Cosmo Picks 4 Options That’ll Fix Every Eye Issue ASAP

Let’s guess what you’re thinking:

‘Why can’t I just use my regular face cream?’ Well, “most face creams contain some sort of fragrance, which can aggravate eye skin,” explains US-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “And thick ones can also cause the under-eye area to retain moisture and look puffy.” So there’s that. Also, the skin around your eyes is super-thin and delicate and has fewer and less concentrated oil glands to keep it plump and bright, says US-based dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, which leads to the obvious dark circles, dryness, and puffiness. It also means your eye area will be the first part of your face to show signs of ageing. Bottom line: if you want to prevent the above, you’re gonna need a targeted eye cream.

 

1) Dark Circles

Why they happen?

“If yours are a bluish-purple colour, it’s because the blood vessels under your skin are showing through,” says Dr Shari. A tonne of factors can cause this, including naturally thin skin, allergies, or lack of sleep. If your shadows are a brownish colour, blame genetics (womp, womp).

 

Your eye-cream fix

The best brighteners in the game diffuse shadows in two ways: they contain mica (light-reflecting particles that instantly mask under-eye darkness) as well as caffeine and antioxidants. “Caffeine can help constrict blood vessels, which minimises their appearance, while antioxidants like Vitamins C and B3 suppress pigment production to brighten the skin,” says Dr Shari.

 

TRY

Olay Eyes
Brightening Eye Cream, ₹1,499

 

2) Puffiness

Why it happens?

Fatigue, dehydration, tears—they all cause fluid to build up around your eyes, says Dr Shari. Not dealing with any of these but still see puffiness, especially in the a.m.? “It’s because when you’re lying down, fluids don’t drain properly from around your eyes,” says
Dr Shari.

 

Your eye-cream fix

In this case, your product’s applicator is just as important as the formula itself. Look for a tool with a cooling metal tip (this L’Oréal Paris gel has one) and use it to really massage your eye area. It’ll increase circulation to help reduce swelling, says dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD. “And as a rule, lightweight formulas (gels and serums) with antioxidants are better than heavy creams.”

 

TRY

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition De-Puffing Honey Eye Gel, ₹1,799 approx

 

3) Dryness

Why it happens?

Because of the lack
of oil glands around your eyes, this area is very prone to dryness and conditions like redness, sensitivity, and even eczema, explains Dr Shari. Also, harsh cleansers and make-up removers can deplete your skin’s protective barrier, making things worse. Ugh, so not what you need RN.

 

Your eye-cream fix

Your thirsty-*ss skin is begging for all the moisture it can get. Look for a super-gentle eye cream with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. (Skinfix’s nonirritating one, below, contains both.) “They’re humectants, which means they draw moisture from the air, pulling it into your skin to keep it looking plump and dewy,” explains
Dr Shari.

 

TRY

Skinfix Barrier+ Lipid Boost 360º Eye, amazon.com, ₹2,800 approx

 

4) Fine Lines

Why they happen?

Kim K once said she doesn’t laugh for fear of ageing. Extreme, yes, but there’s a kernel of truth to it: every time you blink, squint, or smile, the skin around your eyes creases. Couple that with UV exposure and pollution, which deplete collagen (the protein that keeps skin plump and firm) and bam—lines become a very real thing.

 

Your eye-cream fix

It’s retinol. The ingredient can smooth lines thanks to its ability to generate fresh, new skin cells and increase collagen and elastin production, says
Dr Shari. It’s powerful, though, so you should start out using it sparingly. Apply it twice a week at night, gradually upping the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.

 

TRY

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
Eye Cream, ₹1,750 approx

 

 

 

 

Photographs: Sushant Kadam