to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
They prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from external irritants, keeping the eye area hydrated and protected.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps to keep the eye area hydrated, smooth, and supple.
Glycerin complements hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep your under eyes dewy.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to brighten the skin and improve its elasticity.
It reduces the appearance of dark circles and helps to even out skin tone, making the eye area look more radiant and youthful.
Caffeine
Caffeine helps lessen puffiness and dark circles on your under eyes.
It constricts blood vessels, which can reduce swelling and make the skin around your eyes look more awake and refreshed.
How to Apply Eye Cream Correctly
Applying eye cream correctly makes all the difference! Follow these steps to maximize benefits and avoid irritation.
- Cleanse Your Face - Use cleansers to start with a clean face and remove any dirt or makeup.
- Use a Pea-Sized Amount - You only need a small amount of eye cream for both eyes. Too much can clog your pores and cause tiny white bumps.
- Warm it Up (Optional) - Gently rub the cream between your ring fingers to warm it up slightly. This can help your skin absorb it better.
- Gently Pat Around the Eyes - Avoid rubbing the delicate skin around your eyes, as it can cause irritation and damage. Instead, apply eye cream using a gentle patting motion.
- Apply in the Morning and Night - Apply eye cream twice daily for best results. If applying in the morning, let the cream fully absorb before applying concealer or makeup.
NOTE: If you experience any irritation, when using an eye cream, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions related to the function of eye creams.
What Age Should You Start Using Eye Cream?
Dermatologists generally recommend starting to use eye cream in your early 20s. While you may not see wrinkles or fine lines yet, preventative care is key.
Start early to keep your eyes looking youthful longer.
Can I Use Regular Moisturizer as Eye Cream?
Regular moisturizers, while hydrating, might be too heavy or lack the specific ingredients needed for the delicate and thin skin around the eye area.
Eye creams are specifically formulated to be gentle and effective. They more effectively address concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines than regular moisturizers.
How Often Should You Apply Eye Cream?
For best results, include applying eye cream in your skincare routine twice daily — once in the morning and again at night — after cleansing your face.
Consistent use helps maintain hydration, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and keeps the skin around your eyes looking fresh and youthful.
Key Takeaways on What Does Eye Cream Do
Incorporating an eye cream into your skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy and youthful skin around your eyes.
Here is a quick recap to remind you why it deserves a spot in your routine.
- Hydration: Keeps the skin moisturized and plump.
- Anti-aging: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Brightening: Lightens dark circles and evens skin tone.
- Protection: Shields against environmental damage and supports the skin barrier.
Choosing the right eye cream, such as Kinship's Brightwave Eye Cream, can address specific concerns and enhance your overall skincare routine.
Remember, the delicate skin around your eyes deserves special care to stay healthy and youthful.