Another top ingredient for targeting fine lines is retinol, says Dr. Nazarian. The vitamin A derivative increases collagen production to improve the look of fine lines while evening skin tone and reducing signs of hyperpigmentation. It’s worth noting, however, that retinol is an intensive active ingredient that might irritate sensitive skin types. So always patch-test new products before applying them to your entire face—especially your under-eye area—and follow up with sunscreen.
Another ingredient Dr. Fahs shouts out is skin-brightening essential vitamin C, an antioxidant powerhouse that fights free radical damage and helps fade pigmentation concerns; not surprisingly, it’s a mainstay in brightening eye creams. But, really, any antioxidant is a good idea. “Antioxidants are a bonus in eye creams since they protect against environmental damage and help preserve skin from premature aging,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Everyone benefits from that.”
Dehydration can also exacerbate the look of wrinkles, so if you notice dry skin, consider incorporating a hyaluronic acid-infused product into your skin-care regimen. “[Hyaluronic acid] is a humectant that plumps and hydrates the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr. Fahs.
What else? “Peptides can be a great alternative to retinol,” Dr. Liu notes. “Peptides help to signal the skin’s internal production of collagen and have hydrating benefits to improve the appearance of crow’s feet.”
When to start using an eye cream
“You can start using eye creams preventatively—and the earlier, the better,” says Dr. Nazarian. While this might not be the case elsewhere on your face (after all, you might not want to sweat future jowls when you’re 20), the eyes are particularly vulnerable to showing wear and tear sooner. “This area of the body is so thin that even a small amount of damage shows dramatically early in life,” she says. She also recommends wearing sunglasses as a preemptive protective measure.
Meet the experts
- Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Fatima Fahs, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Canton, Michigan
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY
- Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY
- David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY
- Jenny Liu, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis, Minnesota
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
