1. Retinol: the skin rejuvenator
“If your eye area is struggling with loss of elasticity, crêpiness and uneven texture, retinol is the answer,” advises Dr Gross. “It’s a naturally derived ingredient – a derivative of vitamin A – which means the skin takes to it beautifully, helping smooth wrinkles and lines while increasing moisture and elasticity. It promotes the production of new skin cells, and, when formulated as a gel, can also tighten the upper eyelids.
“Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so look for retinol products with ferulic acid which diminishes irritation and is gentle enough to use morning and night. Always make sure you follow with a moisturiser and sun cream (even in winter),” says Dr Gross.
2. Vitamin C: the brightener
“Along with retinol, vitamin C is one of the few proven anti-ageing skincare ingredients (it encourages collagen production) that gently brightens and smooths your skin, helping treat UV exposure,” explains Dr Gross. “It’s also an antioxidant, which helps defend the skin against free radical damage caused by the environment.”
3. Hyaluronic acid: the power skin-plumper
“If you want skin that’s hydrated, plump and glowing, hyaluronic acid will do all that and more, due to its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in moisture. The skin around the eye doesn’t produce natural oils, so the high dosage of hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates.”