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Did you know that the skin around the eyelids is the thinnest on the body? Yup. Its fragile nature naturally makes it very susceptible to damage - be that from the sun, allergies, your busy lifestyle or other factors.
It's usually recommended that you apply eye cream every day and night, and be sure that the day cream contains an SPF to avoid UV exposure. Dr. Nomphelo Gantsho says "I recommend starting with a light, SPF-infused eye cream as early as in your 20s to delay the visible signs of ageing."
Read: Should you be using eye cream in your 20s?
Prevention is better than trying to reverse wrinkles later on, therefore improving the skin quality in this area early on ensures that the eyelid skin does not easily lose laxity and its smooth appearance later on.
Read more: How to rid your face of whiteheads
Which eye creams you should use
Be sure to consider your specific needs before just purchasing any eye cream product. Think about what your biggest concern is - dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness or wrinkles around the eyes?
"It can be hard to choose a good eye cream, partially because many such products come with bold, hyperbolic marketing claims. Cut through the advertising nonsense by choosing an eye cream that's been recommended by dermatologists," says Dr. Nomphelo Gantsho.
Eye creams with antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, grape seed extract, plus peptides or retinol are recommended. The active ingredients in eye cream is what smooths and firms delicate eyelid skin.
NOTE: When eyelids are sensitive or sting-y to the touch, avoid using facial washes or creams with potential irritants such as retinol, glycolic, or salicylic acid.
For tired eyes - look for tinted eye cream
We love:
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50, R475 at Dermastore.co.za.
For moisture - look for eye cream with jojoba, organ oil, shear butter, and glycerin.
We love:
Pond's Flawless Radiance Eye Cream 15ml, R69,95 at Clicks.
For wrinkles - has hyaluronic acid (AHA)
We love:
pHformula SOS eye rescue is made up of ingredients like peptide complex, ceramides and chrysinimide; it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as puffiness. Get it at Dermastore, R 655.
For vascular prominence - creams that contain caffeine can constrict the underlying blood vessels and temporarily diminish small vessel prominence.
Read more: Has our obsession with fake freckles gone too far?
For dark circles - contains vitamin C, ionic acid, niacinamide and retinol
We love:
Try the Dermalogica Age Smart Reversal Eye Complex, R990, which contains retinol.
Placecol Revitalising Eye Therapy, R225. A nourishing eye therapy with anti-oxidant properties to aid in reducing the signs of premature ageing, softening the appearance of lines and wrinkles while assisting to reduce puffiness and dark circles, revealing brighter skin texture and tone.
For puffiness - an eye cream with a rollerball.
We love:
Sisley Sisleÿa Eye and lip contour cream with roller, R2450, for anti-puffiness, anti-dark circles as it contains fermented Pomegrante extract, pro-vitamin B5 and caffeine. Sisley Sisleÿa Eye and lip contour cream is available at Edgars stores nationwide from November.
Bags under the eyes - Blepharoplasty is the best solution and for now, the only solution for fat pad prominence.
Learn how to apply your eye cream here.
Images: Supplied
