Do You Really Need Eye Cream?

The skin around the eyes is very sensitive and thin; everybody knows it. We blink around 10.000 times per day, we smile, frown, and squint. Whatever facial expression we make, it can't go without moving the under eye area. Some dermatologists and researchers claim that eye creams are just more expensive versions of regular face moisturizers, but others claim they are much milder, have different purposes, and are necessary to keep that sensitive skin around eyes young and healthy.

Marketing has done a lot to convince us that we need a separate product for the periorbital region. We want to believe that if we apply expensive cream, it will do miracles, and erase all bad habits from our faces. If there's a cream like that, why wouldn't we use it on the entire face and neck, or even entire bodies so we would never look old? It makes no sense.

Who May Need Eye Cream

From personal experience, I have to say that even though I have oily skin, no wrinkles or any puffiness, I do like my periorbital area hydrated. For years, I'd skip this part in my beauty routine just because my eyes would always tear up and sting when I came near them with the regular moisturizer. Over time I realized it was happening because my eyes are sensitive, and face creams can contain some strong ingredients, often harsh fragrances or alcohol. As I've started using mild under eye gels, I don't have tearing or burning problems, just because they are gentler than my usual face lotions. When I purchase a mild face cream, I have no problems using it under my eyes too.

Women with dry skin, wrinkles, fine lines, puffiness or dark circles may need some extra moisture. Some women smoke, drink or lead unhealthy lives in general, and try to compensate for those bad habits by buying expensive products to help the skin they've been hurting. I always say it is better to stack up on the healthy foods because those are the real beauty products, but if you for some reason can't lead a healthy lifestyle and want eye cream to target your problem, there are ingredients that address specific skin conditions.

Ingredients To Look For When Buying Face Products

I avoided saying eye creams in the title on purpose. Under eye skin products can be of the same ingredients and constitution as face lotions, but they are also made in milder versions than regular creams, with gentler active ingredients and are often free of perfume and other allergens.

To combat puffiness and dark circles, choose a cream or gel with caffeine, chamomile or green tea because these ingredients are known in helping combat excess water. Same as it goes with your morning cup of coffee, caffeine in face products helps the skin to look rested and more awake.

If you are battling wrinkles, try creams with retinol (a form of vitamin A), peptide (an amino acid), and vitamin C.

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Retinol has been proven to increase production of cells in the top layer of skin. With ageing, skin loses collagen. Retinol is able to boost collagen production which makes the skin look plumper and younger. It also helps with pigmentation which comes with ageing or sun damage. Some amount of population is sensitive to retinol since it can cause skin to peel off or appear red and dried out.

To sum up, eye creams do have one positive side — they are often gentler than regular face creams. But they are often much more expensive and contain same weak anti-ageing properties that can be found in regular face creams. Plus, in most cases they don't have sun protection factor, and you'd think that the gentle under eye skin really needs an SPF.

Natural Solutions For Healthy And Beautiful Under Eye Area

I've noticed that my skin looks best, and that I tend to lose my dark circles when I consume plenty of fruits and veggies. Several green smoothies are enough for my face to clear up and dark circles to go away. I'm a person who believes that beauty comes in the form of healthy food. My opinion is that everything should be tested, even eye creams, just to make sure we're not missing on anything, but if you can't afford purchasing pricey face products or simply don't need them, there are some natural solutions to keep the skin beautiful and nourished from the inside out.

Water

Researchers claim that drinking at least two liters of water daily erases several years from the face over time. Water helps skin to look good.

Also, wash the face often. While mild water helps to open up the pores and clean the dirt and debris which penetrated inside, finish your washing routine with cool (not too cold) water to close the pores. Cool water improves microcirculation. Alternating between warm and cool water stimulates the blood vessels and increases their contraction.

Tea

Chamomile, black or green tea can often be found among the top ingredients of facial and under eye creams. Chamomile helps to soothe and nourish the skin. It has been in use for thousands of years. It soothes everything, from baby belly ache to headaches. Doctors recommend it as a baby eye and face cleanser; it is that safe and good. Nourish your skin with chamomile from inside and out. After drinking your tea, put the tea bags over your eyes for 10 minutes. You can do this with green or black tea bags too. The anti-oxidants and caffeine from green tea are a great remedy to treat dark circles and reduce puffiness without any side-effects. Black tea shrinks the blood vessels and reduces fluid retention around the eyes.

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Fruit And Vegetables

For better skin — eat more fruits and veggies — especially those with high amounts of water, like cucumbers, tomatoes, celery or (water)melons. Cucumbers have dual effect, besides having a lot of water, they also contain silicon and sulfur and thus stimulate the kidneys and prevent water retention. They contain acid and folate so they can be applied on your eyes to tighten the skin and reduce eye bags. Chill a cucumber in the freezer and put a slice on each eye and hold for about 10 minutes. You can use potato slices in the same manner. Tomatoes contain amazing skin lighting agents and properties. Take some tomato juice and apply gently under your eyes as you would do with a face toner. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water. If you do this twice a day, it won't be long until you see the first results. Don't forget to eat the tomatoes too.

These were some natural ways you can nourish the skin and treat your under eye problems. The most important thing to remember is that you'll look exactly how you feel. If you treat your body badly, poison it with bad foods and bad habits, it will project on your mood, health, skin, and your entire being.