12 Revolutionary Eye Treatments For Bright Eyes All Year Round
If eyes are the window to the soul, the very least we can do is ensure those windows have an amazing frame - and the frame is not just limited to a good mascara, but it extends into around the eye area. When every skincare product has the instruction “avoid using around the eyes”, it’s fair to wonder “what makes eye creams so special?”
What to look for in an eye cream
“The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body and therefore particularly delicate as well as often sensitive.” shares with us Dr Ana, aesthetic doctor at Kat & Co. “As a result, it is in the eye area we often see the first signs of ageing and we therefore often need to pay extra attention to the skin here with specifically formulated eye creams that reduce the risk of causing irritation.
The active ingredients to look for in an eye cream depends on the main concern that you wish to target.
If you suffer from puffiness, an eye cream with a particularly high concentration of caffeine can help to temporarily reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels. These types of products lend themselves best for morning use.
If wrinkles and skin laxity is your main concern, you would instead need to focus on ingredients that boost collagen levels and thicken the deep layers of the skin such as retinol and peptides. Retinol is the main highlight of most anti-ageing skin care regimens in my opinion as the benefits are well-researched and unmatched. They should be used at night and require patience and consistency for long-term benefits. It is imperative that you use an SPF every morning when you are using retinol, but this should be the case anyway. Be aware of the adjustment period for retinol especially in the fragile eye area, it is therefore important to choose a gentle formulation and slowly titrate the frequency as tolerated.
The skin around the eyes also needs particular attention when it comes to moisture and hydration as it lacks the inert ability to moisturise with fewer oil glands compared to other parts of the face and body. Look out for ceramides (lipids and fatty acids) and humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin).
To brighten the skin tone, vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant that fights free radical damage and brightens pigmentation. Look for a high-quality stable formulation and use this every morning underneath your moisturiser and SPF.
It is imperative to ensure you get adequate UV protection even when you are inside throughout all months of the year as this accounts for up to 90% of skin ageing. As the skin can be sensitive in this area, you may need to try a few different options to find an SPF that suits you. Don’t forget about the ageing impact of UV light from screens such as laptops and mobiles (HEVL). Chose an SPF30-50 that has broad-spectrum protective filters (UVA & UVB as well as HEVL).
How to apply eye creams
“When it comes to applying your eye cream you need to be careful not to tug on the thin skin or get the product into your eyes” explains Dr Ana. Generally speaking, as eye creams tend to be lighter in consistency it should be the first product you apply after cleansing and toning. You can then layer this with heavier moisturisers on top if required as well as your SPF of course if you chose to use your eye cream in the morning. Follow the instructions on the label, most eye cream should be applied once a day, either morning or nighttime. If the consistency is heavier, nighttime use is usually most suitable.
Retinols must be used at night time only, wheres caffeine-based eye creams lend themselves better to morning use. Very gently dab a small amount of product across the bony surface above and below your eyes using your little finger (as this is the weakest finger which means extra finesse and minimal pressure). Avoid being heavy-handed or pulling on the skin and also avoid using too much product as this can cause puffiness.”
12 Top Eye Treatments
To help navigate the best eye treatments available, our editor has gathered up the best finds on the market - and the benefits they have to offer.
Swissline Eye Zone Booster – 2% Caffeine + Ceramides
From the Swiss premium skincare brand that has recently launched in the UK, this booster exemplifies the “revolutionary” quality we strived to find for this feature. The 2% targeted caffeine significantly increases drainage around the eye area while detoxing the delicate skin for a fresh-looking, rested look while the plant-based ceramides facilitate better skin cohesion and help to reduce fine lines. Suitable for all skin types, this booster is a refreshing delight for frequent travelers and irregular sleepers with tired eyes.
Available from Skinbrands.
Dermalgoica Biolumin-C Eye Serum
Supercharged Vitamin C, Biolumin-C eye serum is a gamechanger that outsmarts visible premature skin ageing caused by daily eye movements and environmental stress. The lightweight serum delivers a highly-bioavailable Vitamin C complex to the skin around the eyes to dramatically brighten and visibly firm. The Biolumin-C Eye Serum beautifully reduces dark circles - it’s the ideal product for a healthy glow sits well under makeup to keep your eyes looking fresh all day long.
Available from Dermalogica.
