Our eyes are a window: They can reveal when we haven’t gotten enough sleep, whether we had one too many drinks the night before, or how many times we’ve laughed in our lives.
That’s because the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face, making it more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and environmental damage that can lead to signs of aging.
That’s because the skin around the eyes doesn’t have as many sebaceous glands and collagen as the rest of the face and body, making it more susceptible to dryness, sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles, according to a 2015 study published in Advanced Biomedical Research.
To prevent these common eye problems, dermatologists recommend using specialized eye care products because they’re designed specifically for the delicate eye area.
“When treating skin problems around the eyes, it’s important to first correctly diagnose the problem so that the best treatment and results can be achieved,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Fortunately, there are a variety of eye care products to choose from, including serums, creams, oils, and enhancers. So if you’ve never used an eye care product before, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start, and these pro tips will guide you to the best solution for your needs.
From fading dark circles to reducing puffiness, here are expert tips and product recommendations for treating common skin issues around the eyes.
Reduce fine lines and crow’s feet. Crow’s feet are a sign of a happy life. These horizontal wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes are largely the result of muscle movement when smiling and laughing.
If you want to relieve these symptoms, “retinoid products can be very helpful,” says Ranela Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Retinoids can stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can help smooth out some wrinkles.
Prescription retinoids such as 0.025% Tretinoin Cream are very effective, Dr. Hirsch recommends limiting yourself to the area outside the eye socket (where you can feel the surrounding orbital bone), however.
To treat fine lines under the eyes, you can try an over-the-counter eye cream with retinol, a less potent retinoid. Whether you use prescription or over-the-counter retinoids, start by massaging a small area one night a week and then gradually work your way up over several nights to limit dryness and irritation.
If you can’t tolerate retinoids, consider a peptide eye cream, which can also stimulate collagen production. Don’t forget to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF of 50 or higher. (To avoid eye irritation, Dr. Hirsch recommends using a sunscreen that won’t get in your eyes.) Diminish Dark Circles Lack of sleep can make dark circles worse, but it’s usually not the primary cause. “The main cause of dark circles is hyperpigmentation of the skin and the hollows around the eyes that form with aging,” says Dr. Graphist. To determine the amount of exposure, stand in front of a mirror under a bright light. “Gently pinch a piece of dark skin and pull it forward slightly,” he advises. “If the skin is still dark, it’s a sign of hyperpigmentation. Dimples can create shadows around the eyes when the skin tone looks normal.” To combat dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation, Dr. Apply an eye cream with vitamin C to help reduce the production of melanin (also known as pigment) in your skin. Choose a formula that comes in a tube or pump bottle instead of a jar to preserve the potency of the ingredients and use it daily. “Think of vitamin C as exercise,” says Dr. Illustrator. “You need to stick with it for a few months before you see results.” Illustrator.
We have a deer ahead of us. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as prolonged rubbing can stimulate the production of more melanin, especially in skin types with heavy melanin. Cavities are another problem that occurs when the subcutaneous fat in the tear trough (the area between the lower eyelid and upper cheek) decreases with age, causing the trough to appear deeper and darker. “Eye creams enriched with hyaluronic acid can help plump up the skin,” explains Dr. Illustrator. To further improve the results, consider injectable fillers. Drinking water can also help—while the water you drink won’t directly moisturize your skin, the indentations in your skin are less noticeable when you’re well-hydrated.
Reduce puffiness Going to bed drunk or shedding a few tears can cause puffy eyes.
However, chronic eye swelling is often the result of allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, properly used antihistamines can help control the swelling process. “You shouldn’t wait until symptoms appear to start taking them,” says Dr. Hirsch. “Ideally, take an antihistamine daily two weeks before a pollen outbreak so you can stay one step ahead of allergies.” Hirsch recommends buying hypoallergenic pillowcases: “This prevents household allergens from sticking to your pillow. Keep your pillows clean and free of allergens they may have. The effect is dramatic. “Prolonged exposure during sleep.” To resolve the problem immediately, use an eye cream with caffeine, an anti-inflammatory agent that helps constrict blood vessels and drain excess fluid from under the skin. You can also wear a pop-up eye mask to reduce puffiness or apply a cold compress to your eyes, as cold temperatures also constrict blood vessels. (Be sure to keep your head elevated to promote drainage.) “If you’re prone to puffiness, using a retinol eye cream daily will help tighten the skin and make the puffiness less noticeable,” says Dr. Deer. However, if you have a greasy-looking bump under your eye that won’t go away despite your best efforts, “it could be because of sagging cheek pads that can’t be treated with skincare, but are less noticeable.” “It can be achieved with injectable fillers or permanent fixation through surgery,” says Dr. Illustrator.
