Your
skincare routine likely includes steps for cleansing, exfoliating and protecting against sun damage. But when it comes to under eye skin care, you may not have a solid strategy in place. It’s something to consider. The skin under your eyes is thinner than skin on other areas of your face, and it’s more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
Thin skin also contributes to the appearance of dark circles. Because under-eye skin is delicate, your blood vessels, which are dark-colored, are more visible. But thin skin is not responsible for all of your under-eye skincare problems. Eye puffiness or bags under your eyes result from collagen loss, which happens as you age, leaving under eyes hollow with puffy bulges.
Additionally, the under-eye area has fewer sebaceous glands, also called oil glands, which contribute to dry, dehydrated skin. Fortunately, there are ways you can care for the delicate skin under your eyes so that you look bright and refreshed.
Top Under Eye Skin Care Tips
One of the most important tips for under-eye skin care is to be gentle. Rubbing and touching your thin skin can irritate and make your eyes look red and tired. When applying products, dab gently under your eyes – don’t rub. Here are more under-eye care tips:
Keep your eyes hydrated
It’s important to use
eye cream under your eyes every morning and night (but not necessarily the same cream) to keep your eyes moist and plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Be sure to use a cream specially made for eyes and, when possible, one that is formulated for your specific concerns. Don’t use your regular facial moisturizer because it may contain active ingredients that are too strong for the delicate under-eye area.
Use the right active ingredients
Eye creams with active ingredients such as
retinol, caffeine and
hyaluronic acid use the right strength of active ingredients for your eyes. While plain moisturizer will help hydrate, one combined with active ingredients can do more for your eyes, such as reducing lines, plumping up wrinkles and reducing puffiness.
Use sun protection
People often forget the importance of applying
sunscreen to all body parts, including your under-eye area. Blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential to preventing premature aging. Use a
broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher all over your face, including your eyes, to maximize protection. Sunglasses with thick temples and a wide-brimmed hat can also shield your eyes from UV rays.
Take care with your diet
A healthy diet leads to healthy skin. Salt and alcohol can contribute to eye puffiness and dehydration, so limit your intake of foods with sodium and also your alcoholic beverage consumption. A diet rich in foods with antioxidants and vitamins, such as fruits, vegetable, and fish, can help promote healthy skin, including the skin around your eyes.
Stay hydrated
In addition to keeping your eyes moist and hydrated with cream, you should keep your body
hydrated with water. If you’re dehydrated, your skin and eyes look tired and dehydrated. Try to sip water throughout the day.
Get enough sleep
Sometimes, bags and wrinkles are just a result of a poor night’s sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, so try to get between 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night.
The Best Under Eye Skin Care Ingredients
As mentioned, active ingredients, in addition to moisturizing your eyes, can help keep your eyes looking young and bright. Establishing a healthy skincare routine that you follow every day will yield the best results. Here are some ingredients and products to help:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid, help fight against premature aging and also help repair some of the damage that’s already been done. Try:
Sukin Antioxidant Eye Serum
Peptides
Peptides increase collagen, the building blocks of skin elasticity, and elastin, which helps firm up sagging under eye skin. Try:
Mad Hippie Eye Cream
Caffeine
Caffeine does more than perk you up in the morning; it can also perk up your blood flow, which helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes. Try:
Derma E Vitamin C Bright Eyes Gel Pads
Hyaluronic acid
This ingredient is super moisturizing and plumping, making it a great go-to ingredient to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Try:
Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream
Green tea
Since green tea contains some caffeine, skin care ingredients with green tea also give you the bonus benefits of caffeine. These two powerhouse ingredients help shrink the blood vessels around your eyes, which reduces dark circles, irritation, and puffiness. Try:
Earth Therapeutics Green Tea Hydrogel Under-Eye Patch
