Eye Cream

How to Choose an Eye Cream

A beauty treatment most modern women would never do without, eye cream is available in hundreds of different formations. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming, but there are some general things to look for. Any eye cream you choose should provide moisture without weighing skin down -- heavy creams can block the pores around the eye and contribute to puffiness.

Dermatologists recommend using creams for the eye that provide both hydration and anti-aging benefits. In addition to moisturizing and anti-aging, consider what conditions are the most problematic for your eyes. Ask yourself the following questions before deciding on an eye cream to find the formulation that best meets your needs:

• Do your eyes have a tendency towards puffiness? If so, look for creams that contain tightening or depuffing agents, including ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamin C, copper, and retinol.

• Do you suffer from dark circles or shadows under the eyes? Look for ingredients, such as vitamin K, kojic acid, and hydroquinone, that are designed to diminish the appearance of darkness on the skin.

• Are you looking for a cream to prevent the signs of aging? Moisturization is key in preventing fine lines around the eyes. Since the skin, particularly around the eye, tends to dry out with age, choosing a preventative eye cream that provides adequate hydration is important.

• Are you looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, or crows feet? There are many renewing, rejuvenating, and correcting creams available on today's market. Look for formulas containing peptides or anti-oxidants to help repair the appearance of wrinkles.

Types of Creams for the Eye Area

Day creams for the eye are typically lighter and often contain ingredients to reduce the appearance of puffiness or bags. Day creams may be less moisturizing, and some even contain a temporary dehydrating agent to tighten the under-eye skin. These also usually include sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect the eye skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Night creams for the eye area are richer and more emollient, usually designed to treat and repair more deeply. They are usually highly moisturizing, but should not weigh the eye down.

Moisturizing eye creams are for general use, and can be applied in the morning, at night, or both.

Always read the instructions for use on any eye cream you're considering. Some creams might include ingredients that should not be worn under exposure to sunlight.

How to Apply

Applying eye cream the right way is important since the skin is so fragile. It should always be tapped on, rather than rubbed in. Use the ring finger to avoid excess pressure when applying.

The cream should be applied along the orbital, or bone, under the eye. Gently tap a small amount of the product under the eye, moving from the outer edge of the eye inward.

Recommended Products

Although there is a huge variety of eye products and creams available, there are several brands frequently recommended by dermatologists. These include:

• Neutrogena
• Skin Medica
• Revision Skin Care
• M.D. Forte
• Aveeno
• RoC
• Skinceuticals
• Kinerase

Other lines that have received high consumer recommendations include Mary Kay, Avon, Lancôme, and Estee Lauder.