How To Apply Eye Cream And Ingredients To Look For - Healthline

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How to Apply Eye Cream

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Kirsten Nunez on October 14, 2020

How to apply
When to use
Recommended ingredients
About your skin
Takeaway

If you’re concerned about premature aging, start by taking care of the skin around your eyes. The skin in this area is super delicate, so it’s often the first to show signs of aging. Generally, this includes issues like wrinkles, sagging, and dark circles.

To keep this skin healthy and strong, consider using an eye cream. Depending on the formula, eye creams can tighten and hydrate the skin while treating common skin concerns.

You can benefit from using an eye cream even if you’re younger. The earlier you start applying eye cream, the longer you can enjoy its effects.

But as with all skin care products, it’s important to apply eye cream properly. Not only will this protect the area, but it will ensure your skin fully soaks up its benefits.

Best way to apply eye cream

To get the most out of your eye cream, follow these steps for correct application:

Use your ring finger. It’s your weakest finger, so it will naturally have a gentle touch.
Scoop up a pea-sized amount of product.
Gently tap small dots under your eyes, starting in the innermost corner and moving outward. Avoid applying cream too close to your bottom eyelashes.
Pat the product into your skin. Avoid dragging or rubbing.
Wait 2 minutes to let the cream fully absorb.
Apply the rest of your skin care products and makeup.

Try not to use a lot of eye cream. Otherwise, the cream may enter your eyes and cause irritation. It’s also not recommended to apply eye cream on your eyelids unless the directions say it’s safe to do so.

Generally, eye cream should be applied before daytime moisturizer and sunscreen. That’s because eye cream is usually light, and heavier formulas should go on last.

Other skin care tips for your eyes

In addition to properly applying eye cream, follow these tips for eye skin care:

Massage the area. Gently massage the skin around your eyes to improve circulation and reduce puffiness.
Remove your eye makeup. Avoid going to sleep while wearing eye makeup. Use a gentle makeup remover that’s safe to use around the eyes.
Wear sunglasses. Wear shades that block ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) light. This will reduce the risk of eye wrinkles and skin cancer in the area.
Wear a hat. To further protect your eyes and eyelids, wear a hat. The brim should be at least 3 inches wide.

When and how often should you apply eye cream?

Eye cream can be applied at various times of the day. However, you’ll need a different eye cream for different times.

You can apply eye cream:

In the morning. Use a lightweight formula, as it will feel more comfortable under your makeup. Look for a product with SPF to reduce the risk of wrinkles.
In the evening. When you apply eye cream in the evening, the ingredients can absorb into your skin overnight. Choose a richer cream with hydrating ingredients and no SPF.
In the morning and evening. To enjoy all of the above benefits, use eye cream at both times. You’ll need two different formulas, so keep this in mind when shopping for products.

The ideal time depends on your preferences and goals. But regardless of the time, you should only apply eye cream once every 12 hours. There’s no need to reapply the same product throughout the day or night.

Ingredients to look for in an eye cream

With so many eye creams on the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming.

Start by looking for skin-healthy ingredients like:

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 shields the skin from sun damage and decreases the risk of wrinkles.
Peptides. Peptides support collagen production, so they’re ideal for thinning skin and fine lines.
Ceramides. Ceramides improve the strength and moisture of the skin.
Niacinamide. This antioxidant has a brightening and hydrating effect. It can also reduce excess sebum.
Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid attracts water, which moisturizes the skin. It also improves skin elasticity.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs like lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid can treat hyperpigmented skin.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, offers sun protection and brightening properties.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E is moisturizing and soothing.
Vitamin K. This vitamin improves swelling, circulation, and dark circles.
Caffeine. Caffeine decreases puffiness and dark undereye circles.
Retinoids. Retinoids can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but they should only be used in the evening. They can also irritate the skin, so only use retinoid products designed for the undereye.
Ferulic acid. Ferulic acid protects the skin from environmental damage.
Chamomile. For an anti-inflammatory effect, use an eye cream with chamomile.
SPF. This is key for preventing sun damage and wrinkles around your eyes.

Some ingredients work best for certain skin types. To narrow down your choices, consider the best ingredients for different skin types.

Acne-prone skin

Use an eye cream that’s safe for sensitive skin. It should be free of fragrance and oil.

Look for ingredients like:

chamomile
green tea extract
witch hazel
AHAs
retinoids

Oily skin

If you have oily skin, you may benefit from the same ingredients that help acne-prone skin. Similarly, look for an oil-free or noncomedogenic eye cream.

Pick an eye cream with:

chamomile
green tea extract
witch hazel
AHAs
retinoids

Dry skin

Thicker, hydrating eye creams work best for dry skin. Look for the following ingredients:

ceramides
niacinamide
hyaluronic acid
glycerin
vitamin E

About the skin around your eyes

The skin around your eyes, including your eyelids, is very delicate. In fact, it’s the thinnest skin on your body.

This makes it prone to:

dryness
irritation
sun damage
environmental damage
signs of premature aging

The skin in this area only becomes thinner with age. That’s because our skin loses elasticity and strength over time.

To protect this area, be mindful of the products you use around your eyes. Use skin care and makeup formulas that are specifically made for the skin around your eyes. Never apply products meant for other parts of the body, as they may be too harsh.

Use caution when actually applying products. Be gentle and avoid getting too close to your eye, which may cause irritation and discomfort.

Takeaway

Be gentle when using eye cream. Apply a pea-sized amount with your finger and tap it on your skin. Avoid applying too much product, which can cause irritation if it gets in your eyes.

You can apply eye cream in the morning, evening, or both. If you use it in the morning, pick a formula with SPF to prevent sun damage and wrinkles. At night, use a thick and hydrating formula.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Act your age when it comes to skin care. (2016).https://www.aad.org/news/age-and-skin-care
Do eye creams really work? (n.d.).https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/do-eye-creams-really-work
Hello bright eyes! How to pick the eye cream that’s right for you. (2019).https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hello-bright-eyes-how-to-pick-the-eye-cream-thats-right-for-you/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Wrinkle creams: Your guide to younger looking skin.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Over-the-counter acne products: What works and why.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/art-20045814
Pilkington SJ, et al. (2015). The tricky tear trough: A review of topical cosmeceuticals for periorbital skin rejuvenation.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4587894/
The sun & your eyes. (2019).https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/eye-protection/

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Kirsten Nunez on October 14, 2020

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