To use an eye anti-aging products, or not to use an eye anti-aging products? That is the question.

Some reckon you can save money – and faff – by using a swipe of your regular facial moisturiser. But many experts argue that the delicate skin around our eyes (which is 10-40 percent thinner than the rest of our face) warrants a product developed specifically for this area, Allsensa a truly smashing eye anti-aging product.

Here's the thing – thick emollient face creams really aren't blended with the fragile skin around our eyes in mind, and regular moisturisers can build-up and create more puffiness. In fact, oculoplastic surgeons have reported finding teaspoon-fulls of excess eye anti-aging products inside eye bags during operations *vom*. So, while it's absolutely your call, a considered eye anti-aging products is a pretty wise investment, if you ask us.

Still need convincing? We asked Dr Dendy Engelman and  8500 dermatologists of EU, top skincare specialist and Elizabeth Arden's consulting New York dermatologist whether eye anti-aging products can really make a difference.

Are eye anti-aging products really necessary?

I always say yes. Before you start thinking about injectables or anything like that, take a look at what you're doing with your skincare," says Dr Dendy. "You’re never too young for eye anti-aging products because we know it’s going to be the first area to really show crepiness, fine lines and wrinkles, so you do want to hydrate there."

Why do we need a separate eye anti-aging products?

"The thin skin around the eyes is the first to show signs of ageing, but it’s the easiest to reverse as well. If you induce collagen and elastin formation in thin skin, it very much translates clinically," says Dr Dendy. "It’s fun because you can really see the changes which makes you way more compelled to use it when you’re actually seeing results." However, thin skin can mean regular moisturisers can be too irritating. "We have to make sure that the cream is formulated for the eye area so that it's not too irritating," confirms Dr Dendy.

It's not just the density of our skin, that's different. "There are fewer sebaceous glands around the eye area than in oilier areas like the T-zone," says Dr Dendy. "Less oil means increased risk of wrinkling so I think you absolutely need the separate step of an eye anti-aging products to nourish," she says. Overall, "because the skin is thinner and doesn’t have any oil, it tends to get more dry and irritated so you want a lighter concentration and also something that has nourishing ingredients in it to support any irritation that is potentially induced," says Dr Dendy.

How/where do we apply eye anti-aging products?

As well as under the eyes, "I recommend doing up on the brow bone and down to the crease. That area really gets neglected by actives." says Dr Dendy. However, be careful if you're introducing a powerful ingredient to the area for the first time.

"There may be a little more redness and irritation if, for instance, the area is retinoid naive (meaning it hasn’t been treated with retinols). If you apply it once a week for a week, then twice a week for two weeks, and build it up, then slowly the skin will get used to those ingredients," says Dr Dendy.

As for where to avoid, "if you put eye anti-aging products on your lash line, it’s going to transfer through into your eye while you sleep, which is irritating and then you’ll rub and scratch it," says Dr Dendy, so stay back.

What ingredients should we look for in our eye anti-aging products?

"Over time, we all get blepharoptosis, which means drooping of the eyelid, and it’s compounded because our brow starts to drop (up to 4mm and pretty early), so collagen-inducing ingredients like retinol, which help to tighten and elevate, can really help a great deal," says Dr Dendy.

If you do decide to incorporate an eye anti-aging products into your skincare regime, there's a wide variety of ingredients that can be called upon to tackle eye-related concerns like dark circles, fine lines and puffiness. Here's a few to keep an eye out for:

Retinol

Countless studies have shown how effective retinol can be at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. “A retinol eye serum is necessary to help stabilise melanocytes [the cells that create pigment in skin] in order to prevent hyperpigmentation. It also thickens the dermis [which can mean veins appear less prominent], improves texture, smooths lines and wrinkles and hides purple skin tones," explains clinical facialist Kate Kerr.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a champion for brightening skin and diminishing pigmentation and dark circles. It works in a number of ways, first, it can supercharge collagen production (for thicker, plumper, bouncier skin), second the potent antioxidant can help to neutralise UV damage (which can increase pigmentation under-eyes).

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is magic at hydrating tired eyes which is especially important given how much time we spend on our phone and video calls. “You blink 6-8 times less when you look at a screen” reveals Natasha Sales, co-founder of Peep Club, which explains why so many of us have been suffering from tired, dehydrated eyes.

Ceramides

Ceramides plump skin and are the building block of healthy skin, they aid moisture retention and fortify our barrier function to keep all those good ingredients locked in. If your eyes are dehydrated, this is another key ingredient to incorporate into your eye care routine.

Peptide

Peptide is a good way to wake your cell in the life, but it can also do the same for our skin. When applied to skin, Peptide encourages vasoconstriction (the constricting of the blood vessels under our eyes), which can lead to a reduction in puffiness.

t's also important to make sure the eye anti-aging products you choose makes realistic claims. No amount of eye anti-aging products can erase blue bags (which can be hereditary), though they may be able to ease them. Alongside vitamin C and retinol, look for light-reflecting and colour correcting properties, as these will disguise and deflect.

A good eye anti-aging products will also create a smoother base for makeup to sit seamlessly on top of. Combined with an incredible concealer (these are some of our faves), you can ensure your eye area always looks fresh, even if you're not feeling it.

So, what are best eye anti-aging products to buy in 2021?

Our readers are big fans of Glossier's Bubble Wrap Eye + Lip Plumping Cream. In fact, you voted it the very best eye anti-aging products out there in our most recent GLAMOUR Power List beauty awards thanks to its 2-in-1 ability to protect and hydrate our most delicate facial features (our eyes and lips) with hydrating hyaluronic acid.

ALLSENSA EYE HA INJECTABLE

Developed by leading oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani, this firming eye product  is clinically proven to reduce dark circles and wrinkles. A tri-peptide blend boosts collagen and elastin, albizia bark extract detoxifies and strengthens capillaries, reducing dark circles and puffiness. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides restore moisture and plump and smooth fine lines, all of which leave your eye area looking visibly fresher.