Choosing The Best Eye Cream

Puffy eyes can be caused by fluid retention and/or allergies. Fluid retention is caused by fluid that builds up under your eyes as you sleep, and is a temporary condition. It tends to be most severe when you're struggling with allergies, sinus problems, or pre-menstrual syndrome. In order to reduce the puffiness before applying any eye creams, try sleeping on your back, elevating your head a bit, or gently tapping across the area underneath your eyes, from the inner corners, working your way out. Cucumber slices, tea bags, cooling masks, and refrigerated cold compresses and gels can help to relieve the puffiness as well. In the case of puffy eyes, you may find that gels work better. Gels dry quicker, whereas creams are compounded with extra moisturizers that only add to the puffiness.

Dark circles may be a result of any number of things: a highly pigmented skin condition inherited from our family genetics, enlarged blood vessels under the delicate eye skin, dehydration, fatigue, overexposure to the sun, or the aging process can bring it on, as well as medical conditions pertaining to thyroid or renal issues. Even menopause can do its share in bringing on dark circles. The skin underneath our eyes becomes even more delicate as we get older, and the veins under the eyes grow more prominent as we age. If the blood vessels are enlarged, a cold compress can restrict the blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles. If the problem is hereditary, a dermatologist may be able to supply you with a cream that can help lighten the skin. When choosing an eye cream to deal with dark circles, look for sun-protection to help fight the pigmentation problems. Many eye treatments contain "optical diffusers" that can reduce and conceal the dark circles, using light-diffusing pigments. Creams with vitamin K may also help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Fine lines and crow's feet may be making their appearance under your eyes, and in the corners. Why are wrinkles so common in this area? 1) The skin is thinner because there are a lesser amount of oil glands located around the eyes, and 2) our everyday facial expressions make use of our eye area, whether we are squinting, smiling, or laughing. Smoking can also be a culprit in causing crow's feet. Wrinkles and fine lines are made more obvious when skin is dry, so keeping the area moisturized will keep it looking supple, and fine lines will be less obvious. Because many of the products available to combat fine lines and wrinkles contain more emollients, they are recommended for aging, normal to dry skin. Many of these products that treat wrinkles and fine lines contain vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants. Vitamin A, in the form of retinoids, softens lines and wrinkles, shields and strengthens the skin, by increasing the creation of collagen. Retinol is becoming more and more common in many skin care products, as well as eye creams.

When searching for the right eye cream, don't forget how important it is to keep those eyelids safe from the elements. With all of the protection they provide for our eyes, it isn't uncommon to experience irritation or infection on the eyelid. Be careful when applying products near the eyelid; be sure to use sensitive makeup removers --- don't rub the makeup off. If you're using a cream on the eyelid, try to choose something that's recommended for sensitive eyes, or those who wear contact lenses, as the eyelid is a particularly sensitive area, and even the most common eye creams should not be used up there. Try using a cold moist tea bag wrapped in napkins or paper towels; the tannic acid provides a gentle relief.

There are also multi-tasking creams out there for those who are unsure whether they need multiple creams for various eye issues.

Whatever your eye needs and concerns may be, it is important that you use some sort of eye cream or gel, as this area needs moisture and care as much as the rest of your body.