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Can You Use Retinol Near Eyes?
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Can You Use Retinol Near Eyes?

11 June 2024







Can You Use Retinol Near Eyes?






There really isn’t anything retinol can’t tackle. Blemishes? Not a problem, fine lines, and wrinkles? A thing of the past, dull and lack lustre complexion? Nothing to worry about. Yes, there’s no denying that retinol is a clever ingredient which explains why so many of us have introduced it into our everyday skincare routine.






The question we have, however, is there an area of the skin that we should avoid with this potent powerhouse? It is well known that the area around the eyes is the first to show signs of ageing, with fine lines and crow’s feet becoming more prominent over time. Other concerns, such as under-eye circles and eye bags are also something that can look worse due to the skin around the eye area being thinner, 40% thinner than the rest of the skin on the face to be exact. So, with this in mind, let’s investigate whether you can use retinol near your eyes and the results you can expect to see.





Can you use retinol around the eyes?






Yes, it is perfectly safe and effective to use retinol around the eyes, ensuring you are using the right products that can deliver results without causing any irritation or an allergic reaction.






Admittedly there are some outdated research still floating around suggesting that using eye cream formulas containing potent ingredients should be avoided, but that isn’t really the case anymore. In fact, what you’ll find is that retinol is the number one ingredient suggested by those in the know to help combat signs of ageing, dark circles, and under-eye bags.





Modern day eye cream formulas containing retinol will contain a lower percentage than those found in products used on the rest of the face. These formulas also usually are enriched with other hydrating actives, such as hyaluronic acid to counteract any drying side effects that are a common problem for those using retinol. Before you go throwing away the eye cream you already have, you can layer this with another retinol product, simply mix your eye cream and retinol together and apply under the eyes.






Is retinol good for under eye wrinkles?






Absolutely, as I have already mentioned, retinol is a favourite ingredient amongst skincare experts and dermatologists to help combat signs of ageing, dark circles, and under-eye bags. Retinol can work in the lower layers of the skin, reaching past the epidermis and work at boosting the production of collagen. With more collagen helping the skin appear plumped and more youthful you’ll find that the appearance fine lines and wrinkles are reduced significantly.




How close to eyes can you put retinol?






With the skin around the eye area being notably thinner than the rest of the face, you’ll find it is able to absorb into the skin quickly which can potentially lead to skin irritation which is why you need to remain mindful of how you apply retinol around the eyes. Here are some examples of how to apply retinol to the eyes whilst taking the proper precautions.






Start with a pea size amount of retinol product.





Ensure you are using product that has been formulated for application around the eyes.






Use your ring fingers to apply the product as you naturally apply the least pressure which avoids any skin tugging.






Gentle dab the product around the eye area starting under the eye and working up towards the outer corners, and up to the eyebrows.




Avoid taking the retinol up to the lash line as this can cause potential irritation.






Don’t forget to use your retinol eye cream in your evening routine as exposure to UV light will make retinol lose its potency.
Ensure you follow this with an SPF of 30 and higher in the morning.

Is retinol good for eye bags?

Yes, it is ideal for using to help combat eye bags, especially if the product has retinol combined with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. You’ll notice a difference after 3 to 4 weeks with eye bags significantly reduced and the area around the eyes are firmer and look brighter.

Retinol is particularly helpful for using around the eye area as the under-eyes can begin to look sunken with dark circles becoming more noticeable, for some these are signs of lack of sleep, or the position you sleep, others it’s connected to their heritage. Whichever the cause of these are they are combatted with the help of retinol.

Are retinol eye creams safe?

Yes, they are, even with retinol being so potent there is doubt whether it should be used on the delicate eye area. Not to worry, as retinol enriched eye creams often contain a lower percentage and blended with hyaluronic acid or another moisturising ingredient. The bonus that hyaluronic acid can deliver humectant traits meaning it is able to draw water and locking it into the surface layer of the skin and combat any potential sign of irritation and drying effects that occur.

Remember that if you are using retinol for the first time you should introduce into your routine slowly and in the correct way. This should be done after performing a patch test and consulting with your doctor to ensure retinol is the best ingredient for you and your skin.

Can retinol make dark circles worse?

Yes, long-term, and overzealous application of a retinol product around the eye area can make dark circles look worse. This is a result of the side effects that occur when applying retinol to the skin, which are often red, flaky rings around the eye area that once become healed will appear dark. To avoid this, try using retinol every other day, only apply it in the evenings, and don’t forget to use a daily SPF of 30 and above every day, even on a day that looks gloomy.

What happens if you use retinol and go in the sun?

Retinol is highly sensitive to any exposure to sunlight making it lose its potency and effectiveness to deliver results on the skin. It is advised by all skin experts that retinol application should happen in the evening allowing the potent active to work undisturbed throughout the night whilst you get your beauty sleep.

I hope that you now have a better understanding of using retinol near the eyes, don’t forget we are over on Instagram if you have any skincare questions.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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