Monday, March 26, 2012

Do Eye Creams Really Work?

Recently, I was flipping through a magazine when I read a top beauty editor saying, “I never use eye cream because I’ve never found one that actually worked.”

So it got me thinking. If a top editor, who is given skin care products on a daily basis from beauty brands, therefore has surely tried many of them, is saying this, then certainly consumers must be feeling this too.

Do I really need to use an eye cream? Is using eye cream really necessary?

Let me start by saying that eye creams and other skin care products are not absolute miracles like some cosmetic companies and their sales people make them sound to be – and we want to believe. If you use an eye cream thinking you’ll get rid of all your lines and wrinkles, this is just not possible. More invasive treatments such as Botox will make the biggest difference for dramatically smoothing this area, but an eye cream simply cannot do this. But can they help to prevent wrinkles and keep this area moist and younger-looking? Absolutely yes.

Read: Which Finger is Best for Applying Eye Cream?

The skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner than that of the face and has very few oil glands. Combined with blinking 10,000 times a day, squinting and smiling, this area is the first to show the signs of aging and you really need to treat this tender area by using an eye cream every night. Simply put, you need to keep it hydrated and moist to prevent it from aging as quickly.

Read: Help! I’m So Dry Under My Eyes!

For an example on the powerful effects of topical moisturization, I always refer back to a study done on stretch marks in pregnant women. It showed that women who applied lotion to their stomachs several times a day (with any kind of lotion, no specific magic ingredient) had fewer stretch marks than those who rarely moisturized. When the skin is hydrated topically, it keeps the skin’s structure intact to keep it supple so the wear and tear is less. This means moisturizing definitely works. So in the case of the eye area, since it is constantly moving from smiling, squinting and rubbing, an eye cream will prevent collagen and elasticity breakdown, resulting in the prevention of lines and wrinkles.

Read: Are You Exfoliating Around Your Eyes? If Not, You Should Be

There have been many breakthroughs in the science of moisture retention and when choosing an eye cream, it’s important to use one that is well-formulated and doesn’t use petrolatum or mineral oil. Instead, choose eye creams that use good emollients and barrier-repairing oils like sunflower or jojoba oils. These natural oils are much better for repairing the skin and preventing transepidermal water loss so the skin is kept moist and supple – the way it needs to be to prevent wrinkles and soften fine lines. I love Synergy Eye Cream and Firming Eye Therapy.

Trust me, eye creams do work. I swear by them.

Note: Eye creams do not have to be heavy and greasy to give moisturization. In fact, if an eye cream is too greasy, it can migrate into the eyes and cause under eye puffiness which then unnecessarily stretches out the skin causing a weakening in elasticity. Not good!

Also, it’s so important to keep the eye area protected from the sun by using sunglasses when outdoors and making sure sunscreen is used on the eye area during all daylight hours. I like using Eyescreen SPF 30.

Read: Where Exactly Should I Apply Eye Cream?

See the collection of Renée Rouleau eye creams and an amazing eye makeup remover that won’t sting your eyes!

Which products are right for your skin? See our nine skin types and get products recommended.

Read: How do Renée Rouleau Products Compare to Other Skin Care Lines?

For more expert skin advice, check out Skin Source–the A-Z guide on all things skin. Also sign up here for our skin tip e-newsletter, follow Renée Rouleau on Twitter and like our Facebook page. You’ll be your own skin care expert in no time!

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Information courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with skin care tips, products based on nine skin types and advice from skin care expert and celebrity esthetician, Renée Rouleau.


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