The eyes are the windows to the soul—and they are also surrounded by the thinnest, most delicate skin on your face. As such, they need a little extra TLC.
We’re talking about eye cream, and if you think it can be swapped out for regular face moisturizer, or even skipped over altogether, it’s high time to reconsider. Or, maybe you think eye creams are necessary only for mature or aging skin, or after the first signs of aging (see: crow’s feet and crepiness) have begun to appear. Again here, it’s time to reconsider.
No matter your age, your skin type, or general skin concerns, a quality eye cream will serve you well. Because like most things pertaining to skin care—and life in general—prevention is key. Keep scrolling to learn more about exactly why and when you should start incorporating eye cream into your skincare routine (here’s a hint: ASAP!), plus dermatologist-backed tips for doing so.
THE ANATOMY OF YOUR SKIN
As mentioned, the skin surrounding your eyes is the thinnest of your entire face. It also contains the least amount of underlying oil glands, thus making it more susceptible to dryness and dehydration. Quick but important reminder: when dry skin stays dry for too long, things can spiral. Moisture loss can lead to a weakened skin barrier, which—in addition to things like eczema, acne, and psoriasis—can also make skin more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.
“As thinner skin is more delicate, it is even more important to support and strengthen the skin barrier to help prevent moisture loss,” explains NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. Summed up succinctly: “Although all skin may need moisture, thinner skin tends to show signs of dryness and other signs of aging sooner.”
In addition to being more prone to dryness and showing signs of aging, this thin skin can also more easily show what’s underneath. “As the skin is thinner, it can show the underlying blood vessels,” Dr. Garshick explains, “which can contribute to a bluish discoloration that can appear as dark circles.”
Applying a hydrating, plumping eye cream to the area can help fortify the skin barrier, and in turn, lessen the appearance of the bluish undertones. All of this is to say that your eye area is delicate, and delicate things need extra care. This is when a moisturizing, skin barrier-strengthening eye cream is beneficial.
CERTAIN INGREDIENTS DON’T BELONG NEAR YOUR EYES
You might be wondering why you can’t just apply some of your usual face moisturizer onto your eye area rather than invest in a separate product altogether, and the answer lies in ingredients.
“Some ingredients used in face creams may be too harsh for the thinner and more delicate skin around the eyes,” Dr. Garshick explains. “Eye creams are often formulated with different ingredients than face creams that are gentler on the skin.”
Though they are gentler, they are specifically effective for this area. Examples of such eye-area boosting ingredients include vitamin C, goji stem cell, moringa seed oil, and prickly pear—all of which are found in the Superberry Dream Eye Cream, and which visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate, and restore skin density—all while you sleep.
Put differently, eye creams are not just a marketing gimmick. Face and eye creams are two totally different products for a reason; they are each specifically formulated for use on specific areas of your face.
THE FINAL VERDICT:
Like most things in life, a good offense is your best defense. In other words, prevention will pay off in the long run, especially when it comes to eye cream. The best move? Incorporate an eye cream like the Dream Eye Cream into your daily skin care routine before you even notice any signs of aging—there really is no downside to doing so, whatever your age.
Written by Rebecca Dancer for Youth To The People
