All The Latest Eye Creams That Have Us Talking
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
Eye creams, they’re honestly such a contentious topic! And while heated debate on whether you really need a separate cream to target that delicate area is really necessary. I am here to bat for team YES you really, REALLY need one – because I have two young children and am living proof of the damage that living sans eye cream can cause.
Although I do use an eye cream now. I have to. Otherwise my dark circles would scare people far and wide. Hence why I’m also the head cheerleader for the cause “start using eye cream in your mid-twenties!” Anyway let’s discuss this further.
Do Eye Creams Even Work?
You see, there is definitely a place for an eye cream in your routine. Mainly because your eye area is one of the first places on your face to show the signs of ageing. Think about it…crows’ feet, fine lines, wrinkles – your eyes (can) have it all. Hence why targeted skincare to treat this area is essential.
Wait...won't moisturiser just do the same thing?
While using a moisturiser around your eye is better than nothing, an eye cream will be able to target your specific concerns more effectively. Why? Because the skin around the eye area is 40% thinner than that of the rest of the face which is why it’s important to be using a separate product.
Daniel Isaacs, head of research at Medik8 additionally tells me that “moisturiser formulas are often made up of a thicker consistency and using these rich, stronger creams around the eye are can lead to inflammation, unwanted congestion and build-up of product - causing milia and puffiness.” Which is just another reason to use a product lighter in formulation around your delicate eyes.
At What Age Should We Start Using An Eye Cream?
I personally think everyone in their mid-twenties should start using eye cream. Primarily as a preventative measure for future damage. At this age “hydrating and multipurpose products that contain SPF are best,” Daniel says.
“Then as you head to your late 20’s and early 30’s it'll be time to incorporate eye creams that tackle the first signs of ageing. I like to recommend people look for good moisturising eye creams because when wrinkles get dry, they look deeper and worse.”
Ingredients such as retinol, peptides, ceramides or hyaluronic acid would also be handy ones to include at this age.
If I'm Prone To Milia, Should I Avoid Eye Cream?
What’s the deal with people prone to milia? You know, those small bump-like cysts that can randomly pop up on the skin. The eye area is actually a super common place to get them. They basically appear when keratin, a protein, becomes trapped under the skin. However, Daniel tells me that if you are prone to milia, there’s still a need for eye cream.
“Look for retinol based eye products which will chemically exfoliate the unwanted white nodules - retinol speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation rate and will resurface the skin. But be careful to avoid physical exfoliators,” he says.
Avoiding thick formulas and instead opting for light-weight/fast-absorbing serums while staying clear of mineral oils is also recommended as these are ingredients that may cause and trigger milia to form.
Best Eye Creams For Anti-Ageing & Dark Circles?
Look for peptide based eye creams! Peptides are fragments of protein and proteins are the fundamental building blocks of skin. Without peptides, skin doesn't remain intact and the result is loss of firmness, appearance of wrinkles and uneven texture. Collagen, elastin and keratin are all examples of peptides found in our skin.
Under eye dark circles develop due to excessive free radical stress, pigmentation, inflammation and broken fine blood vessels, however Daniels says there are two ways to tackle dark circles.
“Firstly look for products that help diffuse and reflect light to trick the eye into seeing a visibly brightened under-eye area.” This is often done via tinted eye balms which contain illuminating mineral pigments to soften the appearance of dark circles, leaving the area visibly brighter and more even.
Secondly it's key to keep the eye area hydrated to help eliminate dehydration lines. “So look for formulas with hyaluronic acid/glycerin etc… to refresh and awaken the under eye.”
Check Out Some Of My New Faves Below:
This is one of my favourite eye creams in the world and it’s also one of the best for men because it’s like an all in one which helps make skincare easy. It contains peptides to strengthen, light reflecting mica to brighten, along with added hydration and antioxidants to soothe and fight fine lines.
Medik8 Illuminating Eye Balm
This is definitely an AM eye cream only. I actually like to use it as a primer before my concealer because the light reflecting pigments = way less need for concealer. It’s also been designed to be applied on top of makeup, which is cool. So when 3pm rolls around and your eyes need a pick me up then you can do it easily with this. It combines multiple actives to effectively target the root cause of under-eye darkness and the addition of cucumber extract makes it a little cooling too.
If you have dark circles and your skin can tolerate vitamin C then Add. To. Cart. It also contains light reflecting pigments so is a good one to use in the morning. The addition of red-brown algae also helps depuff the area. This is what of those products your partner will definitely steal from your bathroom cupboard (at least that was what happened to one of our other writers).
An intensely hydrating eye cream if dehydration or dryness is one of your concerns. It'll help treat fine lines and wrinkles and contains antioxidants, peptides, super hydrators and natural extracts to protect the eye area, leaving it looking smooth and revitalised.
