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Not all eye creams are created equal.
You really have to look at the ingredient list and choose wisely. Here, we break the need-to-knows down by particular skin concern.
Young or not-so-young, worried about wrinkles or calm and carefree — sunscreen is a must. You can use the same SPF you put on the rest of your face or grab a product designed for the eye area. But to protect against skin cancer and sun damage, don’t skip this step.
Sun damage
SPF
Antioxidants protect against cell damage and keep your eyes twinkling. Look for ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid that help prevent environmental damage.
Protection
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on your body, which means it gets dry and irritated easily. Soothe thirsty skin with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Bonus: Hydrated skin is plumper, so wrinkles are less visible.
Dryness
Retinol is the darling of dermatologists and beauty buffs alike, and for good reason: It works. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, stimulates collagen to reduce and prevent lines and wrinkles. It’s the go-to ingredient to look for in anti-aging eye creams.
Fine lines and wrinkles
A
Crepe paper: Festive when it’s hanging for a party, not from your eyes. For drooping, crepe-y skin around the eyes, look to peptides, which increase collagen and elastin to firm up sagging skin
Sagging skin and creping
Even the best eye creams can’t fix a bad night’s sleep. But if undereye discoloration persists even when you’re rested, genetics could be to blame. Tryniacinamide and kojic acid. They brighten skin by reducing activity in pigment-producing cells.
Dark circles
Eye creams are available at every price point, ranging from affordable to, “Is this a tiny jar of lotion or liquid gold?” Expensive doesn’t always mean more effective. Look for cream that has the right stuff for your eye goals — and the right price tag for your wallet.
Value
If you want to feel pampered, there are plenty of fancy eye products that look, feel and smell like a dream. But creams with a strong scent can irritate and dry out delicate eye skin. And just because something looks indulgent doesn’t mean it works.
Luxury
