Why an Eye Cream Should Be Part of Your Skincare Routine

Cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and SPF. When it comes to our daily skincare routine these are the steps, we get told, that are non-negotiable. While this is true, one step that’s often skipped – and is equally important – is eye cream. Since the area around the eyes has the thinnest skin, with the lowest elasticity and moisture, as well as muscles that get a lot of movement as you laugh, frown or squint, it’s the first place that can show signs of ageing, stress, exhaustion, or dehydration. So, it's important to invest in products tailored to address these stubborn issues. 

Why do you need eye creams? 

The skin around the eye area has fewer oil glands compared to the rest of your face, which means it ages faster, wrinkles more easily and if it appears dull, the rest of your face will too. As it doesn’t produce as much collagen, it can also be more susceptible to lifestyle stressors such as fatigue, allergens, UV, and diet showing up as premature ageing, puffiness, dryness, or dark circles. A good eye cream can help minimise and address all these issues while taking care of this part of the face that is more delicate and sensitive than the rest.

What causes dark circles and under-eye problems?

Genetics, lack of sleep and fatigue, natural ageing, your lifestyle – think long working hours, laptop usage and stress, as well as, sun damage can all contribute to having dark circles, crow’s feet, under-eye puffiness and fine lines.

What can we do? 

The obvious answer is to start using an eye cream or serum asap! And if you think your daily moisturiser can do the job of an eye cream, you're wrong. Your normal moisturiser, serums and actives can be too strong or harsh to use on such a fragile area, but specially formulated eye creams are a way of incorporating these hero ingredients safely while avoiding irritation.

What should you look for in an eye cream? 

Ingredients are key. For those suffering from under-eye puffiness, look for formulas with caffeine and hyaluronic acid to help de-puff and brighten the area. Those with dry, parched skin and fine lines should use an eye cream with hyaluronic acid to boost plumpness and improve moisture-locking as well as creams with ceramides and lipids, which will help rebuild the protective barrier of the skin and reduce dryness and water loss. And for dark circles, reach for formulas rich in vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, hydroquinone and hyaluronic acid as these can all help manage dark circles.

How to apply your eye cream

As you are dealing with the most delicate part of your face the best way to add your eye product is to gently tap a pea-sized amount of eye cream into the area below your eyes using your ring or middle finger. Start in the innermost corner and move outward, avoiding your bottom eyelashes.

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The Body Shop Oils Of Life Eye Cream R310

This refreshing gel-cream contains three precious seed oils: black cumin oil from Egypt, rosehip oil from Chile and camellia oil from China. With regular use dark circles will look visibly faded, bags will appear depuffed, and eye contour will look more radiant.

The Body Shop Edelweiss Bouncy Eye Mask R320

With a jelly-like consistency, this eye mask instantly cools under the eye leaving it plump and smooth.

The Body Shop Edelweiss Daily Eye Serum Concentrate R320 

This powerful formula helps smooth the appearance of under-eye fine lines, so the skin around the eye area appears less tired and more revitalised. 

The Body Shop Drops Of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Eye Cream R345

Infused with skin-brightening red algae extract, as well as a combination of nutrients, minerals and vitamin C, this revitalising eye cream brightens the under-eye area.

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