When should you start using an Eye Cream?

Our customers often ask at what age should they start using an eye cream?

As a rule of thumb we always say that when it comes to skincare, the earlier the better. Many people start using eye cream in their 30s — when they start noticing the first subtle crease on the outer corner of their eyes — but even before you see a wrinkle, you can start as early as your 20s. That’s because the best results come from prevention.

If you have extremely dry skin, noticeable dark circles, chronically puffy eyes or other eye-specific issues, you want to take care of your eyes no matter what your age.

Do you really need eye cream if you use a facial moisturizer?

A lot of people wonder why an eye cream is even necessary in the first place. After all, can’t you use your regular moisturizer around your eyes? You can, but eye creams are specially formulated to tend to the skin around your eyes, which is very different from the rest of your visage.

The skin around your eyes is ten times thinner than your face. As you can imagine, that means it is that much more delicate, which means it can crease and dry out a lot more quickly. Plus, it’s that much more vulnerable to environmental aggressors (think harsh winds and UV rays).

Your eye-area skin does not enjoy as much natural moisture from sebum (oil). Oil, even though it might be a hassle for those who struggle with constant blemishes, is one of your skin’s best anti-aging features since it keeps your skin healthy and smooth. Your eye area doesn’t have enough of it, so it’s up to you to provide plentiful moisture.

Since the eye area is so fragile, it’s typically the first part that manifests the signs of aging. As we get older and all the wiser, skin in general starts weakening in structure. It loses elasticity (the quality that makes youthful skin “bouncy”) and collagen begins to slowly break down, which causes sagging and wrinkles. Not only does this come naturally with age, but both internal and external factors like hormones, weather/climate, pollution, smoking, poor diet and sun damage expedite these changes. All of these changes show on your eyes first.

Your eye area is in constant motion and endures a lot of strain every day. Think about how often your eyes move throughout the day. You blink around 10,000 times each day, and when you smile, frown, cry or squint the skin around eyes get “tugged” around. Let’s not forget all the times you rub your eyes, put on and remove makeup and insert contact lenses. Compare that to, say, your forehead, which pretty much get left alone all day as long as you’re not touching them. All these movements contribute to the development of the dreaded crow’s feet around the eyes.

What do eye creams specifically do?

Eye creams are specially formulated to deliver anti-aging benefits while respecting the delicate nature of the eye region. Since the formula is so close to the actual eye, they are created to ensure you get all the hydration and protection you need while minimizing chances of any irritation.

All great eye creams will include potent antioxidants, which are important to help defend your skin from expedited aging caused by UV rays and other environmental influences. Your eye cream should at the very least consist of a form of Vitamin A (or Retinol), which is one of the most extensively studied ingredients in skin care for its skin-renewing, age-defying benefits.