While there’s a direct correlation between sleepy-looking eyes and lack of sleep, there’s only so much a good night’s rest can do for your skin. That’s why eyes—the commonly neglected area of daily skin care—require their own targeted moisturizers and routine—and the sooner the better. We chatted with Dr. Yves Hébert, a cosmetic physician based in Montreal, about the basics of daily eye care and the routine start right now for brighter, younger-looking eyes.

Eye care 101: Prevention

As with any daily skin care moisturizer, eye creams should be tailored to address specific skin concerns. “Texture is important when it comes to eye care,” says Hébert. “But it’s difficult to find the right eye cream if you don’t know what you’re looking for.” For those early signs of aging—crepiness, dryness around the eyes—the eye product should have a creamier consistency to rehydrate skin. If eyelids are puffy, causing bags under the lower eyelids, opt for a water-based gel cream. “You don’t want to overhydrate that area,” he adds.
Editor’s pick: Try Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Sorbet Eye Crème to reduce puffiness and minimize the appearance of dark circles.

Summer skin: 10 LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZERS

“People tend to come when they start seeing lines,” says Hébert about patients seeking out professional medical care to reverse signs of aging around the eyes. “But with prevention, the use of proper skin care, you can postpone or possibly even eliminate the need for invasive procedures later on.”

Eye care 101: Ingredients

Because skin is thinner around the eye, collagen degrades faster and fine lines emerge. Look for active peptides like matrixyl to stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. “It’s kind of the new kid on the block,” says Hébert about this anti-wrinkle peptide. Look for a concentration of at least 5 to 7 per cent for maximum effectiveness.
Editor’s picks: Caudalie Vinexpert Anti-Aging Eye & Lip Serum and Jack Black Protein Booster Eye Rescue.

More ANTI-AGING TIPS: Your new skin care routine

Read on for more expert eye care tips…

Philosophy-bks-I-RS13-0723-canva.jpgSun protection embedded into your skin care—especially when it comes to eye products—is critical. “Most daily moisturizers and eye creams contain an SPF of 15 to 30, which is not enough,” he says, especially if not combined with regular sunscreen use. “A higher SPF provides better protection against both UVA and UVB rays.” UVA rays are especially destructive to anti-aging, as they delve deep into skin and destroy collagen. He recommends a cream with an SPF of at least 50 that includes zinc oxide, which covers against both types of harmful rays. And apply liberally, especially over the eye lids.


Eye care 101: Routine

Like taking up running or scheduling a bikini wax appointment, the best results against signs of aging come from a stable commitment to skin care on a daily basis. “Eye cream should be applied twice a day,” Hébert advises. Using an eye cream or gel on youthful skin will help see better, long-lasting results as it ages. “You’ll never get the same results once the damage is already too deep,” Hébert warns.

Significantly reducing deep grooves around the eyes, caused by a lack of volume, and dark pigmentation (thank genetics for that!) requires injectable fillers, such as Juvéderm, to reduce shadowing and plump up skin back to its original form. For a less-invasive treatment, gently massage the eye area with a lotion or oil in circular motions.
Editor’s pick: Try Philosophy Multitasking Eye Cream For Dark Circles, Puffiness & Lines, to stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness. Of course, a healthy diet and good night’s sleep can help to diminish the appearance of dark circles. And we’ll never say no to more beauty sleep.

Read more:
4 anti-aging makeup tricks

Classic beauty: 10 tried and true foundations and concealers

Anti-aging skin care: Your new routine
Skin care tips for keeping hydrated skin this summer