What to Look for in an Eye Cream

An eye cream is not a necessity. The fact of the matter is you can easily apply your serum and moisturiser to your under eye area and be done with it. However, the skin underneath our eyes is thin. It gets even thinner as we age. Combine that with any number of lifestyle factors and it is no wonder sometimes we look less than fresh in the mornings.

Retinol

Retinol is one ingredient we all need in our skincare routine. Let's face it. None of us are getting younger. Unless you have some sort of Benjamin Button thing going. If that is the case, by all means, carry on. Retinol boosts collagen production, increases cell turnover and targets fine lines and wrinkles. If you can handle retinol in your under eye area, use it.

Caffeine

If puffiness is the bane of your existence (waves hand in the air), caffeine in an eye product is your go-to. It helps to decrease the appearance of puffiness. That said - look for a well-rounded eye product, one that will hydrate too, as caffeine can be drying (speaking from experience here). Also, patch test first as in some instances caffeine can be irritating for the skin.

Hyaluronic acid

If you require something that works fast look for an eye product with Hyaluronic acid. It plumps up the skin, soothes and hydrates. The other benefit is that Hyaluronic acid is normally well tolerated by all skin types.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. It encourages collagen synthesis, brightens and helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Vitamin E (also known as tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin against UV radiation and scavenges free radicals. A study determined a product that contains both vitamin C and vitamin E can protect the skin against photo-aging.

Vitamin K

If you have a problem with dark circles, you might want to consider an eye product with a vitamin K. Fragile capillaries can contribute to dark circles. Vitamin K works by helping to repair the fragile capillaries.

Peptides

Peptides are portions of amino-acids which are an essential part of proteins. Furthermore, proteins (such as collagen and elastin) are an essential part of our skin. Peptides signal the skin to increase the collagen production. While natural peptides are finicky and unstable, synthetic peptides are more stable and suitable to use in cosmetic formulas. There are hundreds of peptides and each addresses a specific skin concern. Some reinforce the skin's barrier function, while others minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ceramides

If your under eye area is dry and sensitive, look for a product with ceramides. Ceramides are lipids and an essential part of the outermost layer of the skin. They improve the structure of collagen and elastin, protect and soothe the skin, and minimise the appearance of fine lines.

Do you use an eye cream? Is there any ingredient that was beneficial for your under eye area?