From uneven skin tone to fine lines on the neck, there seems to be a specialized cream for any and every concern. In fact, there are so many options that determining which is a beauty must versus a waste of money can be a little overwhelming. However, something most skin professionals can agree on is the benefit of finding a great eye moisturizer.
From when to start to how much to apply, Refinery29 recently tackled the eye cream obsession. Here’s what we found out.
Why is eye cream so important?
We all get older and eventually develop fine lines and wrinkles due to the loss of two key ingredients for healthy, youthful skin: collagen and elastin. When our reserves of these two key skin-boosting proteins are diminished, we see a depletion in skin moisture, firmness, and that youthful glow.
This is especially true for the delicate skin around your eyes—and that’s why it’s so important to moisturize and protect the area. But, because the skin near your eyes is ultra-thin and sensitive, smearing your daily moisturizer right on up to the edge of your eyelashes is not a great choice. Enter the dedicated eye cream, with options ranging from products that help reduce post-late-night dark circles to those that target fine lines—there’s truly something for every concern.
Think you’d still prefer the simplicity of a one-and-done moisturizing plan? There’s another good reason to get on the eye cream bandwagon: eye products are typically thicker, so they “move around” less. This ensures your eye area gets adequate nourishment without having products seriously irritate your eyes.
The best time to start taking care of your skin was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
When should you start using eye cream?
Eye cream has a place in nearly everyone’s skincare routine and can be a great preventative measure. That being said, don’t fret if you’ve never touched a tube of it in your life—you can start benefiting as soon as you begin. Here’s our take on an old Chinese proverb to get the point across: “The best time to start taking care of your skin was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Here are some guidelines for incorporating eye cream into your regimen, plus a few of our product recommendations:
- In your 20s: It’s easy to put off anti-aging skincare in your 20s. Wrinkles? Pfft! That’s years away! But if you want to look younger than everyone else in 10 years, start using a medical-grade eye cream stat. In your early twenties, focus on hydration and switch to something that contains retinol as you get closer to the big 3-0.
Our recommendation: NeoCutis Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream
- In your 30s: Wrinkles and fine lines begin to make their appearance in your thirties. Look for eye creams that encourage collagen production and are marketed specifically for reducing the appearance of lines.
Our recommendation: NeoCutis Lumiere Riche Eye Balm
- In your 40s and beyond: It may seem like a lost cause if fine lines and wrinkles have already become part of your face, but a great eye cream can still help. Advanced, medical-grade products can help soften wrinkles while also delaying the arrival of new lines. If you want to see results more quickly, BOTOX or a resurfacing treatment can help speed things along.
Our recommendation: SkinMedica’s TNS Eye Repair
While we encourage everyone to consider medical-grade products for their safety and clinically proven results, we understand that they can seem a little expensive as you’re “shopping around.” Refinery29’s product recommendations may have some merits, but the problem is, you won’t know what really works for your skin without costly experimentation. Instead of wasting your time and money (and adding to your product graveyard), contact us for a free skincare consult. We have products at a range of price points and can match you up with the very best eye cream, SPF, cleansers and more for your skin.
Talk to your fave skincare expert
There is no bad time to start a proper skincare regimen—and the advice of an experienced professional (vs a department store employee or paid-for-placement product blogger) is the best way to ensure you’re on the right track. Our Skin & Laser Specialists at LJC have the experience plus all the latest technology to evaluate your skin and help address any concerns you have. We offer top-of-the-line San Diego skin treatments, including skincare products, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, injectable treatments, and more to help you look as young as you feel.
If you’re ready to find the best eye cream products for you or simply want a consultation to explore your options, contact us today. We would be glad to help you glow this holiday season!
