Eye contour cream: Do we need it or not?

The first signs of age usually appear around the eyes. Therefore, redoubled care is needed. Even because the skin around the eyes is 5 times thinner than the skin of the rest of the face. This means that the eye contour is more prone to dehydration, and consequently the age signs become more visible. But is it really necessary to use an “eye contour cream”?

Eye creams often claim to have been formulated “especially” for the thin, sensitive skin around the eye contour. And that help to correct the puffiness, the dark circles and the sagging of the eyelids. But let’s face it, eye contour creams are not miracle workers. So we should adjust our expectations as to the intended effect.

Thinner and more sensitive

The skin around the eyes is actually thinner and more sensitive. But that does not mean that it is necessary to apply a different product on the eye contour. The skin (including the skin around the eyes) is sensitive, so it benefits from mild, fragrance-free and irritant-free products. That is why you should focus on products with antioxidants, renewing ingredients, calming and cellular regenerators, which make the skin healthier, with all the conditions for its renewal, restructuring of its barrier and production of collagen.

If you already use a gentle, fragrance-free, effective day, night or serum product for sensitive skin in your routine, then this product should meet all conditions to be applied also in the eye contour. Provided that the skin type on the eye contour is the same as the rest of the face.

Eye Contour Type: Dry!

If your skin around the eyes is drier than the skin on your face then you need a more emollient product. In this case, an eye contour cream can be a plus in your daily routine. This is because the moisturizer you are using on your skin may not be sufficiently emollient to meet the hydration and nourishment needs of the eye contour. But this does not mean that the cream has to be heavy and greasy! A light but moisturizing cream is sufficient.

Eye Bags and Dark Circles

Eye bags are always a sensitive subject. And usually placed in the same “bag” with regard to eye contour creams. But not all puffiness need a eye contour cream. Just as not all eye contours for puffiness solve this concern.

If you suffer from eye bags caused by the accumulation of fat cells in the eyelids, which with age decay, it will be important to know that no cream can solve this situation. The best option is to consult a dermatologist and approach an aesthetic solution.

If your bags result from fluid retention or because you sleep very little, then a soothing and decongestant cream may help. But to see drastic changes, in addition to eye contour cream, sleep better, drink lots of water, reduce alcohol intake and eat less salt, are measures to adopt.

On the other hand, if the swelling of the eyelids is a result of skin irritation, or sun exposure, a good repair cream can improve the condition of the skin.

As for dark circles, it is possible to improve their appearance. During the day, always use a cream (or eye contour cream) with sun protection. Ideally associate a morning and evening care with ingredients that inhibit the production of melanin. This will improve the skin tone and can make a big difference.
You may read more about puffy eyes here.

Sagging and Wrinkles

A good anti-aging face cream is equally good for eye contour skin. But you should always observe the application instructions. Anti-aging creams, whether face or specific eye contour, should be applied to the bony area around the eye, not the eyelids. So a good face cream can be applied up to the eye contour. However, here it is necessary to adjust expectations. While a firming cream can effectively enhance facial skin, unfortunately it will never be able to exert such a tensor effect, which elevates the drooping eyelids.

The Importance of Packing

The packaging of any cream should always be opaque and preferably hermetic. If the product is exposed to air or light, the effectiveness of its ingredients is reduced. So avoiding care in pots is essential.

SPF the extra ingredient

Just as using a sunscreen daily on the face is critical to preventing premature aging, extending this concern to the eye contour is vital! Especially if you already suffer from eye bags, dark circles or eyelid sagging. Remember that these problems will worsen with daily exposure to the sun. Always use a sunscreen cream SPF 30 or higher. Preferably with physical filters such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which provide immediate protection after application.

If your cream or eye contour cream does not have SPF in its formulation, no problem. Apply a concealer or makeup base with SPF over the eye cream.

Concluding…

Eye care is essential to prevent premature aging. However this does not mean that it is mandatory to add another product to your beauty routine. If your face moisturizer is a “good skincare”, it can be applied to the skin around the eyes. However, if the eye contour presents specific concerns (puffiness, dark circles, dryness) you should consider applying proper care to the problem to be treated. And never, but never forget the sunscreen.