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If you’re worried about premature aging, start with the skin around your eyes. Because the skin in this area is so sensitive, it is frequently the first to exhibit signs of aging. In general, this comprises wrinkles, sagging, and dark circles.
Consider applying an eye cream to keep this skin healthy and strong. Eye creams, depending on the formula, can tighten and moisturize the skin while also treating common skin issues.
Even if you’re young, using an eye cream may be beneficial. The sooner you start using eye cream, the longer you will be able to benefit from it.
Step 1: Select your product
However, like with all skin care products, appropriate use of eye cream is essential. Not only will this protect the area, but it will also ensure that the benefits are thoroughly absorbed by your skin.
Puffiness:
For puffy eyes, search for a caffeine-containing eye cream. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor (a substance that constricts blood vessels in the skin), which can help reduce flushing and inflammation, both of which can cause puffiness. “The high quantity of potassium in bananas helps offset the salt that leads to fluid retention,” writes integrative medicine specialist Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., concerning puffy eyes.
Fine lines:
For crow’s feet and eye wrinkles, search for creams that contain algae (which can suppress enzymes that break down collagen and help regulate photoaging), antioxidants, and peptides. Stimulating collagen production helps maintain the skin firm and taut, and antioxidant-rich components help minimize oxidative stress that can lead to fine wrinkles.
Dark circles:
Brightening substances, like vitamin C, arbutin, kojic acid, or niacinamide, are excellent for dark circles. Caffeine is also effective, as the substance (typically labeled as green tea) contains antioxidant characteristics that dermatologists believe “wake up” tired-looking skin.
Dry skin:
Load up on moisturizing substances if you have flaking, irritation, or general dryness. Consider hyaluronic acid, aloe, colloidal oat, squalane, and other ingredients.
Step 2: Understand when to utilize it
One frequently asked question by beauty professionals is, “When should I start using an eye cream in my face care routine?” Take another look at those ingredients! If your eye cream has active components (such as caffeine, vitamin C, and so on), apply it to clean skin so that the contents can work their magic—a thin, serum-like eye cream won’t penetrate through a thick glob of moisturizer.
If you have a creamy product to hydrate the undereye area on hand, you can apply it after your serum and before your moisturizer. Tinted eye creams can be placed at the very end because they are more of a skin-care/concealer mix.
Step 3: Apply a pea-sized quantity
Let’s go on to the real application. When it comes to eye cream, a little goes a long way—most experts recommend a pea-sized amount for the entire under-eye area. “If you use too much, the cream can slip into the eye,” warns Joanna Vargas, famous facialist and creator of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care. It can create irritation because that area is very sensitive.
If you detect any milia around the eyes or lips (where the skin is thinner), it could be an indication that you’re using too much product or one that’s too thick for your skin. Because too-heavy creams and oils can trap keratin in the pores and generate those little white or yellow lumps, experts recommend first evaluating your skincare products.
Step 4: Gently tap the undereye area
While you may like gently massaging serums and moisturizers into your face, the eye area is considerably thinner and more delicate—too much pressure can rip at the fragile skin, exacerbating fine wrinkles and discomfort. Vargas backs up the idea: “I would apply an eye cream by patting or lightly tapping it on. The skin is extremely fragile and sensitive there “She informs MBG about the pressing of skin care products.
Dab a pearl-sized quantity of product in a semicircle along the under eye area, gently tapping it in with your finger to mix. Many experts advise utilizing your ring or pinkie finger, as these are your weakest digits.
Step 5: Work your way up to the brow bone
Vargas suggests going up to the forehead bone and continuing with mild taps if desired. Just be careful not to go too far down the lid: you don’t want to smear product in your eyes or pull on the skin of your lids. According to esthetician Tami Blake, inventor of Free + True, a decent rule of thumb is to “touch around the orbital bone.
Step 6: Give it a minute to settle in
Allow the cream to absorb into your skin for a beat before continuing with your regimen, especially if you intend to wear makeup. You don’t want to apply concealer or sunscreen too quickly since it will spread. Allow the active substances to do their thing! You don’t have to wait long—30 seconds to a minute should be enough, and then you can proceed.
Extra eye cream recommendations
You’ve mastered the fundamentals, but there are a few things you can do to give your orbs a little something more. If you want to pamper your under-eyes, check out the products listed below:
Keep it in the fridge:
Remember how we talked about vasoconstriction earlier? A cold temperature, on the other hand, might constrict the blood vessels in your skin. Put your product in the fridge for a few minutes before using it to get a nice cold sensation to go with your cream. It’s as though you’re giving puffiness and dark circles a gentle nudge.
Pinch the brows:
Vargas loves to finish her eye-cream treatment with little pinches on the brow bone to increase circulation and offer a lift. Brow pinching has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is used to target certain pressure points to alleviate puffiness and fine wrinkles. Again, be delicate with the area—think rapid, little pinches with medium pressure instead of death squeezing the brows.
Use a massage tool:
If you have an eye massage instrument (which often resembles wands, spoons, or little mushrooms), you can massage your eyes gently. Just be particularly cautious around the delicate area and simply use the weight of the tool to glide across the skin after applying eye cream. Vargas asserts, “To de-puff the eyes, I would create small circles outward toward the temples. You will see a change the next morning if you do this. It’s not necessary to use it every time you apply eye cream, but it’s a fun little therapy to help puffiness go away if you have one on hand this brightening number even comes with a handy applicator attached.
CONCLUSION
When applying eye cream, use caution. Apply a pea-sized amount to your skin with your finger and tap it in. Avoid using too much product, which might irritate your eyes if it gets in your eyes.
An eye cream can be applied in the morning, evening, or both. If you use it in the morning, choose one with SPF to protect your skin from sun damage and wrinkles. Use a thick, moisturizing formula at night.
