EYE FOR AN EYE
A few years ago, I remember hearing lots of publications posting articles and videos about whether or not eye cream is a scam. In fact, I still get asked questions about how necessary eye cream is in a skincare regimen. The answer? Well, it depends.
Is eye cream an essential part of a routine? In my opinion, no. But eye cream isn’t a “scam.” Putting your moisturizer up to your orbital bone will help keep the area hydrated, sure, but eye creams offer more than just hydration. Some help to reduce the appearance of dark circles, some help with the elasticity of the skin, etc. There are eye products that are on the thicker side, some that are gels, and some that have more serum-like consistency. The skin in the eye area is very delicate (in fact, the skin on your eyelids is the thinnest skin on your whole body!), and there is something to be said for using a product formulated for that specific part of your face. If your face loves a thick moisturizer but you find yourself getting milia (small white bumps that don’t pop) around the eyes, perhaps it means that you need something a bit thinner for that area that might contain ingredients that promote cellular turnover. Our eye area is one of the first to start showing signs of aging, and while there is nothing wrong with getting older, there’s also no reason to speed up the process by not giving our skin what it needs.
While I don’t think that eye cream is an essential step (cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF are the most important), it’s certainly one that I always include both in the treatment room and in my own routine. I am always honest with my clients about the limitations of an eye product, though. If you have dark circles due to genetics, a pigmentation reducing eye cream can only help so much. If you’re 97 years old, know that there is no product that is going to give you the smooth undereye of a 20 year old. But if you want to give your eye area special care so that you can keep the skin there as healthy and hydrated as possible, then by all means include an eye cream!
There are no shortage of options, that’s for sure. Intelligent Elixirs has a beautiful eye cream for only $29! Hale & Hush has two eye products, one in mousse form and another in a thicker serum form. Image has several different eye products, including one that’s great for dark circles. My suggestion? Start with something simple and go from there if need be. Check with your skincare pro to see what will work best for your needs. If you would like suggestions, I’m happy to help. Just reach out!
love & lipstick,
Cherrie
P.S. If you’re planning to use an eye cream (or if you already do), make sure you’re only applying it around your orbital bone and NOT right up to your lashline. Eye cream migrates, and you don’t want it to migrate into your eyeball and cause irritation!
