Pros and Cons of Anti Aging Eye Cream

Lines and wrinkles. Crow's feet. Dark circles. Puffiness. These are all things that affect our eyes as we age, and nowadays even in youth. This is due to lack of sleep, eye movements, and stress. Staring at computer and phone screens for hours on end doesn't help either. These issues are why eye creams are used by so many. Makeup always makes us look young and natural, so it makes sense that the same goes for eye cream; making the eyes and eye area look youthful.

Related: The 10 Best Eye Creams of 2020

There are various eye creams out on the market and all have similar promises. They claim to reduce or erase signs of aging such as the symptoms mentioned above. They promise good results. To people still fairly young, but are already seeing signs of aging, purchasing eye cream is a no-brainer decision. But, is it worth it? Anti aging comes at a hefty price tag, and it may not be worth it to spend your salary on what could be false claims. If you're unsure whether or not to purchase eye cream, here's the pros and cons of using it, as well as knowing what ingredients to look out for if you decide to use it.

Anti Aging Eye Cream: The Pros

They're Made Specifically for the Eye Area

While opinions are split across the Internet on whether or not eye cream works, one fact is certain. The skin around our eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin in other areas of our body. It's why it's among the first to age. A pro to using eye cream is that they're made with those things in mind. The cream is thicker, contains more oil than your typical face lotion, and their ingredients are aimed to take care of certain eye problems.

The ingredients in eye cream differ from those in a typical face moisturizer so if you're looking to try an eye cream out, make sure it contains at least one of these ingredients.

Vitamin A

Reduces wrinkles and smooths your skin to make you appear younger.

Coenzyme Q10

This is a natural antioxidant in our skin that neutralizes the harmful free radicals that are one of the major causes of aging. This of course means that as we age our bodies make less of this antioxidant. Buying an eye cream that contains coenzyme Q10 will continue to neutralize the free radicals that cause our skin to age.

Hyaluronic Acid

This is a natural protein found in our skin that also decreases as we age, much like coenzyme Q10. Hyaluronic acid aids us in not getting wrinkles, so definitely look for eye creams with this ingredient if you want to reduce or prevent wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid also rehydrates your skin and helps reduce dark circles around your eyes.

Ceramides

Another word for fatty molecules that exist in our skin. An eye cream with ceramides in it will protect your aging skin, as well as keep it hydrated and moisturized.

Vitamin C

Known as the go-to when you feel a cold coming on, Vitamin C also helps your skin. It helps produce collagen that keeps the skin firmer and more supple. Eye creams with Vitamin C will keep your skin from looking loose or baggy.

Cucumber

There's a reason many spa workers tell you to put cucumber slices over your eyes. It helps to soften your skin and prevent puffiness. Eye creams containing cucumber are a must-buy.

Anti Aging Eye Cream: The Cons

Anti aging eye cream has its pros, but also its fair share of cons that can make you rethink your decision to purchase, including:

Your Genetics

Dark circles under your eyes are caused by dilated blood vessels and hyperpigmentation, which are things that are all hereditary. If you have a family history of dark circles and they're not being caused by your lifestyle, buying eye creams to resolve the issue aren't worth it. Instead, drinking lots of fluids and/or using tea bags and cucumber slices on your eyes may work better.

Eye Creams Not Being All That Different from Moisturizers

If you pay close attention to the ingredients in both eye creams and moisturizers, you'll find that they're fairly similar. With eye creams being costly, it might be better for you and your wallet to just use your favorite moisturizer on your eyes.

Another major con to some eye creams are the ingredients they contain. Many of them are good for you, as listed above. But some eye creams have ingredients that may increase your chances of aging or cause damage in the future. If you decide to buy eye cream regardless, here are the ingredients you should avoid.

Parabens

Parabens are a family of chemicals that are often used as preservatives in different cosmetics. Though they’re used to prevent harmful bacteria and mold from growing, some of them have been said to be linked to cancer. Though the FDA has so far found that parabens in cosmetics aren’t having an effect on human health, it’s something to be aware of when eye cream shopping.

Hydroxy Acid

Often found in skin exfoliators, hydroxy acid shouldn’t be used in your eye area. It will damage the already delicate skin in that area and leave it more prone to damage from the sun.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This is an additive in many products and what causes them to foam. According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a "moderate hazard" that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption. This ingredient isn’t only present in cosmetics, but products such as shampoo and toothpaste. That said, sodium lauryl sulfate is only really an issue at concentrations of two percent or more. In the meantime, if you’re concerned about this ingredient, hunt around for cosmetics and products labeled SLS free.

Liquid Paraffin

This is a mineral oil that can clog the pores, and in turn it becomes difficult to rid them of toxins. This then increases your chances of premature aging.

Octyl Stearate

This is an ingredient meant to thicken your skin. However, much like liquid paraffin, octyl stearate clogs the pores of the skin and also increases your chances of premature aging.

Anti aging eye creams have pros and cons like all things we deal with on a daily basis. No matter what you decide when it comes time to shopping for an eye cream, use your best judgment and know what's best for you at the end of the day.

Resources— WebMD, More, The Lifestyle Files, Ezine Articles, Perricone MD, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Livestrong

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