When it comes to aging, one of the biggest skin care concerns is the eyes. Dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles. Many women notice these side effects. So what should you do? How to care for the skin under your eyes at home?
Content Why is it so difficult to take care of the skin under your eyes? How to take care of the skin under your eyes: a must-have routine How to solve common problems with the skin under your eyes How to take care of the skin under your eyes: choose the right formula
WomanEL will share advice from dermatologists so you can develop the right program and take care of this vulnerable facial skin.
Why is it so difficult to take care of the skin under the eyes?
Dermatologists have confirmed what you’ve known for a long time: the under-eye area is tricky to care for. There are many issues, and “the skin under and around the eyes is more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face,” says esthetician Michelle Green. In fact, according to research, the skin on the lower eyelids is one of the thinnest parts of the body, measuring just 0.5 millimeters (mm). For comparison, the rest of the skin on the face is 1.5 to 2.0 mm thick. And the skin on the thickest part of the body—the heels—can be as thick as 4 mm.
The skin under your eyes is also less elastic, meaning it doesn't recover as easily from daily stressors, says Dr. Green. To make matters worse, it has less of a natural moisture barrier, making it more susceptible to issues like dehydration, sensitivity, and even accelerated aging.
Fat loss over the years can lead to hollows that expose vascular structures (those tiny veins), which can worsen the appearance of dark circles, adds dermatologist Deanne Mraz. Of course, skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, acne, and sun spots from constant UV exposure can also cause hyperpigmentation.
How to care for the skin under the eyes: a must-have routine
Great. Now what? Fortunately, there are plenty of non-invasive ways to protect and even rejuvenate the skin around your eyes for a younger, more radiant look. Here's what dermatologists recommend:
- Use an eye serum, cream, or mask. Use your ring finger to apply serums and creams under and around your eyes (it's the weakest finger, so there's less risk of tugging or irritating delicate skin when applying products). Some creams and serums even have metal applicators that provide a cooling effect, soothing and reducing puffiness, says dermatologist Marisa Garszyk.
- Treat your skin to cold-temperature cosmetics. Especially if you’re concerned about puffiness, keep your products in the refrigerator to cool your skin, which can help manage puffiness, says Dr. Garshik. Additionally, the cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels under your eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles and minimizing puffiness. An ice roller, cold compress, or even soaking your entire face in an ice bath can also help.
- Pay attention to your overall lifestyle. Studies show that lack of sleep affects facial features and can lead to problems like droopy eyelids, red eyes, puffier eyes, dark circles under the eyes, and more fine lines. The bottom line: Make rest a priority whenever possible. Dehydration, whether from not drinking enough water, too much alcohol, or too much sodium in your diet, can also contribute to sunken eyes.
How to solve common skin problems under the eyes
Choosing an under-eye product depends on what specific concerns you're trying to address and what ingredients can help. In general, Dr. Green says some of the best ingredients for improving and treating under-eye skin include caffeine, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. For best results, choose a product that's designed to address your specific concerns.
- For dark circles. To lighten dark circles, look to antioxidants like vitamin C. Vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals, reduces inflammation, brightens the skin, and promotes cell renewal. Niacinamide, another antioxidant, can also help because it both soothes and improves skin tone.
- For crow’s feet. Known for its skin-firming properties, retinol is the gold standard in this area. This over-the-counter (and prescription) derivative of vitamin A promotes cell turnover and increases collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines. Also look for alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which increase skin cell turnover and stimulate the production of new, healthy collagen, which can help smooth crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes.
- To reduce puffiness. According to research, caffeine is one of the best multitasking ingredients for healthy skin under the eyes. It has antioxidant properties, protecting valuable collagen, helping to smooth wrinkles and protect against free radical damage. It can also help reduce periorbital hyperpigmentation, or darkness under the lower eyelids, by increasing blood circulation. It also stimulates lipolysis – a metabolic process that helps break down stored fat – and reduces puffiness.
- Dehydration: To boost hydration levels, choose ingredients that hydrate the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. Thanks to their ability to attract moisture, these ingredients can help tighten and smooth the skin, as well as make it look brighter and more rested.
How to care for the skin under your eyes: choose the right formula
Masks (or patches), creams, and serums can all help improve the appearance of the skin under your eyes, but there are important differences between them that you should know to make the best choice for you.
- Masks/patches: Masks and patches aid absorption and can be used when you need deeper nourishment.
- Cream: Eye creams are moisturizers that are usually much richer than serums and help to hydrate and lock in moisture. Try to use an eye cream at night as it is much heavier in composition than a serum.
- Serum. Serums are the one product that can be used with laser precision based on your specific eye concerns. They contain a higher concentration of active ingredients that penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Serums are also great for your morning routine. The lightweight formula makes it easy to layer products over serum, including eye cream, for an extra boost.
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