Are Eye Creams Actually Worth It?
As we age, the skin around our eyes is often the first to show signs of dehydration and fine lines. Consequently, this poses the question, are eye creams actually worth it?
This question rings particularly true for many menopausal women, who may be experiencing accelerated ageing due to hormonal changes. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, up to 30% of skin collagen is lost in the first five years after menopause. This can result in thinner, less elastic skin, making the area around the eyes particularly vulnerable to wrinkles, sagging, and dehydration.
Discover how a spa-quality eye cream can give you the ultimate eye lift, revitalising the skin around your eyes and banishing the visible signs of ageing.
The science behind ageing eyes
Have you ever wondered why the skin around your eyes seems to age faster than the rest of your face? The skin in this area is incredibly delicate and thin, measuring only about 0.5mm thick, compared to 2mm on the rest of the body. This thinness makes it more susceptible to damage from environmental factors, as well as the natural ageing process.
With age, the production of collagen and elastin – the proteins that provide structure and elasticity – decreases. This leads to sagging skin and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Moreover, the eye area has fewer sebaceous glands, which means it can become dehydrated more quickly. The reduction in oestrogen during menopause exacerbates this dehydration, making the skin more prone to irritation and ageing. It is paramount we use specialised products to address these unique challenges.
How do you know if you need eye cream?
You may find yourself wondering, is eye cream needed at this stage of my life? If you’re experiencing two or more of the below, it’s time to invest in an eye cream:
The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Noticing the development of crow’s feet or fine lines around your eyes.
Dark circles
Persistent dark circles under your eyes, even with adequate sleep.
Puffiness and eye bags
Frequent puffiness or under-eye bags that do not subside with rest
Dryness and dehydration
The skin around your eyes feels dry and tight or looks flaky.
Loss of elasticity
The skin under your eyes appears thinner and less firm than before.
The health of your under-eye skin declines significantly from ages 20–50 due to various biological and environmental factors.
In your 20s, collagen production begins to decrease by about 1% per year and elastin levels start to decline, affecting the skin's firmness and elasticity. By your 30s, fine lines, particularly around the eyes, become noticeable as skin cell turnover slows, reducing by about 28–33%. Natural hydration diminishes as hyaluronic acid levels decrease, leading to drier skin and more pronounced fine lines.
During your 40s, the reduction in collagen becomes more pronounced, resulting in deeper wrinkles and sagging skin. The thinning of the under-eye skin makes blood vessels more visible, causing dark circles, while pigmentation issues arise due to cumulative sun exposure.
By the 50s, hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, significantly lower oestrogen levels. This further reduces collagen and elastin, leading to increased sagging and wrinkles. The skin's barrier function also weakens, causing dryness and making your skin more vulnerable to environmental damage. The reduction in fat pads under the eyes leads to hollowness and more prominent under-eye bags.
Overall, collagen levels can decrease by up to 30% by the age of 50, dermal layer thickness reduces by about 6% each decade and natural hyaluronic acid levels can drop by up to 50% between the ages of 40–50.
What does eye cream do for your eyes?
Our Lifting Eye Contour is specifically designed to target the signs of ageing around the eyes. This luxurious product offers multiple benefits:
Lifts and sculpts
Our eye contour cream combats drooping skin and reduces the appearance of crow’s feet, providing a lifting effect that makes the eyes look more youthful and awake.
Delivers intense hydration
Our cream intensely hydrates and nourishes the delicate under-eye area, helping to achieve a radiant, rejuvenated appearance.
Boosts microcirculation
It also improves microcirculation, which helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Key ingredients and their benefits
Our Lifting Eye Contour features a number of exclusive ingredients to help you achieve the radiant skin you deserve:
Persian Silk Tree Extract
Known for its antioxidant properties, this powerful extract helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress, which can accelerate ageing.
Arabian Jasmine and Hawthorne Extracts
These extracts help to strengthen the skin barrier, enhancing its resilience and elasticity.
Caffeine
A well-known ingredient for reducing puffiness, caffeine also stimulates blood circulation, which can help to diminish dark circles.
How to use
To apply the Lifting Eye Contour, use your ring finger to apply half a pump of product to the under-eye area and brow bone.
Gently pat the product evenly around your eyes before massaging it in using outward, circular motions along the orbital bone.
This technique helps to boost microcirculation and lifts the eye area. Use twice daily as part of your morning and evening skincare routine.
Immediate results with eye patches and under-eye masks
For those seeking immediate results, the Carol Joy London Collagen Eye Mask is a perfect solution. This mask provides visible results in just 15 minutes, increasing hydration by up to 51% and reducing wrinkle depth by up to 28%.
Key ingredients and their benefits
Hyaluronic Acid
This ingredient offers intense hydration and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Native Collagen Fibres
Can eye creams get rid of wrinkles? Those formulated with Native Collagen Fibres can indeed help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while also replenishing epidermal moisture levels.
Collagen Peptides
These peptides support the skin's natural collagen production, enhancing firmness and elasticity.
How to use
Squeeze the liquid chamber to release the Hyaluronic Acid solution, ensuring that both masks are fully saturated.
Apply one mask under each eye with the smooth side against your skin.
Leave for 15 minutes, then peel off the mask to reveal brighter, rejuvenated under-eyes. Pat any excess solution into your skin for enhanced benefits.
Do eye creams work? A customer’s perspective
"I've been looking for a solution to support my eyes in between aesthetic treatments and combat signs of ageing. These products have been a game-changer for me. The Lifting Eye Contour and Collagen Eye Mask have significantly improved the appearance of my under-eye area, making me look more refreshed and youthful." – Catherine, a loyal customer.
