Skincare Basics: Eye Creams & Serums
Is eye cream really necessary? When you already have a moisturizer for your face, it may seem a little pointless to have an eye cream or serum too. Turns out, the delicate skin around your eyes does need some extra attention, as advised by skincare experts. Not only will caring for your under-eyes now lead to less problematic under-eyes later on, certain creams and serums can target specific concerns. From lifting dark circles to softening fine lines, it is possible for you to attain bright under-eyes with the right serum.
Let’s take a closer look at what eye creams and serums do, and if you really need them.
WHY YOU NEED AN UNDER-EYE SKINCARE ROUTINE
Firstly, it’s important to understand why the skin under your eyes requires just as much attention, if not more, as your face.
“The skin around the eyes is thinner and shows signs of aging more quickly than other areas of the face do. This thinness makes it more delicate, vulnerable and prone to allergic reactions than other facial skin,” says Dr. Craig Kraffert, board-certified dermatologist.
Even just everyday movements like squinting or smiling can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. And of course, we can’t forget the obvious youth-stealing demons: smoking and sun exposure. They also contribute to wrinkle formation. Then there’s the factor of your under eyes lacking oil production.
“Thin and lacking the support of underlying fat, skin around the eyes has virtually no sebaceous glands and is highly vulnerable to dryness and sagging,” explains Dr. Stefanie Williams, specialist dermatologist. Finding the best eye cream for you is way more important than you ever expected.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EYE CREAM AND EYE SERUM?
Whereas an eye cream provides moisture and moisture only, an eye serum can target specific issues like pigmentation and wrinkles. Experts recommend using both in small doses to reap each one’s benefits.
Known to penetrate deeper into the skin, serums offer more benefits in the long term. Still, it’s important not to miss out the moisturizing step as a lack of hydration is what causes under-eye wrinkles.
For best results, try incorporating both an eye serum and a cream into your daily skincare regimen. It’ll keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay, while banishing dark circles and other pigmentation that might be bothering you.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR
To get the best bang for your buck, choose ingredients that are known for treating your area of concern. For instance, caffeine helps shrink under-eye bags by reducing inflammation and constructing blood vessels. Peptides increase collagen production, promoting plumper, more youthful skin. Then there’s hyaluronic acid – the leader in hydration and an ingredient that’s essential for locking in moisture.
Many skincare experts recommend choosing an eye cream that contains retinol, a derivative of vitamin A. Besides fighting aging, retinol has been used for over 3,000 years to help address various health concerns. It’s also worth looking for eye skin products that contain vitamin C to strengthen the skin and protect it against free radical damage.
YOUR UNDER-EYE CONCERNS, BANISHED
Puffiness
Under-eye puffiness is a common concern that’s the result of fluid build-up which causes swelling under your eyes. Numerous factors can cause under-eye puffiness, including allergies and sinuses, sleep deprivation, alcohol, and diet. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, or cucumber which will help hydrate the skin and reduce swelling.
Try Truly’s Eye Candy Anti-Puff Eye Cream. It’s 100% vegan and formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and sea kelp to reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and revive tired eyes. Apply a small amount around the eye area, both morning and night.
Fine Lines
Because the eye area is much thinner than the rest of your skin, it is prone to aging faster than other areas of your face. Between that and constant muscle action (think blinking, winking, and smiling), your under-eyes need a little extra TLC to keep them fine line-free. Opt for collagen-building ingredients like retinol to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkle under your eyes.
Truly’s Vegan Collagen Serum is an excellent choice for your daily under-eye serum. Thanks to its retinol, vegan collagen, and vitamin C combination, it’ll help brighten, resurface, and reduce the appearance of fine lines to improve overall smoothness. Apply one to two drops beneath the eyes. For best results, use morning and night.
Dark Circles
If you have an issue with discoloration around the eyes, it could be down to a number of things, from heredity to sun exposure, stress to smoking. Look for an eye cream or serum that contains vitamins C and K which will help combat skin discoloration. If you can, try to find light-reflecting ingredients that will instantly brighten those dark circles beneath your peepers.
Wake up your peepers with Truly’s Mary Jane Glow Serum. Packed with caffeine, vitamin A, and CBD, this special formula delivers powerful antioxidants to wake up and brighten your skin. As for those dark circles under your eyes? Goodbye!
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR EYES YOUTHFUL AND BEAMING
Besides making eye cream and serum part of your daily skincare regimen, it’s also worth keeping a few other tips in mind to keep your eyes looking fabulous.
For starters, store your eye cream and serum in the refrigerator. The coolness will soothe tired eyes and lessen any puffiness.
Next, apply eye cream under your makeup to make it look smoother and dewier, rather than emphasizing your lines – which heavy makeup tends to do.
As for some DIY eye skincare tips, try the old-fashioned cucumber slices trick. Cucumber is known for its cooling effects, which is why it’s an excellent tip for bringing down swelling. You could also try wrapping an ice cube in a towel and applying it under your eyes for 5 minutes.
So you can see that eye creams and serums really are worth the investment. Whether you suffer from puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines, a good old eye serum can soothe current issues and prevent future ones from worsening or cropping up.