How to Apply Eye Cream

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

1. Use your ring finger. It’s your weakest finger, so it will naturally have a gentle touch.
2. Scoop up a pea-sized amount of product.
3. Gently tap small dots under your eyes, starting in the innermost corner and moving outward. Avoid applying cream too close to your bottom eyelashes.
4. Pat the product into your skin. Avoid dragging or rubbing.
5. Wait 2 minutes to let the cream fully absorb.
6. 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.

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.

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

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.

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.