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By Shilpa Bhim

“Always use an eye cream!” … That seems to be the number one skin care tip going around!

But why is using eye cream so important? Is an eye cream actually necessary?

We’ve broken down everything you need to know about eye creams, including whether you need to use one.

WHY WOULD I NEED AN EYE CREAM?

Skin is skin, right - so what does it matter whether you use an eye cream or a face cream on the skin around your eyes?

What you might not know is that the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate and sensitive than the rest of the skin on your body. 

It’s also drier (because the skin around your eyes has no oil glands) and is the first area on your face to show signs of ageing. You can thank your facial expressions and blinking for that!

Board certified dermatologist Dr Marisa Garshick notes that "it's important to keep the skin around the eyelid moisturised to prevent dryness."

IS AN EYE CREAM ACTUALLY DIFFERENT TO A FACE CREAM?

In short, yes! An eye cream isn’t just an overpriced face cream in a tiny bottle (phew!). Let us break it down for you:

Face creams are generally designed to trap moisture. They also target additional skin concerns through active ingredients. You know, things like Vitamins A and C, AHAs and BHAs - which are included in higher doses since a face cream is designed to be used on the face.

Eye creams are specifically designed to be used on the delicate skin around the eyes. They’re generally fragrance free to avoid irritation and any active ingredients are included in lower concentrations - so they’re suitable for the eye area.

WHAT DOES AN EYE CREAM DO?

Remember when we said that the skin around your eyes is the first area to show signs of ageing? Well, an eye cream can help with that. 

Dr Garshick notes that an eye cream can help assist anyone who is "concerned about their under eye area or who are noticing changes in the under eye area.”

Eye creams can target specific concerns, for example:

• Dryness  - use an eye cream that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These both help draw moisture into the skin.

• Dark circles - we are all for loving the skin you’re in! But if you’re wanting to help brighten the under eye area, look for an eye cream that contains caffeine, hyaluronic acid, tri-peptides, and moisture-locking ceramides. Vitamin C and niacinamide can also assist with keeping the under eye skin plump and brighten the under eye area overall.

• Puffiness - use a caffeine based eye cream, paired with your facial roller to help reduce the puffiness.

• Wrinkles - opt for an eye cream that contains retinol, “to help boost collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Garshick.

OK, SO DO I NEED TO USE AN EYE CREAM?

Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. 

If you’re looking to target specific skin concerns in the under eye area, an eye cream can assist. 

Or, if your face cream contains actives, which may be too strong for your under eye area, then using an eye cream will keep your under eye area moisturised without damaging the delicate skin.

Of course, if you’re using a face cream that doesn’t contain actives, or if your under eye area has built up a tolerance to a higher dose of actives, then you could use your face cream to moisturise the under eye area.

Have more questions about using an eye cream? Feel free to reach out to us via Instagram or email us - we love hearing from you!

Shilpa is a freelance beauty and lifestyle writer from Melbourne, Australia. You can keep up with her adventures over at @skb.ontherun and check out her latest articles here.