Eye cream is an important part of a skincare regime but too often, it’s one that is forgotten. While layering on your serums, oils and lotion will do wonders for your skin, the delicate skin around your eyes is different from the rest of your face and should be treated as such.
If you’ve never used an eye cream or simply remain unconvinced the product is necessary, we turned to Gitte Mayland — a consultant for Danish skincare brand Beauté Pacifique, which is internationally renowned for creating products that rejuvenate skin.
Why is eye cream necessary?
“The skin around the eyes is different from the rest of the face — it’s incredibly delicate and thin — and as a result needs extra attention and suitable product that matches your key concerns,” Mayland told The Latch.
“You shouldn’t be extending your existing facial moisturiser beyond the orbital bone. These products are too heavy and can cause problems like milia and other eye issues. The kind of eye cream I use changes depending on the season.
“For example, I like to use Puffy Eyes Gel during the summer as I find I tend to get under-eye bags. Then during the cooler seasons, I opt for Paradoxe Eye Cream because it’s great for my sensitive skin.”
How should eye cream be used?
“The stage in a skincare routine where eye cream should be applied is generally a personal preference, but if you’re using one with active ingredients, we often recommend applying it first (it’s most effective this way because the active ingredients will absorb better),” says Mayland.
“Personally, I use eye cream whenever I feel like it. Morning, evening, during the day – I listen to my skin. I always keep Line Combat Fluid, which helps to minimise expression lines, in my car because I often find a few minutes during the day where I can take the time to gently massage the product into my skin.”
How to (gently) apply eye cream
“Apply your eye cream to the eye bone of the upper and lower eyelid using your ring finger as it provides less pressure,” Mayland said. “Always remember to be gentle — your eye area is one of the most sensitive parts of your face.
“All eye creams should begin as a once-a-day application, especially if active ingredients are being introduced, and should be done slowly so the skin can adapt.”
The do’s and don’ts of using eye cream
The eye cream is one of the most sensitive areas of the face and should be treated with the utmost care. While popping cream around your eyes might seem simple, there’s a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when using the product.
Do:
— Be gentle around your eye area, and don’t forget it’s not just about under the eyes but the brow bone too
— If you use an eye cream that contains actives, it’s best you apply it first – it will be most effective this way
Don’t:
— Don’t tug at your eyes or be rough
— Do not apply your eye cream up to your lash line (this can cause infections)
— Don’t apply too much eye cream – a thin layer is all you need