How Retinol Eye Cream Can Be Added Into Your Daily Routine

While many skincare products overpromise and underdeliver, some contain active ingredients whose effects have been repeatedly backed by scientific evidence. Retinoids are chemical derivatives of vitamin A that have been shown to have a powerful stimulating effect on collagen production. This results in smoother, more youthful skin. They’ve been used in general skincare products for some time now, but lately they’ve been used in products that target specific areas, such as retinol eye cream.

Now, you might be thinking, “Please, not another step to add to my skincare routine!” You certainly wouldn’t be alone. However, this article will explain why applying retinol to the delicate skin around your eyes is worth it, and how it can easily be included in your routine without adding much time at all.

The Benefits of Retinol 

Retinol, like other retinoids, is a chemical that is derived from vitamin A. Vitamin A on its own or in strong forms like tretinoin is harsh on the skin, and is mainly used to treat severe cases of skincare issues like acne. The retinol sold over-the-counter in creams and serums is much more tolerable. It offers similar benefits, such as softening fine lines and making skin smoother, but usually without irritation.

The skin around your eyes is very delicate, so using a gentle product here is essential. It’s also one of the most prominent places where we show signs of ageing, typically in the form of under-eye bags, crow’s feet, or dark patches. A retinol eye cream helps on both counts. It’s gentle enough not to irritate the skin around the eyes, but effective enough to markedly reduce the appearance of the wrinkles and sagging.

Why Not Retinol Serum?

Eye cream is not the only product for the eye area that contains retinol. It can also be found in serums, which are preferred by many people, especially if they already have moisturisers and other creams as part of their routine. However, while they both share the same active ingredient, there are some important differences between creams and serums.

The ingredients in serums are typically less diluted, which may make them less suitable for the sensitive area under the eyes. The active ingredients also might not be balanced out by other agents that soothe any irritation they cause. Creams typically contain moisturiser and other compounds that act as a balm.

When To Apply Retinol Eye Cream

It’s generally recommended that you apply retinol eye cream before bed, and there’s a good reason for this. While the retinol itself is good for promoting healthy skin, it can also boost your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Applying it in the morning, especially if you spend lots of time outdoors, could lead to more darkness and wrinkles around the eyes.

You should apply the cream after cleansing and drying your face. You only need to use a very small, pea-sized amount for each eye. Focus on the bony area around your eyes, rather than applying it onto your eyelids. It will spread naturally from there as it is absorbed, and it minimises the risk of irritation from getting it in your eyes. For extra comfort, you can apply your normal nightly moisturiser on top.

Introducing Retinol Gradually

Some people have skin that is very intolerant of retinol, so to be safe it is best to add it into your skincare routine gradually over time. This helps protect you from irritation, and over time your skin will become much more tolerant of it. A common strategy is to start by applying it not every night, but every three nights for the first couple of weeks. During this phase, watch how your skin responds.

If you experience discomfort, reduce the frequency further. If after two weeks or so you don’t notice any negative effects, you can apply it every two nights for a few more weeks. After that, you can apply it nightly. You might be wondering whether those trial weeks are wasted, because you’re not applying it nightly, but that’s not the case. The results are not immediate, but will become visible after multiple months of consistent application.

How to Choose the Best Retinol Eye Cream

There’s no easy formula to follow to help you find the very best product for your skin, since everybody’s is different. However, there are some ingredients you can look for. 

Since the benefit of using retinol in a cream is that the other ingredients hydrate and soothe your skin, you should check for ingredients which do that. These include hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides. If you’re a beginner, you should also buy something with a lower concentration of retinol.

Conclusion

A high-quality retinol eye cream can be a valuable addition to your daily skincare routine. However, they must be used at the right time, or else they can have a harmful effect. It’s also important to understand that retinoids are powerful chemicals, and that they must be introduced gradually to prevent discomfort.