Nothing ages a person faster than dark under-eye circles and eye bags. The eyelid skin is the first to reveal lack of sleep, excess salt, stress, and age in general. No wonder the market is flooded with eye creams promising to smooth and brighten! But do these products deliver real results? Let’s look at common eye cream ingredients that actually work.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
This natural substance is the skin’s hydration powerhouse as each tiny molecule binds 1000 times its weight in water. This is critical in the eye area which dries out more easily leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Eye products with a quality hyaluronic acid plump and smooth the skin naturally by restoring hydration. This is a great ingredient for milia-prone patients, as hyaluronic acid will not clog the oil glands.
Our Favorite: Hydrinity Eye Renewal Complex
2. Antioxidants
Vitamin C and other plant-based antioxidants reduce pigmentation in the undereye area and give the skin a brighter appearance. This is an excellent ingredient for those with true melanin deposition in the undereye area. Flavonoid blends also reduce Advanced Glycation End Products, which is essentially caramelization of your skin cells from excess sugar over time.
Our Favorite: Hydrinity Eye Renewal Complex, Revision DEJ Eye, and SkinCeuticals AGE Eye Advanced
3. Vitamin K
This anti-coagulant helps clear congested blood responsible for purple discoloration in the under-eye area. Look for it as a stand-alone product or combined with others in an eye product.
Our Favorite: Revision Vitamin K Serum
4. Growth Factors
The under-eye area is often too sensitive for retinol, so we look to anti-aging peptides to gently yet powerfully promote collagen and elastin production in this area.
Our Favorites: NeoCutis Lumiere Firm and Lumiere Firm Riche
5. Anti-Aging Peptides
Peptides are the building blocks of protein, and skin care peptides focus on building the two most important proteins in our skin, collagen and elastin. Peptides are also showing promising results in preventing sun damage. Eye products with anti-aging peptides often address wrinkles and discoloration.
Our Favorites: Hydrinity Eye Renewal Complex and Revision DEJ Eye
Remember, consistency is key! Plan on giving the eye cream at least 2 weeks of twice daily application before expecting to see improvement. The eye area is quick to betray us, but it’s also very responsive and appreciative to medical grade skin care. It should not take long for your eye area to shine with appreciation for your extra care.
