Four dermatologists weigh in on whether eye cream actually works
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE BROWNLEE
Get the lowdown from those who know best.
Eye cream is one of those beauty products that sometimes leaves you wondering, ‘Is this actually doing anything?’. Many of us want to get rid of fine lines and dark circles while rejuvenating the sensitive skin surrounding our eyes, hence the popularity of eye creams. So, why the controversy? Well, as with all beauty products, there’s always the question of how much of a difference it really makes.
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We know it can be good for dry skin and help brighten the area underneath the eyes but you also have to contemplate if it’s worth the hype and price (and believe me, they can be pricey). To get to the bottom of this surprisingly divisive topic, four dermatologists share their thoughts to help settle the debate.
Dr Aakriti Gupta
How does eye cream work?
Eye creams work predominantly by hydrating the skin around the eye area; usually, they contain very similar active ingredients to a face moisturiser but at a lower concentration to account for the delicate skin around this area.
What are the benefits of eye cream?
Potential benefits of eye cream include improved hydration and a lower risk of causing irritation to the skin around the eyes.
What are some myths about eye cream?
The prevailing myth around eye creams is that they’re able to fix dark circles and baggy eyes. Sadly, there’s no magic ingredient that addresses these issues.
In your opinion, does eye cream cater to a gap in the market or did it create space for itself?
Yes and no. The majority of eye creams are predominantly formulated to hydrate the skin but you can equally use a nourishing face moisturiser for the same effect.
Overall, do you think eye cream is worth it?
In truth, it depends on what you’re looking for. You can definitely use an eye cream as long as you realise that the main objective is hydration rather than resolving specific eye concerns.
Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon (with assistance from Dr Claire Ronaldson)
How does eye cream work?
Eye cream is a cosmetic product designed to moisturise the skin around the eyes. Because of the tendency to have drier skin in this area, the products may be slightly greasier than other facial moisturisers.
What are the benefits of eye cream?
The primary benefit of eye cream is to moisturise this region of skin. However, there’s no real difference between moisturisers applied to this area and the rest of the face.
What are some myths about eye cream?
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no high-quality scientific evidence to suggest that eye creams reverse wrinkles, brighten the skin or reduce the appearance of loose skin.
In your opinion, does eye cream cater to a gap in the market or did it create space for itself?
Eye cream created a space for itself. We do not really need eye cream, as products designed for skin around the eyes are not giving any miraculous benefit that a normal facial moisturiser cannot achieve.
Overall, do you think eye cream is worth it?
Using an eye cream for the purpose of anti-aging benefits marketed on the product isn’t worth it, because there’s no strong evidence to suggest that the product can achieve those skin benefits. However, if using the eye cream for its moisturising properties is helping to maintain the periorbital skin barrier and feels good, then it may be worth it to the individual.
Dr Shammi Theesan
How does eye cream work?
As the name suggests, eye cream is a cream that works to hydrate and protect the skin around the eyes.
What are the benefits of eye cream?
[Eye cream would be most beneficial for] people in their mid-twenties to early thirties who have a specific concern around their eyes and rejuvenation.
What are some myths about eye cream?
A myth about eye cream would be that everybody has to have one. I don’t think this is true as it depends on your real skin concern. Issues with the under-eye area can vary and you would need to choose an eye cream to treat your specific concern.
Overall, do you think eye cream is worth it?
I would actually start with a good moisturiser that you use on your face and pat that under your eyes just for general hydration. The main thing is also other wellness factors such as sleeping well, exercising and facial massages that will improve the quality of the skin around your eyes.
Dr Bevin Bhoyrul
How does eye cream work?
[How they work depends on what’s in them and what problem the person is trying to solve, e.g.] the issue could be discolouration, spots [or] lines under the eye; depending on the problem, the eye cream will vary.
What are some myths about eye cream?
A big trap is that just because it’s marketed as [an] eye cream, [it] doesn’t mean it’s specific to the eye. It could very well be used elsewhere on the face which means that some eye creams are misleading.
In your opinion, does eye cream cater to a gap in the market or did it create space for itself?
I don’t think it needs to be there, otherwise, you might as well have forehead or nose cream. The skin is thin around the eyes so you could use something that you use for the rest of your face but be more careful [when applying it].
Overall, do you think eye cream is worth it?
Yes and no. It really depends on what the person is buying and what they’re buying it for. You have to know what you’re trying to target and do your research beforehand.
For more opinions on eye cream, head here.
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