A Complete Guide to Eye Creams: Do You Really Need One?

To eye cream or not to eye cream, that is the question. Read on and learn if it's worth adding an eye cream to your natural skin care routine.

What's the difference between a face moisturizer and eye cream?

A face moisturizer is designed to maintain and/or increase the hydration of the skin surface.

An eye cream is specifically formulated to be used underneath the eyes. The ingredients will typically be lighter in texture and contain active ingredientsósuch as hyaluronic acid or vitamin Cóthat target specific concerns.

Depending on the ingredients an eye cream can have a moisturizing, anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effect. It can also reduce puffiness, brighten the skin or reduce the appearance of fine lines in the area.

Is it better to use a moisturizer as eye cream?

Face moisturizers can be used as an eye cream however, the composition of a face moisturizer may not be as suitable for the delicate skin around the eyes. That's because face moisturizers tend to have heavier oils and acids that can cause eye and skin irritation.

Eye creams are formulated to be gentle. The skin around the eyes is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, so a skincare product made to target this area can be used to prevent damage and repair the skin.

When is the right time to start using eye cream?

If you have dark circles, fine lines, crepiness, pigmentation, and undereye puffiness then an eye cream should be part of your natural skin care routine.

What is the correct way to apply an eye cream?

Apply a pea-sized amount around both eyes, gently tap around the orbital bone with your ring finger and then smooth it out to the temple. Avoid getting too close to the eyelids or directly under the bottom lashes.

You can also use tools like a cool Gua Sha or a face roller after application to help with puffiness, firming and brightening around the eye area.

What ingredients should I look for in an eye cream?

If you need hydration look for ingredients like hyaluronic and ngi grass. If you want to target fine lines and wrinkles look for ingredients like retinol and MATRIXYL 3000. Vitamin C can treat dark circles, and caffeine can reduce puffiness - our NEW Vitamin C Brightening Eye Creme is the perfect solution.

Plant-based ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, algae or seaweed extracts and botanical oils like cold-pressed coconut, dilo, macadamia and sikeci oils can soothe and hydrate the skin, as well as green tea and caffeine extracts. These ingredients have been shown to nourish the delicate eye area skin.

Are retinol eye creams safe to use around the delicate eye area?

If you are using a retinol-based eye cream, only apply it at night and use a light, hydrating eye cream for daytime use like Pure Fiji's Anti-wrinkle Eye Creme.

Can eye cream cause milia?

Milia also known as ""milk spots"" are tiny cysts that form under the skin when keratin, a protein naturally produced by your body, becomes trapped. Using the right kind eye cream shouldn't cause or aggravate milia. If you do experience these tiny white bumps, it's usually a result of heavy creams or oils, in addition to a build-up of dead skin cells. If you think your eye cream is causing milia, substitute your current product for a water based eye cream like Pure Fiji's Anti-wrinkle Eye Creme. If that doesn't solve the problem, you should consult a dermatologist.

Summary

Now that you've got more information about eye creams you can make the right decision for your skin, your goals and your budget. But as you can see, an eye cream is truly necessary.