Irene Forte Almond Eye Cream
Suitable for all skin types, especially mature, dry or dehydrated, this regenerating eye cream helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dehydration thanks to its hydro-regulating complex which including Pro-Vitamin B5, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide B3 and Aloe Leaf Juice. This luxury eye cream is packed with great ingredients so it’s no wonder that after a couple applications, your skin begins to look and feel refreshed.
Available at Irene Forte.
Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Eye Gel
Environ’s light-weight, quick absorbing Youth EssentiA Eye Gel combines essential vitamins (A, C & E), potent antioxidants, powerful peptides with new Optim-Hyal – an active complex which works to stimulate the synthesis of natural HA (Hyaluronic acid) within the skin, restoring optimal levels of moisture in cells. In other words, it’s the go-to eye cream if the goal is to improve the appearance of fine lines around the eye and restore moisture, leaving smoother and more hydrated skin after use.
Available at Environ and selected stockists.
Byonik Supreme View Eye Cream
A real eye-catcher, Byonik View is an intensive anti-ageing formula for the delicate area around the eyes. Proven to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness whilst supporting and improving elasticity and tone of the skin. With regular usage, longterm benefits show significate improvement to the depth and volume of wrinkles.
Byonik is available at Pure Skin Bouqtique.
Thalgo Spiruline Boost Energising Eye Gel
The Thalgo Energising Eye Gel comes in revolutionary packaging - launched before the popularity of ice globes but using this similar technology to enhance application. This "ice cube"-effect roll-on erases signs of tiredness, dark circles and puffiness in a single step for an instantly fresher eye area. Day after day, first wrinkles and fine lines are reduced. The radiance of the eye area is revived.
Available at Thalgo.
Peace Out Acne Puffy Eyes Sheets
From the cult brand which offers the phenomenal Peace Out Acne Dots, Peace Out Acne offers a pack of biocellulose under-eye patches that help minimize the appearance of puffiness and dark circles in tired-looking eyes in just 15 minutes. Unlike other under-eye patches that just hydrate skin's surface, these soothing bio-cellulose patches help awaken sleepy-looking eyes for a more fresh, revitalized glow and feel. These under-eye patches are soaked with caffeine to help the appearance of puffiness in the under eye area, niacinamide to minimize the look of dark circles, and hyaluronic acid to prevent skin-dehydration.
Available at Boots.
Priori LCA fx130 Eye Serum
This lightly textured “balm-gel” visibly reduces the appearance of puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. This adaptive formula will help boost hydration and provide antioxidant protection. The long lasting effects of the LCA complex also minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye’s most sensitive areas.
Available at Priori Skincare.
Crystal Clear Skincare Quartz Powerball Miracle Eye Serum
Reduce the appearance of lines & wrinkles, eye bags, dark circles, and puffiness in one swipe with Quartz Powerball Miracle Eye Serum. A jam packed, luxurious formula of powerful actives including Hyaluronic Acid and natural Quartz, ensure the skin retains water, remains plump and stimulates the skin, strengthening it over continued use. he cooling effect on the skin from the quartz roller ball is like having ice cold skincare from the fridge. The temperature stimulates blood flow to the delicate eye area, combating dark circles, depuffing and softening the first signs of ageing. The serum itself is lightweight and provides an intensely instant hydration hit. You’ll be completely addicted.
Available at Crystal Clear.
ishga Rejuvenating Organic Eye Balm
A good eye balm is a must, and ishga’s clever scientists have used a powerful seaweed extract to nourish delicate skin. This light, organic cream has a shea butter base, used for centuries to nourish and hydrate, and is bursting with Vitamins A and E to help turn around premature wrinkles and facial lines, giving a soothing and restorative effect.
Available at Ishga.
Dr. Craft Bio-Bakuchiol Eye Cream
A natural alternative to Retinol, Dr. Craft Bio-Bakuchiol Eye Cream is the world's first organic Bakuchiol under-eye product. This eye cream harnesses the power of nature and scientific design to provide enhanced wrinkle repair for the eye area. Like magic in a bottle, it visibly improves fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area with regular use. Thanks to its easy to apply consistency it works great under makeup for a radiant glow.
Available at Dr. Craft.
Elemental Herbology Eye Elixir Cream
Brighten and firm the eye area while reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness with this triple-action formula. The delicate eye area is renewed, leaving skin brighter, smoother and hydrated thanks to the key ingredients Eyeliss, Marshmallow and Lanablue. This easy to use eye elixir cream is a treat to apply both morning and night.
Available at Elemental Herbology.