The Complete Guide to Using Eye Skincare Products

Search for “eye skincare routine” on the internet, and you will be faced with an ocean of articles explaining and recommending various eye skincare products and completely different routines. A range of products designed specifically for skin concerns around the eye, like serums, creams, and masks, are widely available. So what do these products do? How do you use these eye skincare products? Let’s explore this in more detail.

You should always check the product label for the method of application and frequency of use recommended for that specific product to get the best results.

1.  Eye Serums

Eye serums are usually powerful, concentrated, and lightweight formulations. They are designed to help with specific eye skin problems like dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, puffy eyes, discoloured skin, etc. These often contain active ingredients, which can precisely target and reduce these concerns.

Only a few drops of eye serum are used per application owing to its high concentration of powerful ingredients. It is usually advised to apply the serum before any heavier products (like creams) to allow maximum absorption. You can use your fingers to gently pat the skin around your eyes to minimise the stress applied to the skin while stimulating blood circulation and better penetration of the eye serum. Be careful not to let your eyes come into contact with the eye serum.

As a rule of thumb, don’t forget to look at the ingredient list; you’ll want to make sure the eye serum you’re purchasing has the right ingredients to solve your specific problems. Here’s the guide on how to choose the right eye serum. Some of the active ingredients that may be present in eye serums include:

• Retinol (a form of Vitamin A): Aids in skin cell regeneration, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Ceramides: Hydrate and strengthen the skin
• Peptides: Improve the firmness and elasticity of skin, making it appear smoother
• Niacinamide: Brightens dark circles and soothes irritated skin
• Vitamins C and E: Brighten, moisturise and protect the skin

The right combination of these actives alongside other impactful ingredients makes a high-performance best under eye serum that can address all of your skin concerns around the eye.

2.  Eye Creams

Eye creams are heavier than serums, typically containing a lower concentration of ingredients in comparison. However, this is not a “bad” thing; eye creams are highly effective in deeply hydrating and moisturising the skin, helping reduce the appearance of dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Some eye creams also contain active ingredients and can help with skin barrier protection and collagen production. Eye creams are best suited for dry skin since they are oil-based.

Resist the urge to rub the eye cream into your skin; the skin around your eyes is even more sensitive and fragile than the rest of your face and needs to be handled with care. A small amount of eye cream will suffice for each application. Dot the product around your eyes and gently tap it into your skin to boost blood circulation and improve absorption. Avoid contact with the eye.

3.  Eye Gels

Eye gels are similar to eye creams in their purpose and effects but are lighter in comparison. This is because eye gels are water-based as opposed to eye creams that are oil-based. For this reason, eye gels are best suited for oily and normal skin types.

The method of application also remains the same as with eye creams: dot the product around the eye and gently pat it into the skin around your eyes using your fingers. However, because eye gels are lighter than eye creams, they usually absorb into the skin more quickly. It is also claimed that eye gels can have a cooling and soothing effect. Make sure to prevent the product from getting into the eye.

4.  Eye Masks

There are a wide variety of eye masks, ranging from sheet masks to LED eye masks. Under-eye masks or patches can be a vehicle to carry powerful skincare ingredients into your skin while offering a spa-like experience with minimal manual intervention. You can even cool eye masks in the refrigerator before application for a stronger cooling effect.

Eye masks and patches help reduce the appearance of “eye bags” and decrease puffiness, leaving the skin brightened and you looking more youthful and energised. Hydrocolloid patches, another variety of eye patches, can also help reduce inflammation and protect the under-eye skin. Different types of masks are suited for different skin types. Recently, the use of LED light for targeted treatment of skin concerns has also been popular. Eye masks are usually applied for 10–20 minutes and not used daily. Always follow the recommended duration, frequency of use, and method of application printed on the product label. Do not bring them into contact with your eye.

5.  Sun Protection

While sunscreen is widely used, we often neglect the under-eye skin, which needs even more protection than the rest of your skin. An eye cream or gel of at least SPF30 is recommended for the skin around your eyes. These are usually made with ingredients that will not aggravate the fragile skin around the eyes. Ingredients that protect your skin from harmful sun exposure may be included in an eye cream or gel that also serves other purposes. By reducing sun-induced pigmentation, these products may also brighten your skin.

Always pat the product gently into the skin around your eyes, and use it just as frequently as you use your regular sunscreen to stay protected from sun damage. Be mindful of not bringing the product into contact with your eye.

Conclusion

There are several types of skincare products that are designed specially for use on the skin around your eyes. These include serums with high concentrations of actives, creams and gels, eye masks, and products that offer sun protection. It is important to read the ingredient list of the product you are going to purchase to confirm that it can resolve your specific concern. The product label also contains other important information, including the recommended frequency of use and the method of application specific to your product. It is advised to not let these products come into direct contact with your eyes.