Do you really need to bother with eye cream?
Experts weigh in on whether a separate eye cream is a skincare essential or an unnecessary expense. Katie Wright reports
SOME people swear by it, diligently tapping and smoothing their favourite formula around their eyes every night. Others claim it’s a waste of money and won’t make any difference.
Here, four skincare experts give their verdict on whether you need to invest in eye cream.
“Eye creams really do make a difference”
Abigail Williams, national education manager at Caudalie, believes that every beauty buff should have a good quality eye cream in their daily routine.
“The delicate skin around the eye area is the first to show lines, dehydration and the effects of a busy lifestyle,” she says. “And yes, eye creams really do make a difference.” Caudalie Firming Eye Gel Cream, £36
“Everyone should use eye cream from their mid-20s”
“The skin around the eyes is up to 10 times thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, therefore making it vulnerable to damage from sun exposure, environmental pollutants and glycation,” says Lisa Goldfaden, co-founder of Goldfaden MD, believing that when it comes to wrinkles, prevention is better than cure.
“Everyone should have an eye cream included in their regime by their mid-20s.
“To target issues of puffiness and dark circles, choose an eye cream which contains anti-inflammatory-fighting ingredients, such as vitamin K, arnica, peptides, caffeine and/or soothing tea extracts.”
Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes, £48, Space NK
“You don’t need different product for around the eye”
Katie White, facialist and founder of Re:lax, says: “I love recommending multifunctional products, as they are better for the environment and my clients’ bank balances.
“I don’t believe that you need a different product for around the eye, so long as you select the product carefully.”
She warns against face creams that contain “acids, too much fragrance or strong retinol, which can lead to irritation”.
Instead, she recommends using an oil and gently massaging it around the eyes.
“By including a little bit of massage, you increase microcirculation to the area, which stimulates collagen and elastin production
“If you really wanted to take it a step further, I would recommend investing in a good quality microneedling stamp, which can be used up to the lash line and around the sensitive eye for amazing results.”
Oilixia Amazonian Cacay Facial Oil, £48
Re:lax Stamp and Glow Microneedling Stamp, £30
“A good face cream is really all you need”
“Having thin skin around the eyes also means this area comes with its own specific problems, such as dark circles, puffiness and bags, as well as often being the first place that fine lines and wrinkles develop,” says Dr Jason Thomson, dermatologist and head of medical at Skin + Me.
He explains that while eye creams can temporarily plump the skin, it’s unlikely they’re potent enough to eradicate that purplish colour under your peepers.
“Creams that claim to treat your dark circles are often going to end up disappointing. This is largely because dark circles are usually caused by multiple factors, including your genetics and your skin tone, which no cream will be able to influence.”
He recommends going to see a dermatologist if you’re very concerned about dark circles. As for eye cream?
“The skin around your eyes is a special area, but a good face cream — that’s gentle and moisturising, with a high factor, broad spectrum SPF [for daytime use] — is all you need to benefit your entire face.” Katherine Daniels Daily DNA Defence SPF 30, £50
Our advice is to stick with what works for you — and if that includes buying a separate eye cream, go for it and if not, stick with a multi-tasking moisturiser and get to grips with massage.