What Are the Benefits of Using an Eye Cream?

There are many commercials and advertisements singing the praises of eye creams, but do people really need to use them? Building a strong, regular skincare system is important for keeping the skin soft, clean, and fresh, but is it worth adding a brand-new product into your routine? In short, yes—eye creams host a wide variety of benefits that many people would find beneficial.

Why Do I Need to Consider Using an Eye Cream?

The skin around the eyes is unlike skin found on other parts of the body. It is far more delicate and thin. Because it is so different, specialized products are needed to condition it and treat issues that may arise in this area.

Eye creams are made with a variety of purposes in mind. Some eye creams are designed to be moisturizing and cleansing for this specialized area of the face. Some are designed specifically for men's skin. However, most eye creams serve preventative purposes by helping avoid the formation of wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes. Above all other areas of the face, the skin around the eyes is most likely to show signs of wrinkling and aging first because the skin is so thin there.

On top of being thin, the skin around the eyes is also subjected to constant micro-movement from the eyes, eyelids, and eyebrows moving and adjusting constantly. Many people also tend to forget the skin around their eyes when applying sunscreen, which can lead to extensive damage from exposure to harmful UV rays.

When introducing any new product to your skincare routine, particularly one that is applied closely to the eyes, it is important to test a small patch of skin before applying it all around the eyes. In case an ingredient reacts negatively with your skin, you will avoid applying a product that could extensively damage it.

How Do Eye Creams Help Fight Wrinkles?

Unfortunately, there are no magic potions that will fully stop wrinkle formation in its tracks. However, it is possible to slow down the process. Plenty of eye creams offer beneficial doses of ingredients that can diminish the appearance of wrinkles and keep the skin around eyes looking healthy and vibrant.

Eye creams are made with more oil and moisturizing properties than other varieties of skincare products. They also tend to be much thicker and creamier than other products. Some people may argue that they’re just another skin moisturizer, and while they certainly contain heavy amounts of moisturizing ingredients, they are different from moisturizers in that they are designed to specially treat the skin around the eyes. Because this skin is so delicate, it is prone to drying and damage more quickly than other areas.

Eye creams prevent wrinkles by using an ingredient called retinol. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that serves as a booster for cell reproduction. Wrinkles form when the skin ages and loses its ability to reproduce cells as quickly as it could during youth. By applying a moisturizing, retinol-potent eye cream, the skin cells receive a rejuvenating burst of growth that slows down the appearance of wrinkles.

What Other Eye Cream Ingredients Are Beneficial?

Besides retinol, different eye cream varieties contain other ingredients that are ideal for use on delicate eye skin. Depending on your skin’s individual features, you can shop for an eye cream that will address all your needs.

Some eye creams contain doses of antioxidants. This is another ingredient that is often included in eye creams because it can boost the skin’s ability to repair itself after exposure and damage. Since the skin around the eyes tends to be forgotten during sunscreen applications and moisturization, including an antioxidant-rich eye cream into your skincare routine can help repair this kind of damage.

How Can I Boost the Benefits of My Eye Cream?

Some other issues with the skin around the eyes, such as dark circles and bags, are hereditary. No amount of special creams or products will make these completely go away, but there are other things you can do to boost their effectiveness and benefits.

Drinking plenty of water, getting healthy amounts of sleep every night, and limiting unprotected exposure to the sun can boost the effectiveness of any skincare product. Some experts also recommend limiting the amount of salt in your diet to reduce the appearance of dark circles. No matter what other skincare products you are using to care for your skin and treat issues, the most recommended method for preventing problems from forming is remembering to apply sunscreen before exposing your skin to direct sunlight.

Resources — HealthLine, WebMD

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