They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, so don’t you think we should give them extra TLC? You know that an eye serum can leave your delicate eye area nourished, hydrated, and refreshed, but it’s one of those products that can be easily misused. Dr. Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan provides insight into the top eye serum mistakes that people commonly make — and how to correct them.
You’re only using it on your under-eye.
While most people associate eye serums to be used on the undereye area, “they are tested to be used all around the eye,” says Henry. In addition to being used under your eyes, the new Sunday Riley 5 Stars Eye Serum can be massaged outward around the outer crow’s feet and between the brow bone and eyebrow to soothe, smooth, and nurture the entire eye area. Though eye creams and serums are formulated to be used near your eyes, make sure not to put the product too close to them. Keep about a half-inch away from the actual eye and avoid the inner corners and your eyelid.
You’re not applying it in the right order.
Your skincare products’ general rule of thumb is to apply from thinnest to thickest consistency, so your eye cream usually goes after your regular face moisturizer. It’s best to check the directions on the packaging to see what the product formulator advises, as the 5 Stars Eye Serum can be used before or after your moisturizer. No matter the product, “first make sure to cleanse your skin,” so you’re starting with a clean base, says Henry.
You think eye cream and eye serums are only for mature skin.
There are tons of reasons that can cause the skin around your eyes to look like they’re aging faster, including genetics, sun exposure, and not drinking enough water. Many people might only start to use eye products if they notice changes in the skin around their eyes, like fine lines or crow’s feet. “For the most part, we usually start to see those changes as early as your 20s and 30s,” says Henry. You can even start using a hydrating eye serum in your early 20s for extra hydration and as a preventive measure for fine lines, too.
You’re using too much of it.
The good news about investing in an eye serum is that a little goes a long way. “You can start with a quarter of the size of a pea,” says Henry. Start with less than you think you need, then rub it in — you could always add more if it’s not enough.
You’re applying it too abrasively.
Speaking of rubbing, you want to make sure you’re applying your eye product properly. The area around your eyes “is very thin and very sensitive, so you want to make sure that you’re not applying your products too aggressively,” she says. There are different ways to apply an eye serum: An applicator tool has a cooling sensation (especially after you stick it in the fridge!) that can help boost circulation and depuff the area, or you can use your ring finger (it’ll use less pressure than your pointer). No matter the method, “just make sure it’s clean and you’re using a gentle touch,” says Henry. “Especially if you prefer to use your fingers, don’t drag it across the skin around your eye as that’s too harsh for the delicate area. All you need to do is pat it in.”
You’re not using the right format.
“Formulation is important, and the type of product is important depending on what you’re using it for and your skin type. Eye creams are thicker and heavier — they’re more occlusive,” which is great for super-dry or dehydrated skin, says Henry. “A gel is going to be a little lighter and is a great option for the summer months when your skin isn’t as dry. Eye serums are typically full of active ingredients, and they’re going to lock in moisture more effectively,” says Henry. If your concerns are wrinkles and lines, “you’re going to want to use an eye serum, as they are formulated with more of those powerful ingredients that give you results,” says Henry. The 5 Stars Eye Serum is powered by active ingredients like retinoids that diminish the look of wrinkles, niacinamide that helps with discoloration, and Asiatic acid, madecosside, and asiaticoside that support natural collagen production.
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