The under-eye area is extremely delicate — as such, it’s a good idea to treat it with products that won’t irritate sensitive skin and eyes while still containing active ingredients that have been shown to reduce puffiness and even lighten the appearance of dark circles. Many of the eye area issues that people say bother them are genetic or the natural result of aging or repeated exposure to UV light. And one of the best ways to prevent skin damage in this area of the face is to use sunscreen daily, wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and create better habits like getting plenty of sleep.
But even with those preventative methods in place, let’s face it: lines and dark circles happen — they’re a natural fact of life and nothing shameful. If you choose to address them, don’t throw your money away on any and every product at the drugstore or Sephora that makes big claims. Here are three skin-firming creams dermatologists swear by to make eye bags disappear.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener
The reasons this popular eye cream is such a winner is because it contains Eyeliss™, which is a global treatment for puffy eyes, according to Elaine F. Kung, a board certified dermatologist based out of New York City and founder of Future Bright Dermatology. “Eyeliss is composed of three of the following three active molecules in solution: hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC), dipeptide VW and lipopeptide Pal-GQPR,” Dr. Kung explains. “Hesperidin is a safe flavonoid found in citrus fruits. The methylation of hesperidin treats blood vessels, making it helpful for dark circles under eyes. Dipeptide-2 is a small synthetic peptide made up of the amino acids tryptophan and valine. Therefore, it can be considered a skin-conditioning ingredient since it can easily penetrate the skin’s uppermost layers. It can help with skin renewal thereby helping with fine lines and wrinkles. Lipopeptide Pal-GQPR improves firmness and elasticity.”
In other words: this pick is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients that are proven to be effective.
Skin Better Science InterFuse Treatment Cream EYE
“It contains a blend of messenger peptides that helps support collagen and neuro-calming peptides that helps with fine lines and crepiness,” Dr. Kung says. “It also has caffeine which helps with eyelid puffiness and congestion. It also has niacinamide and vitamin C that help with dark pigmentation around the eyelids.”
DRMTLGY Advanced Eye Cream
This pick contains Haloxyl® (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7), according to Dr. Kung. “Haloxyl helps clear pigment deposition and solubilize iron for elimination,” Dr. Kung said. “Therefore, it reduces dark circles under the eyes. Since haloxyl is made of synthetic peptides which helps support collagen production thereby helping fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it contains Vitamin K which helps improve elasticity of blood vessels and has antioxidant properties. Therefore, this eye cream is packed with ingredients necessary for anti-aging with the combination of haloxyl and vitamin K.”
As always, start by slowing introducing a new product into your skincare regimen. And if you have additional skin concerns, always visit a board-certified dermatologist first to discuss your needs before taking matters into your own hands.
