Picture this: You’ve been staying up late from all the Netflix bingeing and it shows in the bags under your eyes. You slap on some eye wrinkle cream that has received rave reviews online, only to discover that it doesn’t help reduce those bags at all. The key here is to read the ingredient list. Allow us to enlighten you in this article from The Dermo Lab, in collaboration with the dermatologist Dr. Mai Sebaey.
What are the daily beauty habits that age your eyes?
Genetics, gravity, stress, and years of squinting and smiling are all factors that instantly add years to your appearance. But these aren’t the only factors that age your eyes; some of your daily beauty habits are also partly responsible.
1- Rubbing your eye area
You all know that it’s important to remove your eye makeup before bed, even if you’re really tired. But the problem with long-wearing eyeshadow and waterproof mascara is that they can be pretty stubborn. So you do what every sleepy, exhausted human being does: you rub your eyes. But vigorous makeup removal can damage the delicate skin under your eyes and cause dark circles.
2- You don’t use eye cream
Eye cream is one of the most important components of your anti-aging routine; it’s also one of the most often overlooked. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest in the entire body, making it much more susceptible to damage. It’s no wonder that the first signs of aging appear there as well.
3- You are using the WRONG eye cream
Not all eye creams are created equal. Here’s how to know which one is right for you:
- For fine lines: Look for an eye cream that contains retinol. Dr. Mai Sebaey points out that retinol improves skin texture and makes the skin under your eyes smoother because it stimulates collagen and elastin.
Eye creams with highly moisturizing properties, especially those containing hyaluronic acid, help plump up the skin, making it less vulnerable to wrinkles.
- For dark circles: An eye cream that contains brightening agents such as vitamin C, kojic acid, and niacinamide can help counteract dark circles and the oxidation process that occurs on the surface of your skin. Retinols, peptides, and ceramides also work to thicken and strengthen the skin, making broken capillaries less visible.
- For puffiness and dark circles: Choose an eye cream that contains caffeine. Caffeine stimulates circulation and tightens the blood vessels under the skin, reducing the appearance of puffiness. As an antioxidant, it also protects the skin from sun damage.
4- You’re not applying your eye cream correctly
Finding the right eye cream for you is only half the battle. How you apply it makes all the difference. Here’s how: After washing your face and applying your serums and moisturizer, take a pea-sized amount of eye cream with your ring finger and dot it under and around your eyes and on your brow bone. Never pull on the skin. Instead, gently tap the cream from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner until it is absorbed. Wait a few minutes before applying your sunscreen or makeup to ensure that the product is completely absorbed.
5- You’re not using the right concealer
Let’s face it: Even the best concealer on the market won’t be able to hide an entire night of drinking or watching your favorite TV show. But the right product won’t make the damage worse. Some of the best products contain even mineral UV filters that protect the eye area from the effects of the sun.
6- You’re not eating right
A healthy lifestyle is still the best defense against aging eyes. Make sure your diet is rich in the nutrients needed for brighter, younger skin around the eyes: Vitamin K promotes collagen production and new cell growth; vitamin C brightens your skin and prevents further damage; and vitamin B stimulates the production of fatty acids, which helps the skin maintain its elasticity.
Eye care do’s and don’ts
1- Do commit to treating your eye area
People tend to rarely or sometimes even forget to use eye cream. It’s important to balance everything about your facial skin, and you should definitely moisturize your eye area to provide the necessary hydration.
2- Don’t rely on your regular facial moisturizer
You need an eye cream specifically designed for the skin around your eyelids. Some skin care products may contain active chemicals, such as retinoids, in concentrations too high for the skin under your eyes.
3- When choosing an eye wrinkle cream, look for active ingredients
Just because it’s a sensitive area doesn’t mean you have to use a boring moisturizer. Instead, it is highly recommended that you look for an eye cream that contains retinol.
An eye cream containing retinol will be different from a face cream containing retinol. To avoid potential irritation, find an eye cream that contains a lower concentration of retinol and is intended to provide more moisture to the eye area.
4- Don’t pull on your skin
If you pull on your skin while applying eye cream, you are missing the point of the cream. When you pull on the skin around your eyes, you’re just making wrinkles deeper. When you apply it with the applicator, simply use your finger and tap it so that the cream penetrates easily.
How to keep the under-eye wrinkles at bay?
1- Facial exercises
Certain facial exercises – also known as facial yoga – have been shown to stimulate blood flow and tighten the skin under the eyes. Facial yoga is a series of facial massages that involve moving and isolating facial muscles to tone and exercise them.
2- Gently exfoliate
Yes, you should exfoliate your under-eye area, but without rubbing or applying excessive pressure or force. For a delicate area like the under-eye area, it’s important to be especially gentle. Use gentle exfoliants, physical or chemical, very light pressure, and then apply a moisturizer that strengthens the skin barrier.
3- Remove your makeup gently
The skin under your eyes is much more delicate than any other skin. Rubbing it with cotton pads and makeup remover wipes, or rubbing it vigorously with your hands, is harmful and totally unnecessary. For anti-aging purposes, we recommend using a micellar lotion, such as the below product, for a quick and effective cleanse.
Eau Thermale Avène Micellar Lotion
4- Gently apply products under the eyes
Remember all those ingredients we talked about? Follow the principle of gentleness when applying them. Never pull on the skin around your eyes and always use your ring finger to apply the product, as it has the lightest touch.
According to Dr. Mai Sebaey, using a well-formulated product with retinol has a magical effect under the eyes to look younger, healthier and improve skin texture. She recommends using an eye cream as early as possible as it helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles around the eye.
If you’re looking to treat dark circles or care for aging skin, consider this eye cream that will fulfill some of your most sincere wishes.
Eau Thermale Avène A-Oxitive Eyes Smoothing Eye Contour Cream
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
