If you read my last post where I shared my simple 4 step skincare routine, you might have noticed that I don’t use eye cream.
As a Beauty Editor, I have been sent hundreds of different eye creams to try. I remember being sent this ‘caviar-infused’ one by La Prairie which costs over $400. I thought: I should at least make an effort to try it, considering it cost so much. But I kept forgetting.
And that’s partly why I have never bothered using eye cream. It’s just another bloody skincare step. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my skincare rituals. I love the soothing effect of applying balm or face oil. But cleansing. Then applying serum. Then moisturiser. Then eye cream. FFS! I realise that this is a first world problem to complain about - but I just can’t be bothered.
I am also not convinced that using eye cream is worth my time. Or my money.
Why can’t I just use my regular face cream over the eye area? Are they really that different?
Will the results be worth it?
Can eye cream really help with eye bags, dark circles and crows feet?
If you check out any skincare aisle or e-tailer site, you’ll find 99% of brands will be trying to sell you eye cream. I can’t think of one skincare brand that doesn’t offer one as a SKU.
But am I right to be this stubborn about doing a step that some people believe is a vital part of a skincare routine? Especially for those of us that fall into the 40+ age bracket.
A few weeks ago, I sat down with one of my favourite dermatologists, Dr. Justine Kluk on my podcast, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles. The main topic during the episode was retinol, and how to use it in midlife, but the conversation led to eye cream - and whether we actually need to use it.
There is no hidden agenda with Justine. She is not trying to sell you product - she just wants to help women find the best solutions for their skin as they age. And Justine’s take on the eye cream debate was the most honest I’ve ever heard.
🎬 WATCH THIS PODCAST CLIP WITH DR. JUSTINE KLUK
Justine raised a fascinating point:
If you applied eye cream to just one eye for 15 years and left the other bare, you would likely see a difference. But - and this is the kicker - would that difference be meaningful enough to justify 15 years of your time and money?
What I use instead of eye cream
Personally, I use my regular moisturiser. My eye area is not particularly problematic. Yes, I have crows feet but I don’t suffer with dark circles or puffiness.
Most high-quality creams, especially if they are fragrance-free, are perfectly safe and effective for the eye area. Unless you have extremely sensitive skin and/or eyes, your regular moisturiser usually does the job.
Justine admitted during our chat that she also uses the same product on her eyes and face too:
“I personally can get my ordinary retinol up to my eyelids without it causing me any problems, so I do that and then I don’t need to use an eye cream.”
Personally, I’d rather spend my beauty budget on a high-potency Retinal or Vitamin C that works on the whole face, rather than a “specially formulated” (and usually marked-up) eye version.
The Exception: When Should You Use Eye Cream?
Justine does note however, that if you have sensitive skin and/or eyes, an eye cream is a 100% a safer way to deliver actives. Brands like CeraVe, Skinceuticals, La Roche Posay offer great options if you fall into this category.
To eye cream or not to eye cream? You do YOU!
Like with other beauty rituals, whether you use eye cream or not, is totally down to choice.
If you love the ritual of an eye cream, keep it! But if you’re looking to streamline your routine, don’t feel guilty for skipping it. Your SPF and your smile lines (the ones I named my podcast after!) are far more important 😁
If you want to listen to the rest of the chat with Justine, listen here:
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