Experts On The Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles, Dry Eyes, Eye Bags And More

Tired of looking, well, tired? Not only do the best eye creams brighten dark circles and depuff the skin around the eye area, they also work to reduce the signs of ageing which is to say fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. It’s all about finding the right cream that works for you and that’s down to ingredients and formulation. Below, Vogue rounds up the best eye creams for all year round.

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• Dr Stefanie Williams is a specialist dermatologist and medical director at Eudelo.
• Dr Anjali Mahto is a cosmetic and medical consultant dermatologist on Harley Street, and the author of The Skincare Bible.
• Dr Ginni Mansberg is a general practitioner, author of multiple health books and the medical director of ESK Skincare.

What to look for in an eye cream

Ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol are great for addressing discolouration, texture and a loss of collagen, while gentler formulations that star hydrators and humectants (think: hyaluronic acid, sqaualane and glycerin) are ideal for those with dry and sensitive eyes. The best eye cream for you depends on what results you’re looking for, whether that’s something to firm and depuff or to hydrate, banish dark circles or colour correct. Whatever you’re after, it’s important to bear in mind that the skin around your eye area is much more delicate than the rest of your face, which is why it needs looking after properly.

“The delicate eye area is invariably one of the first to show visible signs of ageing,” says Dr Stefanie Williams. “Thin and lacking the support of underlying fat, the skin around the eyes has virtually no sebaceous glands and is highly vulnerable to dryness and sagging. Add to that the frequent muscle movements that pleat and stress the skin here, and inevitably we see more lines and wrinkles – plus redness and dark circles from the dense capillary network.”

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Do eye creams work?

Yes, but not all products are made equal, which is where formulation and ingredients come in. For example, those packed with hyaluronic acid can certainly work to plump and hydrate, whereas those with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and SPF (an absolute must) will help to protect the skin. But it’s important to note that topical creams, no matter how potent the active ingredients, cannot stand in for sleep, water, and a healthy diet. Furthermore, as we age, our fat reserves deplete; this cannot be amended with a cream alone. In this instance, you may want to think about a treatment or something more invasive. However, an eye cream can help with boosting firmness and minisiming lines which contribute to the look of sagging skin. This is where your retinol comes in.

Can eye cream reduce dark circles?

Again, just like a cream cannot fully fix the loss of fat, a total erasure of dark circles cannot be achieved with a cream alone. Creams can, however, work to lift their appearance, especially, when used in conjunction with regular, gentle massage, plenty of water, sleep and a healthy diet.

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When should I start using eye cream?

“There is no perfect age to start using an eye cream,” says Dr Anjali Mahto. “But if there’s a certain eye concern that’s bothering you, for example dryness around the eyes, then there is no reason not to start to hydrate and moisturise in your teens. Otherwise, for most people incorporating one might be useful once they have a good routine in place, so twenties onwards for most.”

How to apply eye cream

The skin around your eyes is incredibly sensitive, so it’s important to be gentle. Which means no pulling, prodding, rubbing or dragging, but rather, tapping the skin and pressing the product in. Use sparingly – a pea-sized amount is enough or as otherwise instructed. And don’t forget the brow bone.

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How often should you apply eye cream?

It depends on the product. Most eye creams are suitable for everyday use, meanwhile some can even be applied twice daily. “Most eye creams can be applied as often as you need,” shares Dr Ginni Mansberg. “Eye creams containing caffeine, which are excellent for combatting puffiness, will usually give you several hours of benefit, so you shouldn’t need them more than twice daily.” When it comes to products containing SPF, you might want to top up throughout the day, especially when in hotter climates.

Is it better to use eye cream at night or morning?

As a general rule, creams containing antioxidants and SPF are best used in the morning, advises Dr Williams, so that they can defend the skin against the day’s aggressors. Meanwhile you’ll want to use your retinols and other collagen-stimulators in the evening.