The skin around the eyes is much thinner than the rest of the face which is why using an eye cream is important. If a cream is too thick, it can cause the area to become puffy. We all have different concerns when it comes to the eyes so here’s a few tips on how to treat the three most common ones.
Lines and wrinkles
The Cause
The eye area is usually the first area to show lines and wrinkles. The two main reasons for this are that the epidermis is around 5 times thinner around the eyes than the face, meaning it is much more delicate and subject to damage. Secondly the eyes are subject to continuous muscle contractions (we blink around 20,000 times a day on average) causing expression lines.
What to look for in an Eye Cream
When choosing your eye product for lines and wrinkles, look for ingredients that work to boost collagen and elastin production within the skin. Note this is different to ingredients that contain collagen. It’s very difficult to create collagen in a molecule small enough to penetrate the skin. It’s the production of collagen and elastin that will help to reinforce the fibrous tissue and in turn plump out lines and wrinkles.
Tip
Lines and wrinkles can also be caused by dehydration (inside and out) so make sure you’re drinking enough water as well as using an eye cream that hydrates the skin.
Our recommendation: Anti-wrinkle Eye Duo
Bags, puffiness and dark circles
The Cause
Bags, puffiness and dark circles are most commonly caused by poor circulation around the eye area. When we’re tired or stressed, sympathetic nerves are activated which constrict the blood vessels. This slows down blood circulation causing it to build up underneath the eyes and make the skin appear dark.
What to look for in an Eye Cream
Ingredients that stimulate micro-circulation are essential for helping to improve the problem long term.
Tip
Keep a spoon in the freezer with cling film wrapped around it. When your eye area flares up, take it out, unwrap the cling film and place the spoon on the eye area. This is great for when you wake up with puffy eyes.
Our Recommendation: Repair Progress Eye Serum Or Hydrating Vitamin C Eye Cream
Loose and Sagging Skin
Unfortunately our skin is constantly in a battle with gravity and as we age features start to sag. When the skin’s support structure becomes weak the eyelids start to sag causing hooded eye lids and loss of definition of the features.
What to look for in an Eye Cream
Look for an eye cream that works to rebuild the skin’s support structure in order to help lift and volumise the skin. Products that target the whole eye area including the eye lids (rather than just underneath) will also give you much more noticeable results.
Tip
When applying eye cream, avoid dragging the skin or rubbing in the product as this damaging the skin and causes further sagging. Apply with your ring finger by gently tapping the cream around the eye socket.
Our Recommendation: Firming Eye Contour Cream
