There is an eye cream for every possible skin type and condition. Many contain chemicals, fillers and other potential irritants. Before you invest in an eye cream, you should learn the basics so that you can make an informed choice that fits your needs.
Types
There are drugstore brands, department store brands and boutique brands. There are also creams and lotions that you can make at home using household ingredients. Some eye creams, such as those containing high concentrations of retinols, are available through prescription only.
Benefits
While no eye cream has been invented that can make wrinkles completely disappear, many contain healing and moisturizing ingredients that are beneficial to the fragile skin around the eyes. Some eye creams–such as TNS Illuminating Eye Cream and BeneFit’s Eyecon Brightening Eye Cream–contain reflective sparkles that cosmetically enhance the area under the eyes. ANEW Clinical Eye Lift, made by Avon, is a gel-based treatment that tightens skin. Calmia Daily Eye Protector has sunscreen to protect the skin and white tea and algae that make the skin feel more toned and refreshed.
Expert Insight
Marie Claire beauty magazine (see Resources below) lists the most popular eye creams. Among the top choices are Darphin Dark Circles Relief and De-puffing Eye Serum, Dr. Hauschka Daily Revitalizing Eye Cream, Kiehl’s Abyssine Eye Cream (containing ginkgo root, vitamin E, coral extract and red algae extract, said to protect the skin from damaging free radicals) and the all-natural Nude Advanced Eye Complex, with exfoliants to help gently slough off dead skin cells.
Warning
Eye creams can damage the skin. If you apply a formulation with high amounts of alpha hydroxy acids, it can make the skin peel and be more susceptible to sunburn. Vitamin E oil can be troublesome for people who tend to get breakouts, as it can clog pores. Some products contain unnecessary chemicals, fragrances and artificial colors that can cause allergic reactions.
Considerations
Those who have sensitive skin or want to go green can concoct their own eye cream. Pack in some moisturizing power with a mask made of a tablespoon of avocado mixed with five drops of almond oil. Gently pat it around the eyes, leave it on for five minutes and rinse with cool water. To refresh the skin around the eyes, go for the classic cool cucumber slices. Chilled witch hazel or black tea is ideal for soothing puffy eyes.
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