The eyes are the window to the soul,” as the saying goes. Yet as well as communicating what we’re thinking and feeling, they can also reveal clues about our age, lifestyle and health – presented as some of the most common eye concerns, including puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.
The good news is that today’s eye cream and serum formulations can go a long way to address those issues when used as part of a daily skincare routine. Many products do more than simply hydrate the area around the eyes; next-generation formulas work harder and smarter, combining science-backed ingredients with skincare tech.
However, is it really necessary to invest in a dedicated eye cream, I hear you ask? In short: yes. Face serums can be too potent and moisturisers too heavy for use around the delicate eye area, and doing so could see you make your eye concerns worse.
Skincare experts agree on one thing: if you’re looking for an effective eye cream or serum, pick one that is made up of hard-working, science-backed ingredients that target your particular concerns. Retinoids, for example, are key players for fine lines, wrinkles or discoloration and are best known for their anti-ageing benefits. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and are generally prescription-strength. Retinol and retinal are milder types of retinoid and tend to be available as off-the-shelf products.
“Retinoids prompt surface skin cells to turn over quickly, making way for fresh skin underneath,” says Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor. “It helps to slow the breakdown of collagen and thickens the deeper layer of skin to help prevent wrinkles.”
If dark circles are a problem, then you need to start by identifying their cause. “Dark circles may be caused by the appearance of blood vessels under the thin skin,” says Dr Miriam Adebibe, cosmetic and regenerative doctor. “Working on collagen production and skin thickness can reduce them.”
Shadows beneath the eyes can also be the result of an accumulation of melanin, which causes pigmentation. In this case, Adebibe and Hawkes agree that reaching for a formula with skin-brightening powerhouse vitamin C would be the best bet. It’s a powerful antioxidant, which when paired with SPF can even protect the area from ageing in the first place.
Puffiness is another common concern, and I’ve had great success with caffeine eye creams to reduce my undereye bags. By constricting blood vessels and decreasing inflammation, caffeine creates a temporary tightening effect, making the skin beneath the eyes look fresher.
We shouldn’t forget hydration, which is crucial for overall skin health. Consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed name-drops hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide as some of her favourite ingredients for maintaining moisture in this delicate area.
