Definition of Under-Eye Cream
Skin-care regimens differ from individual to individual, varying by age, skin type, issue and personal preference. Most skin care experts agree that a daily skin-care regimen should consist of a cleanser, toner and moisturizer. If you have puffiness under your eyes, an under-eye cream can help improve your complexion. Cosmetics companies have different products for nighttime use and serums to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and even skin tone. While not everyone opts for serums, exfoliators and night creams in their skin-care regimen, under-eye cream use is as common as a daily moisturizer. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Eye Area
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The skin around the eyes is significantly thinner than the rest of the facial skin, making it more sensitive to both natural and external factors. Aging affects the orbital skin faster than other areas of the face, and effects from external factors such as sun exposure, smoking and caffeine first become visible in this area. The skin around the eyes can lose its elasticity and collagen more easily than other areas of the face. Cosmetic companies use these facts about the orbital skin to design products and treatments especially for that area, and to market the products as necessary parts of the skin-care regimen formulated differently than facial moisturizers.
Skin Conditions of the Eye Area
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Because the eyes are used constantly for expression, the fine lines that come with aging are first exhibited in this facial skin area, and can be deepened with other factors, such as sun damage and poor health habits. The appearance of crow's feet are an aging eye-area concern. In addition to wrinkles, under-eye concerns also include dark circles and puffiness. Dryness is another concern, as it can make fine lines and wrinkles appear deeper.
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Functions of Under-Eye Cream
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Under-eye creams aim to moisturize the orbital skin, and some claim to provide continuous hydration for extended periods of time. Beyond moisturizing, eye creams target various orbital skin conditions. Corrective eye creams promise to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some under-eye creams are designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles and/or reduce puffiness. Eye creams that promise preventative benefits are formulated with antioxidants in the ingredients to protect the skin area from environmental influences. Anti-aging eye creams aim to deliver both corrective and preventative benefits.
Application
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Eye cream is applied to the cleansed orbital skin before the facial moisturizer. It is applied by dabbing a small amount of the product under and around the eye, and slightly massaging the product into the skin. Rubbing the orbital area is frowned upon, since the eye area is so sensitive to movement and the stretching of the skin. Eye cream can be used in the morning and at night, although its use at either time is optional.
Expert Insight
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The claims of cosmetic companies and consumers about the effectiveness and need for eye creams varies so widely that the matter of eye cream necessity is absolutely subjective. However, Linda Wells, longtime beauty editor for Allure magazine and author of "Allure: Confessions of a Beauty Editor," suggests in her book that eye creams aren't necessary at all in skin care. The use of under-eye cream to treat and protect the orbital skin is undoubtedly a personal choice.
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