Your eye care ritual
Eye care in your 20s
Is an eye cream necessary in your 20s? Yes, at this stage you should be focusing on preventive care to maintain the youthful elasticity and hydration of the skin around your eyes.
Incorporate a lightweight eye cream with hyaluronic acid to keep the area moisturised, plus antioxidants, like vitamin C, to protect against environmental damage.
Start using sunscreen daily to prevent UV-induced ageing and wear sunglasses to protect the delicate eye area from sun exposure.
Eye care in your 30s
Your 30s require more targeted care as the first signs of ageing, such as fine lines and slight puffiness, begin to appear.
Opt for eye creams containing retinol to boost collagen production and collagen peptides to maintain skin firmness. Continue using products with antioxidants and begin to incorporate those with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, to maintain skin elasticity.
Consistent use of SPF and protective eyewear remains crucial.
Eye care in your 40s
In your 40s, eye care should address more pronounced signs of ageing, such as deeper wrinkles and sagging skin. Do eye creams work for dark circles? Yes, by boosting microcirculation, your eye cream will help to brighten the delicate skin under your eyes.
Use rich, nourishing eye creams with retinoids for cell turnover, collagen peptides for firming, and potent hydrators – like hyaluronic acid and ceramides – to strengthen the skin barrier. Incorporate antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, to combat environmental damage.
Prioritise sun protection, adequate hydration and a healthy lifestyle to enhance the effectiveness of your eye care regimen.
Eye care in your 50s
In your 50s, the skin around the eyes becomes even thinner and more delicate.
Choose eye creams that offer intensive hydration and repair, focusing on ingredients like collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and retinoids to improve skin density and elasticity.
Consider incorporating products with growth factors or stem cell extracts to promote skin regeneration. Continue using antioxidants to protect against free radical damage and always apply SPF.
Eye care in your 60s and 70s
During your 60s and 70s, the eye area requires maximum hydration and protection.
Opt for deeply nourishing eye creams with advanced ingredients, such as collagen peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to combat extreme dryness and firm skin. Products with anti-inflammatory ingredients can help reduce puffiness and soothe the skin.
Focus on gentle application techniques to avoid further skin damage and ensure regular use of sunscreen to protect the sensitive eye area from UV damage.
Expert insights
Faeye McAuley, Carol Joy London's Global Head Educator, emphasises the importance of hydration for the delicate skin around the eyes:
"Hydration is crucial for maintaining the skin's elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Applying products gently with the ring finger is essential to avoid stretching or damaging this sensitive area.
“Celebrate your skin at every stage of life by approaching your skincare routine with an open mind. There are potent and powerful skincare solutions available that cater to your current needs without compromising on luxury."
Advice for improving under-eye health beyond skincare
There are a number of other lifestyle factors you can focus on to enhance your under-eye health:
Eat nutrient-rich foods
Incorporate foods rich in vitamins C and E into your diet. These vitamins are known for their antioxidant properties, as well as their role in collagen production. Citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts and seeds are excellent choices.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can make the skin under your eyes look dull and accentuate dark circles. Aim to drink at least six–eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated. Other fluids, such as tea, coffee, milk and low-sugar drinks all count towards your daily water intake.
(Attempt to) get adequate sleep
Lack of sleep can cause the blood vessels under the thin skin around your eyes to become more visible, leading to dark circles. Try to get at least 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
Protect your skin from the sun
UV rays can damage the delicate skin around your eyes, leading to pigmentation and wrinkles. Always use a good-quality sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Try cold compress therapy
Applying a cold compress can help reduce puffiness and constrict the blood vessels under the eyes, diminishing dark circles. You can use chilled cucumber slices, cold spoons, or a cool eye mask. Leave our Collagen Eye Mask in the fridge before use for a truly invigorating experience.
Indulge in enhanced skin therapies
Consider professional treatments, like microneedling or laser therapy, which can stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags.
Always consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your skin type. Why not explore our LED facial spa treatment at The Dorchester or at one of our spa partners around the globe?
Embrace the ritual
To achieve the best results, it's important to allow enough time to indulge in a skincare ritual. Carol Joy London advocates a four-step approach: Prepare, Treat, and Hydrate.
Cleanse
Begin with a gentle cleanser, like our Cleansing Cream, to remove impurities and prepare your skin for treatment, followed by a double cleanse with Cleansing Foam, which is ideal for mature skin, to ensure deep cleansing while preserving the skin's natural moisture and promoting a youthful complexion.
Prepare
For optimum treatment absorption, try applying our Boosting Toner to prime and gently exfoliate your skin. Prepare with four gentle spritzes of Pure Collagen Spray to instantly plump and prepare the skin.
Trageted Treatments
Indulge in a 15-minute collagen eye mask for instant plumpness and fine line reduction, followed by a gentle application of Lifting Eye Contour Cream for the ultimate eye lift.
Hydrate
Follow with a hydrating serum or moisturiser to lock in moisture and enhance the skin's overall appearance. Apply our Ultimate Serum to plump skin, while cultivating a natural luminosity. Our Everyday Moisturiser is the perfect way to complete your skincare ritual, supporting collagen production to reveal smoother, more radiant skin.
Discover our eye care collection
By incorporating the Ultimate Eye Lift Duo of our Lifting Eye Contour and Collagen Eye Mask into your daily routine, you can transform the delicate skin around your eyes. Combat the signs of ageing around your eyes and reveal a more youthful, radiant complexion with spa-quality skincare collection today.
