How to Buy Eye Cream

Do you really need a separate eye cream?

Despite the huge selection of eye creams available, experts say most people do not need a separate eye cream. In most cases, a good facial moisturizer is all that is needed to effectively moisturize the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. That's because the ingredients in today's facial and antiaging moisturizers are remarkably similar to those found in eye creams. Furthermore, the eye cream version is usually sold in a smaller package for more money than similar facial moisturizers.

If you suffer from a specific problem like puffy eyes or dark circles, you could try a top eye cream formula that's designed to combat those issues. But again, there's not much scientific evidence that creams including caffeine actually reduce puffiness, for example. Although feedback is mixed on caffeine's effectiveness, experts agree that there is no harm in using it. Storing your eye cream for puffiness in the refrigerator can also encourage blood vessel constriction due to the cold temperature of the cream.

Additionally, experts say creams that contain the ingredients vitamin K -- which may inhibit bruising -- or kojic acid and hydroquinone, which both have a skin lightening effect, can help diminish the appearance of dark circles, but not a single study shows that these ingredients have anything other than a subtle effect. Products that contain retinol can also help the body build more skin-plumping collagen, increasing the thickness of skin around the eyes and making underlying circle-causing blood vessels less apparent, but they won't completely go away.

Here are some other things experts say about shopping for an eye cream:

• Avoid ingredients that may irritate the eyes. Fragrance, alcohol and several plant oils are known irritants and can bother the delicate eye area.

• Look for gentle creams with ingredients that benefit the skin overall. Experts say that eye creams should contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol and hyaluronic acid, among others. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is known to stimulate collagen growth and is the best over-the-counter method of treating fine lines and wrinkles.

• Limit sun exposure while using a retinol cream. Retinol can cause sun sensitivity. Experts suggest using it at night and following up with a cream containing sunscreen during the day. Where possible, wear a hat and/or sunglasses to further protect sensitive skin.

• Look for broad-spectrum sun protection. Very few eye creams contain sunscreen, which is why skin-care experts advise sticking with an allover moisturizer that contains sunscreen ingredients.

• Be gentle when applying products. To prevent damage and irritation, consumers should gently pat products -- not tug or roughly rub -- into the skin. Experts suggest using your ring finger or pinkie to ensure a gentle touch.

• Antioxidants help to prevent some of the damage caused by free radicals, but in order to be effective they must come in stable packaging. Antioxidants deteriorate with repeated exposure to air and sunlight. Moisturizers containing antioxidants should be packaged in opaque tubes or bottles to preserve their active ingredients. Look for dispensers with small openings to minimize air exposure.

• Problems like dark circles or puffiness are unlikely to go away with just a topical treatment. While some cases can be alleviated with simple at-home remedies, more stubborn cases may require surgical intervention. Laser treatments, for instance, can be very effective at reducing the prominence of blood vessels -- a common cause of dark circles.