It happens all of a sudden. One day you’re debating whether banana toast is a nutritious dinner (it is), and the next day you notice that your eye area is looking a little… old. Fine lines are more of a permanent condition. So naturally, you start looking for skincare products. And ASAP.
Confusingly, there are so many to choose from: serums, creams, formulas designed to hydrate, brighten, reduce puffiness, and pay your phone bill. So understanding the difference and finding the perfect product can be pretty overwhelming. So let us help.
Eye Creams Are…
Eye creams typically have a rich, buttery texture (probably the closest consistency to your daily moisturizer) and are designed to relieve dryness and soften sagging skin. Their formulas rely on emollients like jojoba oil and occlusives like shea butter to lock in moisture on the skin’s surface and prevent it from evaporating.
Eye Serums Are…
Get a little more creative. Because they absorb faster and deeper into the skin due to their lighter texture, eye serums offer more treatment-oriented results. Since they contain little to no emollients or occlusive ingredients, they don’t offer the same hydration benefits as creams. But their active ingredients are more effective at correcting more issues, such as: dark circles, dark spots, fine lines, collagen and elasticity loss.
Which product is best for me?
Well, it depends on a few key factors:
Your skin type: This area of the face tends to get thinner and drier as we age.
So! If you’re already struggling with dry skin, you may want to use an eye cream because of its powerful hydrating properties. Sensitive skin may also benefit more from an eye cream. Because, as you just learned, serums are slightly more potent (and potentially irritating) (e.g., retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C).
Your skin concern: The eyes are the most vulnerable place to signs of fatigue or aging.
For hydration, softness, and overall refreshment, eye creams can effectively nourish and regenerate skin. But if you want to achieve real change, eye serums are a more effective way to go. Depending on the formula, they can naturally improve dark circles, dark spots, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Your skin care routine: Some products are best used in the morning, others at night.
It is especially beneficial to use an eye cream at night, because the rich ingredients of the product will have enough time to be absorbed by the skin while you sleep. The skin is then in the best condition for regeneration.
Since eye serums absorb quickly and leave no residue, they are especially suitable for use in the morning as a layer under your daily skin care (and makeup).
Can I use both at the same time?
You can do it! Apply multiple layers! From thin to thick, as always! Or alternate between the two – serum in the morning and cream at night. It is really a matter of personal preference.
It is well known that eye serums are more effective in the long run, but they may be less comfortable to use on a daily basis. So if your eyes are in desperate need of extra TLC, give both a try.
