Since ancient times women considered eye make-up and care an integral part of their beauty routine. Not only was it considered decorative, in several cultures it took on magical and spiritual purposes. Women slaved over concoctions of aromatic oils, herbs and flower extracts to keep their eyes line free and beautiful. Today, these magical potions are a whole lot easier to get your hands on. Almost every brand offers a great eye cream that promises to give you flawless, young eyes. “The composition of the skin around the eyes is very different from the rest of the face. This area lacks oil glands, so you need to replenish moisture with a cream,” says cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Apratim Goel. Wrinkles, bags, puffiness and dark circles are all indications that you need an eye cream. “In addition, erratic sleeping patterns, strain from excessive computer usage and other work related problems cause problems when the blood supply to this area becomes stagnant,” explains Dr Amee Daxini, consultant dermatologist, Kaya Skin Clinic, Bangalore.

Why eye creams?
A good product can go a long way in reducing imperfections. Dryness is the biggest culprit. These creams work by moisturising skin so it stops looking old and wrinkled. “For a pigmentation problem, the creams would contain bleaching agents and can be used after one turns 18 while creams to reduce wrinkles should be used by women in their late 20s,” recommends Daxini. Goel suggests using an oil-based cream for more mature skin and a thicker cream for dry skin while those who have oily skin in a humid climate should use a gel. “Contact lens users need to ensure that the cream is ophthalmologically tested and safe for lens users,” advises Dr Raj Parikh, consultant dermatologist, Medical Relations consultant, Vichy Laboratories. In addition, every skin type needs a sunscreen during the day for further protection. Creams for pigmentation that contain photosensitising agents like AHAs, hydroquinone, glycolic acids and retinoic acids can lead to irritation when exposed to sun rays and should be used only at night. But creams meant for lines and wrinkles generally contain elastin and collagen and can be used twice a day, in the morning and at night. In the morning, apply the cream after washing your face thoroughly, wait for half an hour and then dab sunscreen over it. Leave your house 20 minutes after you put the sunscreen.

Use them right
Put a small dab of the cream on the tip of your index finger and gently apply on the outer corner of the under-eye area. Slowly roll in circular motions toward the inner corner, moving to the inner corner of the upper eye and then the outer corner of the eyelid. “Don’t apply too close to the eyes. In fact, it’s best to put these creams on last thing before you sleep so that it doesn’t get inside the eyes,” cautions Goel. Most creams claim to work within a set number of weeks but she suggests using them till the skin surrounding the eye area matches the skin on the rest of your face. “However, it might be a good idea to give the cream a break for a couple of weeks. You could use a vitamin C serum for some time and then start using the cream again to get better results,” she advises. Avoid overusing the cream hoping you’ll get faster results. A slight tingling sensation is fine but if it continues for more than two minutes or if you wake up with red eyes, discontinue use immediately. Sometimes a cream is too strong to be used alone but works when you dilute it with a little moisturiser.