Liz Earle UK
Guide to Eye Creams
Guide to Eye Creams
It’s no secret that taking good care of your eyes is important. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than other areas, making it the first place to show signs of fatigue and dryness. So, this unique area of our skin deserves some specialised care.
In this guide, we'll explain what eye creams are, how they work, the ingredients to look for and how to apply them as part of your daily skincare routine.
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Why the skin around your eyes is different
Why the skin around your eyes is different
Not only is the delicate skin around your eyes thinner than the rest of your face, but it also has fewer oil glands. This means that the skin is naturally drier and, combined with its lower collagen density can cause the eye area to be sensitive to ageing, fatigue, pollution and UV exposure, manifesting as fine lines.
The eye area is also prone to fine lines due to our frequent smiles, squints and frowns causing the skin to repeatedly tighten and loosen.
While prioritising sleep and applying SPF can protect against some environmental skin stressors, ageing and making facial expressions is unavoidable, many people choose to incorporate an eye cream to provide additional hydration and targeted care.
What is an eye cream?
What is an eye cream?
Eye cream is considered specialised skincare for good reason. Their formulas are carefully considered, designed to effectively target the specific needs of skin around the eyes. Often described as concentrated moisturisers, eye creams are formulated with textures and ingredients suitable for use around this sensitive area.
However, unlike regular moisturisers, eye creams contain specific ingredients for safe use close to the eyes. This is particularly important, as the area can be sensitive and prone to reactions (anyone who’s ever felt a sting mid-routine knows what we’re talking about!).
How do eye creams work?
How do eye creams work?
Different formulas use different ingredients. Examples of skin-loving ingredients found in eye creams include:
- Horse chestnut flower - helps revive the appearance of the eye contour by smoothing the skin
- Borage seed oil - while no one ingredient or cream can remove dark circles completely, borage is a brightening boost in flower form. We source and produce ours right here in England, where GLA-rich oil is pressed from the seeds for a concentrated hit of hydration.
- Echinacea extract - helps to smooth and condition the skin with soothing hydration
- Paracress flower extract – reduces the appearance of fine lines by visibly firming the skin We source our Paracress from South Africa, where flowers are hand-picked before being extracted to produce the purest concentrations possible.
- Pomegranate fruit extract – firms the skin and rich in antioxidants
- Green tea extract – helps to brighten the skin and the appearance of dark circles
Benefits of eye creams
Benefits of eye creams
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
- Hydrates and leaves the skin feeling plump
- Helps to improves the feel of skin elasticity
- Enhances make-up application
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Types Of Eye Creams
Types Of Eye Creams
Eyebright™ Soothing Eye Lotion
This multipurpose lotion is infused with botanical extracts, including soothing eyebright and cooling cornflower, plus witch hazel to help tone the skin.
When used in the morning, it visibly refreshes tired-feeling eyes, helping you feel ready to face the day. Apply in the evening to gently remove the final traces of eye make-up (soothing and hydrating in the process).
Instant Brightening Eye Cream
Formulated with light-reflecting particles, this powerful eye cream leaves the eye area looking brighter and feeling hydrated. How, exactly? British borage oil brightens and restores moisture, while echinacea works to smooth, tone and condition your skin. Apply in the morning – ideally after the Eyebright™ Soothing Eye Lotion to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and seal in long-lasting hydration.
Superskin™ Eye Cream
With a silky-smooth, fast-absorbing texture, this eye cream can be used at any time (although we recommend rounding off your night-time routine with it, for a little touch of pre-sleep luxury).
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When to use an eye creamWhen to use an eye cream
Unless specified on the product, there’s no one right time to use an eye cream. You can usually apply them in both the morning and the evening. Whether you use them before or after moisturising, however, is largely down to personal preference.
Some choose to apply an eye cream prior to moisturising, as eye cream formulas tend to be more lightweight than their facial counterparts. Or, you might prefer to apply eye cream at the very end of your skincare routine – post-cleansing, toning, serum and moisturiser use. In this case, the only thing that should follow your eye cream is sun protection.
In terms of when to start using eye cream, most people will do so when the first signs of ageing begin to appear around the eyes. However, it's never too early, or too late, to incorporate this step into your skincare routine.
How to apply eye cream
Step One: Apply a grain sized amount on your ring finger
Eye creams are very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. A pea or rice grain-sized amount is usually enough for this area. Use your ring finger for a lighter touch; you don’t want to put too much pressure on the skin.
Step Two: Apply small dots around your eye contour
Start from the inner corner underneath your eye and dab all the way up to your brow bone – the dots should resemble a semi-circle around your eye contour. Gently tap to stimulate circulation, continuing until the product is fully absorbed.
Step Three: Pause before applying other products
After your eye cream, wait at least 90 seconds before applying the rest of your skincare and/or make-up. This allows the cream time to sink into your skin and work effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye CreamsFrequently Asked Questions About Eye Creams
Where should I not apply eye cream?
Eye cream is designed to be safely applied to the whole eye area, but avoid direct contact with the eyes. Always read and follow warnings and directions of use on specific products.
There’s also no need to apply eye cream to any other area of the face, our range of hydrating moisturisers are much better suited to the rest of your skin.
When should I start using eye creams?
In terms of age, it’s never too early or late in your adulthood to incorporate an eye cream into your skincare routine. Some prefer to begin using one when they notice fine lines or dryness starting to appear, but you can try an eye cream any time, a proactive approach to skincare can help keep the eye area looking its best.
As for the time of day to use an eye cream, you can apply it in both your morning and evening skincare routine.
Should eye cream go on before or after moisturiser?
This is largely down to personal preference. It tends to work well after cleansing and toning but before moisturising.
If you prefer to use your eye cream after moisturising, remember to apply SPF over the top if it’s the morning.
Can I use eye cream on my eyelids?
Yes, eye creams are safe to use on eyelids unless stated otherwise. Always read and follow warnings and directions of use on specific products.
If you’re looking for a specialised formula for your delicate eye area, our eye creams could be the perfect addition to your skincare routine. By delivering targeted application that some moisturisers aren’t designed for, our eye creams are a great way to help prevent dryness and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Check out our full range of botanically-enriched eye care to find the right one for you.
