For skin care fanatics, a good eye cream is a need, not a want—but do you know where to apply eye cream? Specifically formulated to treat the eye area, eye creams are “usually ophthalmologically and dermatologically tested to be safe to use,” says Karan Lal, DO, a double board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Plus, you can target different concerns with your eye cream, whether you want to get rid of dark circles or treat wrinkles. Not all ordinary creams are automatically safe for the eyes: “We often need to use gentler products with lower concentrations around the eyelid, so as to minimize irritation because the eyelid skin is much thinner,” he adds.
So, you have your eye cream in hand, but what’s the best way to apply it—and where? Should you apply it morning or night (or both)? On damp skin or dry? Follow along as board-certified dermatologists answer all your questions.
Where should you apply eye cream?
First off: gentle, gentle, gentle. Applying delicately is the name of the game. “Avoid putting too much pressure or rubbing the skin excessively,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Yes, you can apply eye cream to your upper eyelids: “Apply a small amount under your eyes and around the sides. And if it’s a hydrating, gentle eye cream, apply a little to the outer upper lid under the eyebrows.” As with any topical product, avoid getting it in your eyes.
“It’s best to apply eye cream with your middle finger,” says Dr. Lal. When it comes to your upper eye area, “apply the cream from the inside of the eyelid all the way out, and even make sure you work up to the upper eyelid,” he says. Remember that the eye area of your skin is very thin, so you don’t need to be forceful. In fact, doing so could further irritate your skin; instead, “gently pat the product and rub it in,” Lal advises.
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema, take note that fragrance can be very irritating to the eyelids, so any creams with fragrance should be avoided, according to Dr. Lal.
Is it better to use eye cream in the morning or at night?
Short answer: It depends. Longer answer: The timing will depend on the formula and what you’re trying to treat. For example, a caffeine-based eye cream is best to use in the morning as “it will depuff your eyes throughout the day and make you look more refreshed,” says Dr. Lal. “But if you’re using an antiaging eye cream with retinol, this should be used at nighttime so as to prevent photosensitivity.”
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Is it better to apply eye cream on damp or dry skin?
Apply on dry skin, both derms agree. “Do not apply on damp skin, which may make the ingredients less tolerable and lead to irritation,” says Dr. Nazarian.
Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.
