By Guest Blogger

The skin around the eyes is more delicate than any other part of the body. It therefore makes sense that the eyes are usually the first to show signs of aging. Many people worry about premature signs of aging around the eyes. Dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, dryness, and sagging are common culprits. To combat these, you may benefit from an organic eye cream.

The overall appearance of the skin around the eyes can say a lot about how you take care of yourself, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Some people experience premature aging due to genetics while others live in environments that lend themselves to being outside and exposed to the sun’s UV rays on a regular basis. Truth be told, makeup and concealer can only do so much. At a certain point, you need to address the root cause and go back to the fundamentals of skincare. That means learning how to choose an eye cream.

If this is your first time venturing into choosing an eye cream and you need a bit of guidance, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about the criteria for choosing a quality eye cream, including what ingredients to look for, which ones to avoid, and how to choose an eye cream based on your specific needs. 

Choosing the right eye cream begins by understanding your needs. Do you experience dryness? Fine lines and wrinkles? Dark circles? Puffiness? All of these are factors to consider when choosing an eye cream.

What to Look For When Choosing an Eye Cream

Eye Creams for Dryness 

The skin around the eye is delicate and thin, making it more prone to dryness than the other parts of the face. This dryness is even more pronounced if you are already prone to dry skin. Over time, this can lead to the skin around your eyes looking sallow or flaky. 

If your eye cream concern is dryness, the focus should be to get a moisturizing eye cream. Look for something rich in plant oils, as this will provide essential fatty acids and antioxidants for a natural glowing hydration. Together, these ingredients will work together to lock in moisture, resulting in a brighter, rejuvenated appearance. 

Eye Creams for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

There is simply no getting around it: we all age! That’s certainly not a bad thing, but the fine lines and wrinkles that come along with it are not easy for everyone to grapple with. Wrinkles and fine lines happen to everyone at varying degrees; for some, they occur earlier than others. The area around the eye is particularly prone to wrinkles because it does not contain as many oil glands as other parts of the face. If you’re looking for an eye cream to address fine lines and wrinkles, look for products that contain active ingredients such as Alpha Hydroxy acids. These naturally exfoliate and smooth out the skin, which may help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Eye Creams for Dark Circles

Choosing an eye cream for dark circles is a challenge for many people. Dark circles around the eyes could stem from aging, genetics, fatigue, overexposure to the sun, dehydration, and other factors. To combat dark circles, look for eye creams that contain ingredients like aloe, cucumber, witch hazel, and other hydration powerhouses.  

Eye Creams for Puffiness

We all get puffy eyes from time to time but some people experience them more regularly than others. Eye puffiness is usually due to the buildup of fluids under the eye, which results in its swollen appearance. Several causes of puffy eyes include lack of sleep, eating a salty meal, allergies and allergic reactions, and more. Key ingredients in eye creams for puffy eyes include Vitamin E, aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea. 

What to Look for When Choosing an Organic Eye Cream

There are many eye cream brands out there but that doesn’t mean they all deliver high quality results. Once you know what you’re looking to address with your eye cream, the next step is to evaluate the product based on certain criteria. These include:

Active Ingredients in Eye Creams

Just like any other skincare product, the active ingredients in your eye cream will determine the type of results you will get. It is advisable to look out for organic plant oils which can provide essential fatty acids and antioxidants for hydration. 

Ethical Production 

How your eye cream is produced matters because not all products are created equally. Before you purchase an eye cream, look into the manufacturing processes of the company to evaluate the environmental impact and responsibility of what is being produced. Whenever possible, opt for an eye cream made with vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and recyclable, eco-friendly packaging.

Additional Ingredients & Fillers

The other ingredients that make up an eye cream are just as important as the active ingredients. They may include fragrance, preservatives, additives, and other chemicals. If you are combating dryness of the skin around the eye, you’ll want to steer clear of products with fragrance or alcohol. Instead, go for ones that contain non-irritating natural ingredients like organic aloe, witch hazel, organic jojoba, or shea butter. 

Now that you have a full education on how to choose an eye cream, the next step is to get one you love! We recommend BotanyBeauty’s Luxe Eye Cream, a powerful eye care regimen for morning and night. All that’s left to do now is to learn how to apply it.

How to Apply Eye Cream

Applying eye cream is simple and easy.

1. First, properly cleanse the entire face with a skin-safe cleanser and pat dry. Also make sure your hands are clean as you will be using your fingers to apply the eye cream.
2. Dispense a pea-sized amount of eye cream onto your ring finger. If the eye cream is highly concentrated, a pea-sized amount is all you will need for both eyes. If it is moderately concentrated, you may need to dispense more for the second eye.
3. Dab small dots from the inner corner just underneath your eye up to your brow bone. Do this gently, without pulling the skin.
4. Do not apply the cream to the top of the eyelids unless instructed to do so. Certain eye creams are intended for the eyelids while others are meant for the under-eye area. Be mindful of the type of product you are using prior to application. 
5. Always avoid direct contact with the eyes.

Above all else, do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as this will go a long way when it comes to the health of your eye skin. Stay hydrated, move  your body, aim for 8 hours of sleep, remove your makeup prior to bed, avoid smoking, and eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Your skin and your eyes will thank you! 

FAQs About Eye Cream

How do I know which eye cream to use?

The right eye cream to use is the one that is best for your skin type and your skin concerns. Determine your needs prior to purchasing an eye cream. For example, if you have dry skin or eczema around the eyes, look for eye creams that target dryness. 

What is the best age to start using eye cream?

It’s best to start using eye cream in your early 20s as a preventative measure. This may help delay the signs of aging and counteract the appearance of tired skin later on. 

Do I need a retinol or Vitamin C eye cream?

This depends on your skin concerns. An eye cream with retinol and Vitamin C may be helpful for aging skin around the eyes, as well as for dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Why use eye cream?

People use eye cream for a myriad of reasons, some of which include dryness, puffy eyes, dark circles, and fine lines and wrinkles.