“Eye creams are formulated specifically for the thinner, more delicate skin around our eyes, which is why they tend to be thicker,” notes Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Fla. “Eye creams also contain more oil than a facial cream [and often feature] active ingredients that target specific issues.” Whether you’re new to the eye cream game or have been dutifully slathering for years, take note of these common eye cream mistakes that might be sabotaging your anti-aging goals. “So many of my clients come to me with the concerns of fine lines, puffiness, and darkness around the eyes, but when I ask what they are using to treat their concerns they usually say ’nothing’ or ‘I use moisturizer,’” says Kasey Boone, esthetician and founder of Glow Skincare LA. “Moisturizer is great for hydrating the skin, but if you are looking to treat the eye area, you need a good eye cream!” “Some believe that the more product you use, the more effective it will be. However, for the area under your eyes, less is always more,” notes Dr. Chimento. “Putting on too much product can clog your pores and even creep into your eyes and irritate them.” A pea-sized amount is all you need. That means not layering too many products in a short period of time, including more skincare or any makeup or sunscreen you’d apply on top. And if you’re going to bed, make sure that you’re giving your eye cream enough time to absorb before laying down; otherwise you risk transferring the product to your pillow. Boone says that a lot of her clients sing the woes of “trying everything,” but when she does a little prodding, they reveal they’ve only been using an eye cream for a matter of days or weeks. “Give your eye cream time—at least 30 to 60 days,” she advises. “Also, remember that eye creams aren’t plastic surgery, [so don’t expect a drastic change]. Over time you can see a major improvement if you are using a great eye cream for your specific concern.” Slow and steady wins the eye cream race.
