Why you should be using an eye cream

Eye cream is a special moisturiser formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eye. Eye creams tend to be thicker than our face moisturisers and contain different active ingredients, as they target different skin concerns.

The skin around your eyes is ten times thinner than your face.

The skin around the eyes is more fragile and quicker to show age and tiredness.

Squinting and constant eye movement tend to increase the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Fluids collect under the eyes and cause puffiness. Poor circulation, tiredness, stress, or genetics may also cause dark circles.

Do I need a special cream, or can I use my face moisturiser?

While some of the ingredients of face moisturiser and eye cream are the same, they are formulated to address different issues. Face moisturisers, especially those targeting antiaging, have active ingredients that may irritate the delicate eye area. If your face moisturiser has no active ingredients, it may help hydrate your eye area but won’t address the critical concerns of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.

“Creams are designed specifically to suit their purpose. For the face, the consistency and texture will be different than for the eye,” explains Tariq Karim, founder of Santi Medispa

What do Eye Creams do?

Eye creams are formulated to address the unique concerns of the eye area. The skin around the eyes is more fragile and prone to dryness. Dark circles, puffiness and “crow's feet” are common concerns, especially as we age.

Eye creams help to nourish this delicate skin, keeping it hydrated to prevent dryness and fine lines. Targeted active ingredients can stimulate sluggish circulation and strengthen capillary walls to address puffiness and lighten dark circles. They also soften fine lines and make the skin under your eyes look youthful.

How do I use my Eye Cream?

After cleansing in the morning and evening, apply eye cream using the fourth finger on each hand (it exerts the least amount of pressure). Lightly pat the cream onto the delicate under-eye area and around the eye sockets until absorbed.

A targeted eye cream will help reduce dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. But there’s more you can do to look after this delicate area.

Always wear protective eyewear.

Sunglasses protect the skin around your eyes from harmful UV rays, fine lines, crow's feet, and skin cancer.

Use black or green tea bags to brighten dark circles.

Apply cool, steeped tea bags over closed eyes and relax for 5 minutes. Black and green teas contain antioxidants called flavonoids and tannins that have an anti-inflammatory effect, and caffeine constricts the blood vessels to reduce swelling and discolouration further.

Use cucumbers or potatoes to de-puff eye bags.

The astringent properties of these vegetables help reduce inflammation and tighten the skin. Place slices over your eyes and relax for 5 minutes.

If you’re concerned about the area around your eyes, consider using an eye cream.

A targeted intensive eye cream provides long-term anti-aging benefits – deeply nourishing, softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. Look for natural, active elements to boost collagen production, tone delicate skin and minimise dark circles and puffiness.

Recommended:

Restore Intensive Eye Cream

The active ingredients in Restore Intensive Eye Cream are Native Lemon Aspen, Cucumber Oil and Resveratrol.

  • Native Lemon Aspen helps to strengthen capillary walls to minimise dark circles.

  • Cucumber Oil soothes this delicate area and reduces puffiness

  • Resveratrol improves elasticity and relaxes wrinkles and fine lines

Benefits:

  • Softens fine lines

  • Boosts collagen production

  • Reduces dark, puffy circles

Skin Type: All Skin Types

Restore Eye Revive

Pamper and brighten your tired eyes

• 30 minutes | $65 •

A soothing ‘facial’ for your eyes to help reduce dark circles and puffiness – reviving your eyes. A gentle exfoliation follows mild cleansing. A massage relaxes tension and encourages lymphatic drainage. Finish with a hydrating mask with collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Also available as an add-on to any Facial or Brow Treatment for just $40.

Diana Milnes