3 Dermatologist-Approved Anti-Aging Under Eye Creams
Fine lines and sagging skin under the eyes calls for a cream that will provide elasticity and firmness to the area. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner explains, “If you have crepey skin under the eyes, look for an eye cream that contains retinol.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that stimulates collagen and elastin to firm and strengthen the skin.” According to Zeichner, the Roc Retinol Max Correxion Eye Cream will be your best bet as it “contains a stabilized form of retinol in a specialized formula designed for the under eye area.”
If you struggle with sensitive skin, Zeichner suggests a peptide cream to gently treat the under eye area. “Peptides are signals that tell your skin to do a specific job. It's like dangling a carrot in front of their nose,” he explains.
For this skin type, Zeichner recommends the Alpha H Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream because it, “contains 2 specific peptides that help strengthen the skin and stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and crepey skin.”
We also checked in with skincare expert Madelyn Cusimano, esthetician for The A Method, who explained how this eye cream is from celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Tina Alster, and a product that features peptides. This aforementioned, powerful skincare ingredient can moisturize, hydrate and soothe the skin around your eyes.
It's dubbed an "all-in-one" cream, meaning that it targets anti-aging goals like drawing attention away from wrinkles and fine lines while also preventing dreaded puffiness. In addition, it can brighten dark eye circles and aims to "tighten and tone the appearance of skin around the orbital rim," as noted on the brand's website, where you can purchase the highly raved $78 cream.
The Bottom Line
Overall, while these are three go-to and often praised eye cream ingredients, our experts suggest visiting your dermatologist for more personalized and specific recommendations. Cusimano concludes that eye creams work best when paired with another retinol product (your dermatologist can help you find one that suits your needs).
Retinol, she says, will help "feed the collagen and encourage cell turnover, while the peptide will help support all the progress the skin is making." Both, she stresses, "work on collagen stimulation and strengthening the skin."