Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is one of the main goals of any anti-aging skincare routine. One of its key components is a famous duo: face cream and eye cream. These products can seem similar, but they have specific compositions and ingredients. You’ll find a wide range of these two creams to tackle different skin concerns and problems. Here’s an overview of this powerful duo of the skincare world. 

Does Eye Cream Really Make a Difference? 

There is a lot of marketing for skincare products, including eye cream, and it can be hard to know what actually works and what doesn’t. To put it simply, an effective eye cream will absolutely help. 

However, not every eye cream is created equal. It’s important to choose a product with high-quality ingredients that will suit your skin type. The skin around the eyes is delicate and a poorly formulated cream can cause irritation, doing more harm than good. This is why your face cream is not ideal for the sensitive area around your eyes. 

Does Eye Cream Work for Eye Bags? 

You can use an eye cream for dark circles and puffiness, as delicate hydration can relieve these two issues. A refreshing, high-quality eye cream will help reduce the appearance of eye bags. 

However, there are limits to what even the best eye cream can accomplish. When it comes to healthy skin, lifestyle has an impact. A cream can help, but won’t perform miracles, especially if you are drinking too much wine and not enough water, barely using sunscreen, and not getting enough sleep.  

How to Apply Eye Cream 

There are a few things to know to apply eye cream properly. First, wash your hands. You don’t want to introduce germs or dirt close to your eyes. 

It’s usually recommended to put on eye cream as one of the last steps of a skincare routine. Depending on other products you use, you might want to wash your hands again to avoid irritating your eyes. You can also apply it either before or after your moisturizer. If your eye cream is heavier, put it on last. If your eye cream is lighter, then it should go before moisturizer. 

Use a pea-sized amount or one pump, depending on the container. Eye creams are usually super concentrated, so a little goes a long way. 

With your finger, gently place little dots of product under your eyes. Then, tap softly to allow the product to penetrate the skin.  

If you are wondering, “Does eye cream work for dark circles?” and want to tackle that issue specifically, you can use eye cream twice a day. In the morning, it will help wake up your eyes. At night, a more potent eye cream for extra hydration will help with puffiness and dark circles. 

Do Any Anti-Aging Creams Actually Work? 

Hydrating your skin is essential, period. Hydrated skin looks plumper, fresher, and more youthful.  

Anti-aging creams can be effective, but the results depend on the quality of the product. Choose creams with proven ingredients but be mindful of the concentration levels. The best face cream for aging skin will contain powerful ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, or caffeine. Face cream with SPF is a smart choice, especially if you’re frequently outdoors during the day, even for short periods. You should still use regular sunscreen, but the added SPF in your face cream is an extra layer of protection. 

However, like eye cream, you need to keep your expectations realistic. Even the best face cream can’t compensate if your lifestyle is damaging to your skin, and you don’t use sunscreen. Be aware that no topical product will deliver the dramatic results you’d get from professional treatments like injections or surgery.  

Ask a professional and don’t hesitate to try different products since some ingredients work better with certain people than others. Look for quality but choose a product that you actually enjoy using. 

How to Apply Face Cream 

Applying face cream is simple. Always apply it after washing your face, ideally while your skin is still damp, to lock in moisture. It’s best to use circular motions, moving upward to help with absorption into the skin.  

If your routine is more complex, including serum and toner, apply the moisturizer at the end to lock in the benefits of the other products. For daytime, finish with your moisturizer, but don’t forget sunscreen for extra protection. At night, use a richer face cream to deeply nourish your skin while you sleep.  

Hydrated From Head to Toe 

Face cream and eye cream are a powerful combo for anti-aging and addressing specific skin concerns. Don’t forget that your lifestyle plays a major role in the appearance of your skin. Since the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it’s important to take care of it. Remember to also use lotion for the rest of your body to keep your skin healthy from head to toe.