When to Start Using an Eye Cream, According to a Dermatologist

Eye cream isn’t just meant for those with mature skin who are trying to fight signs of aging. Even if your eye area is free of visible wrinkles, bags and puffiness, it’s wise to add an eye cream to your skincare routine to protect and nourish the delicate skin. “You should start to use an eye cream beginning in your early 20s,” says Dr. Michael Kaminer, a board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant. But if your early 20s have come and gone, don’t panic. We’ve rounded up our favorite eye creams for every concern, no matter your age, ahead.

The Importance of Eye Cream

The skin around our eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of our face, which is why the eye contour is generally one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging. Rather than waiting until you notice wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet or puffiness, you should start using an eye cream that will help keep the skin looking youthful, hydrated and plump as you age. When applying an eye cream, make sure to be gentle. We suggest dabbing the product on the under-eye area with your ring finger, as opposed to dragging or tugging it on the skin.

Our Editors’ Favorite Eye Creams for Every Skin Concern

Our Favorite Eye Cream for Crow’s Feet

Vichy Liftactiv Eyes

Crow’s feet are those little lines that appear around the outer corners of your eyes and are often among the first signs of aging to crop up on our skin. Thankfully, there are plenty of products that are formulated specifically with this concern in mind, like the Vichy LiftActiv Eyes. The anti-wrinkle eye cream contains rhamnose, a naturally derived plant sugar, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles around the eyes and eyelids.