How to Apply Eye Cream & When to Start Using It
Did you know that the skin around the eye is much thinner and has less oil glands than the rest of the face? The elastin and collagen breaks down faster than in other areas, and there are approximately 22 muscles working any time you make an expression. This constant activity creates creases earlier than on other parts of the face. Because the skin is thinner and drier it is more susceptible to dehydration and irritation. Even the salt in tears can dry out skin if you shed them enough.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Even people with oily or thick skin will age around the eyes before anywhere else. It isn’t unusual for people with dry skin or those who have had a lot of sun exposure to see lines around the eyes in their early 20s. Eye cream for wrinkles are typically the first anti-aging products women purchase.
Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
The eye area can be prone to dark circles as well as puffiness. Swollen under eyes are usually caused by fluid retention. Excess sodium in the diet often shows up as puffiness under the eyes after sleeping, but alcohol, lack of sleep, allergies and aging are also culprits.
We often associate dark circles with fatigue, but genetics play a key role. Some people are prone to this condition no matter how much sleep they get. Medications, allergies, rubbing the eyes and even sleeping on your stomach can contribute. Because the skin is almost transparent, oxygenated blood that has pooled in capillaries will be more obvious.
How to Apply Eye Cream
Treat this delicate area with the gentleness it deserves. Any time you are touching the contour around the eyes, use a light touch. Over time, tugging, rubbing and excess pressure on this skin will contribute to the problems you want to prevent.
When removing makeup use an appropriate eye makeup remover that dissolves makeup thoroughly without having to rub. Always remove eye makeup before bedtime and apply a product designed especially for the eyes like an eye cream or eye serum.
With your eye cream, apply a portion smaller than a pea to the back of the hand and then to the ring fingers of both hands, so there is an equal amount for each eye. Moving from the outside of the eye inward, lightly pat the product onto the skin staying on the orbit bone. This may seem counter intuitive, but it is beneficial because you are moving in the correct direction recommended for massage, the insertion of the muscle to the origin.
If your eye cream comes in a jar, use a spatula or cotton swab to get it out, or take the plastic insert on top and use it as a scoop. Don’t dip your fingers in the jar as the bacteria from your fingertips can break down the cream over time.
Gently work the product into the skin until absorbed. Don’t over work it, but a light massaging motion has a smoothing effect on the skin. This process should be repeated both evening and morning. In the morning just put the product underneath the eye, and at night move all the way around the eye, under the brow and back around. During the day, if eye cream is applied on the upper lid, eye makeup may slide off.
EYE CREAM TIP: Do not take the cream too close to the eye because it will move inward due to the natural muscle movements, so stay on the orbit bone. While a product is designed to be applied to this area and considered safe, it is not designed to be in the eye and may sting.
The few extra minutes it takes to apply eye product and using it correctly will keep the eyes looking as beautiful as they are supposed to be. Start using eye products when you are young and never stop!