Over the years, relatives and friends have asked me the same question over and over again: do I really need to use an eye cream? Those doubters often ponder why not apply the moisturizer a little further up the face, wouldn’t it save them the trouble? I don’t blame them for thinking that way. This eliminates a skincare step and eliminates the need to purchase additional skincare products. However, many dermatologists and nursing beauty gurus don’t share this view, and I appreciate their point of view. Here, top doctors give their expert opinions on the hotly debated topic of whether we really need to use eye creams.
Indeed, eye creams are an integral part of a comprehensive skincare routine
“Eye creams are not like other skin care products; they are specially formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes,” notes Ava Shamban, a dermatologist from Beverly Hills, California. She explains, “They also prevent skin care products from accidentally getting into the eyes. As a result, eye creams are usually thicker in texture and contain more fat or oil than regular face or body creams. They contain active ingredients that are also designed for the weak skin around the eyes.”
New York dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose agrees. She says eye creams are especially recommended because the skin under the eyes is thinner, more dehydrated and more sensitive than other facial areas. “Eye skin is usually less prone to acne and therefore can tolerate those intense moisturizers designed for eye skin.” She recommends looking for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free eye care products to minimize the risk of allergies. Sticking with products developed specifically for the eye area will provide significant benefits to the skin around the eyes.
Dr. Murphy-Ross recommends several eye care products. For example, Skinbetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream (priced at $120) “combines a unique retinol and fruit acid formula that is better suited for sensitive eye skin. It’s rich in moisturizers and antioxidants that provide extra protection and defense against environmental stressors, helping to slow down skin aging.” Another option is the Neutrogena Water Power Eye Cream (priced at $20), which she says, “is enriched with hyaluronic acid, silicone oil and glycerin to effectively hydrate and plump the skin around the eyes.” She also notes that the eye cream is oil-free, color-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin as well.
However, not everyone needs an eye cream
“For most people, eye creams are not a necessity,” mentions Lindsey Zubritsky, a dermatologist in Michigan. “If you’re looking for just a basic moisturizing effect and don’t have any specific skin issues, then using a facial moisturizer is enough to last for years, and my friends and family keep asking me the same question: is an eye cream really essential for me? Those who are skeptical often wonder why they don’t just apply a little more of their regular moisturizing lotion to their eyes. I am not surprised that they think this way. It seems like a great way to eliminate a step in your regimen and save money on a product. Nonetheless, many skin care professionals and beauty consultants do not support this approach, and I have come to realize their position. Here, leading doctors offer their insights on the hot topic of discussion of whether we really need eye creams.
Precisely, eye creams are a key part of a well-rounded skincare regimen
“Eye creams are different from other treatments in that they are customized for the delicate skin under the eyes,” elaborates Ava Shamban, a dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California. “They also prevent skin care products from coming into contact with the eyes. As a result, they are typically thicker and richer in lipids or oils than regular creams or body moisturizers. These products also have a variety of active ingredients added to them for the specialized skin around the eyes.”
New York dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose agrees, saying that because the skin under the eyes is weaker and more prone to dryness and sensitivity than other areas of the face, she tends to recommend eye creams. “Eye skin is usually less prone to acne, so it’s better suited to those rich moisturizers that eye skin needs.” She suggests picking an anti-allergenic, fragrance-free eye care product, which will reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. Consistent use of products specifically designed for the eye area will greatly benefit the skin around the eyes.
Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends several eye care products.Skinbetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream (priced at $120) “combines patented retinoids and fruit acids that are better suited for sensitive eye skin. The moisturizers and antioxidants in it provide extra care for the skin against environmental stressors and help prevent the signs of aging from appearing.” Another option is the Neutrogena Water Power Eye Gel (priced at $20), which, she says, “contains hyaluronic acid, polydimethylsiloxane and glycerin to effectively hydrate and add elasticity to the eye area.” She also emphasizes that the eye cream is free of oils, dyes, preservatives and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin as well.
