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It's a delicate area -

The area around your eyes is one of the thinnest, most sensitive areas of your body. This makes it more susceptible to irritation, sensitivity, and to signs of aging.

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Use a delicate approach -

Regardless of under-eye concern, it's important to use caution and proceed with a gentle approach.

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Application -

Make sure you apply products with a gentle tapping motion, and take extra care to avoid tugging and pulling on the skin.

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Small amount of product -

You only need to use a pea-sized amount of product for both eyes. Apply with your ring finger, which has a naturally light touch and won't put too much pressure on the skin.

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Apply sunscreen daily -

Sun exposure contributes to a number of skin issues, including fine lines, wrinkles, skin dryness, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, SPF is key.

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Even around the eyes -

The upper and lower eyelids are often neglected when we apply sunscreen. So make sure to apply a little extra SPF around that area in the AM.

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Avoid rich and silicone-heavy formulas before makeup -

Avoid rich, silicone-heavy eye creams, unless you're dealing with excessively dry skin. Ultrarich products can work against concealing and brightening, while silicone-heavy formulas can lead to creasing issues.

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Opt for lightweight hydration -

Instead, opt for a more hydrating, gel-like formula, which will help prevent creasing. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.

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Poor blood circulation can wreak havoc on the eye area -

Insufficient toxin drainage and fluid buildup, which are results of poor blood circulation, can cause swelling and puffiness. As a result, enhancing blood circulation is a great technique for waking up the eyes.

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Focus on enhancing blood circulation around the eye -

Look for an eye cream with circulation-enhancing ingredients, such as vitamin K. It will improve dark circles and redness.

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Opt for manual stimulation -

Another way to help enhance blood circulation is with manual stimulation and lymphatic drainage. This can be as simple as a gentle under-eye massage.

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DIY at-home remedies -

You can also try DIY at-home remedies, like using green tea bags, which have been shown to help with under-eye puffiness.

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Cooling methods -

Cooling the under-eye area is also an effective method to lessen any puffiness. Try using a chilled roller or even chilled cucumber slices.

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Focus on depuffing -

Even cool compresses like chilled spoons will help shrink dilated blood vessels and soothe inflammation and swelling.

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Cooling with gels and patches -

Another way to physically cool the area is by using actual cooling under-eye gels and patches. And if they're not naturally cooling, just throw them in the fridge overnight.

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Use products that target pigmentation -

For those with discoloration or hyperpigmentation around their under-eyes, opt for products that will brighten and even out pigmentation. Antioxidants like vitamin C can help you with that, as well as smoothening niacinamide.

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Other products that target pigmentation -

Other gentle ingredients that will lighten darkness without irritating the skin include arbutin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid.

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Consider adding retinoids -

Retinoids stimulate new collagen synthesis, which helps prevent collagen degradation and improve fine lines and wrinkles. However, because they can be drying, it's important to look for a product that won't irritate the delicate area.

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Opt for encapsulated retinol -

Therefore, look for formulas with encapsulated retinol, which decreases the risk of irritation.

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Utilize color theory in your makeup routine -

To camouflage any problem areas, start by using medium-coverage hydrating concealer. Then, you'll want to tweak your shade choice based on your biggest concern.

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Color theory -

For example, to reduce redness, use a concealer shade with a more neutral or golden tone, as it helps neutralize redness. For under-eye darkness, try warm-hued color correctors.

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Use caffeine-infused products -

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it can tighten or constrict the blood vessels, which eliminates puffiness.

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But it's only temporary -

Do note that caffeine provides temporary relief only. Once you stop using the ingredient, the puffiness may come back.

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Look for products with anti-inflammatory ingredients -

Choose products with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients, especially if you suffer from excessive dryness.

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Anti-inflammatory ingredients -

Look for ingredients like ceramides, chamomile, cucumber, aloe vera, or colloidal oatmeal.

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Skip those scolding hot showers -

Hot water can quickly thin and dry out your skin. So if you're in the habit of washing your face with hot water, you might want to cut back to save your under-eye area.

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Wash your face with cold water -

Instead, try showering with lukewarm water, and switch over to washing your face with cold water.

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Keep your morning routine simple -

During the day, less is always more. Using too much product can work against you, especially around the eye area, which is already prone to creasing.

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Ways to improve the look of your under-eyes -

In the morning, apply ultra-thin layers of eye cream, color corrector, and concealer to prevent the product from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. In the evening, pack on the cream before bed. Just remember to be gentle.

Sources: (Byrdie) (Healthline)

See also: Are you applying your skincare in the correct order?

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