Eye creams\serums that work. Do they exist?

[whaaaaat]

Hi,

I used to use eye creams out of habit, but after reading that they didn't really do anything and was a bit of a con, I stopped using it and I couldn't tell a difference.

Thing is, I was in my 20's so it didn't really matter. I'm now early 30's and have noticed that when I smile, I get really prominent lines under my eyes, thanks to my hamster cheeks!! They haven't set yet iyswim. It's literally just when I smile, but they will stick at some point, so I'm wondering if now there actually is anything on the market that works.

Please say there is!!

[botemp]

The only thing OTC worth considering is an eye cream with an effective retinol as a preventive measure. The LRP Redermic R gets mixed reviews but is affordable. The price steadily increases beyond that. I use Verso Super Eye Serum for prevention and I absolutely love it and feel it works for me. I find it decent value for money as it is the twice the size of an ordinary eye cream/serum and lasts very long but it isn't exactly cheap.

[TheHuntingOfTheSarky]

If you can afford it, Tata Harper or Zelens.

Both work very well for me but are high-end.

No eye cream is going to get rid of hereditary dark circles but these two do well on the rest of the issue.

If I'm a bit skint I also sometimes purchase Kiehl's avocado eye cream which works very well.

[ThenLaterWhenItGotDark]

I have tried all kinds of eye creams, from Superdrug own brand to Chanel and Dior.

Have come to the conclusion that the ones I felt were working were doing the smoke and mirrors thing- they were either using light reflective gubbins to hide the dark circles (a lovely Rose one from something Botanicals £27) or were basically moisturising the dry bits, so making the skin feel smooth and plump....or they chock full of silicone so were temporarily smoothing.

So, after many years of empirical investigation and ££££s I am just putting my usual day and night creams around my eyes as well. (Neals Yard Frankincense in the morning and Occitane Divine at night)

Obviously the minute someone starts a thread saying they've found one that works, there I'll be with my credit card

[whaaaaat]

Oooo so can you put your normal creams and serums under your eyes?! I was always told it was a big no no.

[botemp]

You can but all it will do is keep the area moisturised, avoid eyelids though. I can't though since I'm too sensitive/reactive in that area I end up with teary and irritated eyes. If you want to avoid wrinkles your only safe bet is still something with retinol in it as that's the only scientifically backed ingredient but it can equally be a moisturiser with retinol provided it doesn't irritate you.

[botemp]

*only scientifically backed anti-ageing ingredient

[whaaaaat]

bote, I thought that moisturisers with retinol were a bit of a scam, because they don't put enough in. Although I understand retinol on it's own is proven to work, but can be harsh on your skin.

[ThenLaterWhenItGotDark]

Yes, the vast majority of retinol and pseudo-retinols are a big con, because the eensy meensy amount would never do anything. You can (and I have lol) bought medical grade retinol from ebay (as have most of the posters on the Amazing Faces quiche) but I never got round to using it often enough for it t make a difference. (makes you peel like buggery apparently)

I remember reading that Hylamide eyes really works, but have never tried it.

[botemp]

Basically in terms of anti-ageing skincare it's Retinol/Retin-A + SPF that's proven the rest is all speculative. Retinol is effective just not as effective as Retin-A but a well formulated one is often a better choice for most as it doesn't irritate as easily. Not everyone is all that comfortable to use Retin-A in the under eye area either or for prolonged periods of time.

It is a bit of a scam in terms of value for money, Retin-A bought without a prescription is a few pounds but effective Retinol products tend to be £££. The Ordinary by Deciem did just release one that's a few pounds, but I lack the experience using it and it's only been on the market for a few weeks so no impartial reviews available as of yet. The company does know what it's doing though so it's well worth a try, I just have no idea if that specific product can be used in the eye area safely.