When Is the Right Time to Start Using Under Eye Cream?

The skin around your eyes is one of the thinnest and most delicate areas on your face. And that’s why it shows early signs of aging with dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines starting to appear.

However, all this can be avoided if you commit to the right eye cream at the right time. It can prevent long-term concerns and promote healthy, refreshed skin. But when is the right time to do that? Let’s find out.

Signs That Indicate You Need an Under-Eye Cream

1. Fine Lines and Early Wrinkles

If you're starting to notice fine lines or creasing around the eyes in your late 20s, it's time to incorporate a skincare eye cream that supports Collagen production and hydration. These early signs are subtle but progressive—and addressing them early slows visible aging.

2. Dark Circles and Puffiness

Dark circles may be caused by genetics, poor sleep, stress, or thinning skin revealing underlying blood vessels. Puffiness often stems from fluid retention or inflammation. A good eye cream like Foxtale’s Brightening Under Eye Cream with ingredients like Vitamin C, Caffeine, and Hyaluronic Acid can help reduce swelling and brighten the under-eye area over time.

3. Dryness and Dehydration

The under-eye area lacks oil glands, making it more prone to dryness. If you notice tightness, flaking, or fine dehydration lines, using a hydrating under-eye cream with Hyaluronic Acid or Ceramides can restore moisture and reinforce the skin barrier.

4. Lifestyle and Genetic Factors

Smoking, lack of sleep, screen fatigue, and even family history contributes to under-eye concerns. If these factors apply, adding an eye cream early on becomes more important—even before visible issues develop.

What Age Should You Start Using Under-Eye Cream?

1. Teenage Years (15–19)

For most, this age is too early to introduce active-rich eye creams. However, a lightweight, hydrating formula without actives can help with puffiness due to sleep schedules or screen time.

2. Early 20s (20–25)

This is the ideal time to begin preventive care. Start using a hydrating eye cream that contains Niacinamide, Vitamin C, or Caffeine. These ingredients support skin tone, reduce puffiness, and improve brightness before signs of aging set in.

3. Mid to Late 20s (25–30)

Fine lines may begin to appear, especially due to lifestyle stress and environmental exposure. Eye creams with Peptides, Vitamin C, and Antioxidants can help preserve elasticity and support Collagen synthesis.

4. 30s and Beyond

This is when anti-aging under-eye creams become essential because your skin’s collagen production starts to decline. With reduced collagen and a diminished ability to retain moisture, fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable around the eyes. Look for targeted ingredients like Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Peptides to help restore firmness, smooth wrinkles, and replenish hydration.

Choosing the Right Under-Eye Cream for Your Skin Concerns

1. For Dark Circles and Puffiness

Choose a formula with Peptides, Algae Extracts, and Provitamin B5 to effectively reduce under-eye swelling and improve tone—just like Foxtale’s Firming Under Eye Gel does. Peptides help boost collagen production, making the skin firmer and reducing fine lines. Algae Extracts are rich in antioxidants and minerals that improve circulation, helping to brighten dark circles and depuff the under-eye area. Provitamin B5 deeply hydrates and soothes, keeping the delicate skin around your eyes soft and refreshed.

2. For Dry or Sensitive Skin

Go for fragrance-free creams with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, or Squalane to deeply hydrate without irritation.

3. For Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Use creams with Retinol, Peptides, and Vitamin C to support Collagen and improve skin texture.

4. For Men’s Skincare

A good eye cream for men should be lightweight, non-greasy, and designed to reduce puffiness and fatigue—products labeled as eye cream benefit for men often have simple, effective formulations.

How to Apply Under-Eye Cream for Maximum Benefits

When to Apply Eye Cream?

Use it as part of both your morning and night skincare routines. In the morning, choose ingredients that brighten and de-puff. At night, opt for creams that focus on repair and hydration.

Application Technique Also Matters

1. Use a pea-sized amount for both eyes.

2. Dab gently using your ring finger from the inner to outer corner—avoid tugging or pulling.

3. If layering skincare, apply eye cream after your serum but before moisturizer.

4. Always follow with sunscreen during the day to prevent further pigmentation and photoaging.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Under-Eye Cream

1. Using Too Much Product

Applying excessive under-eye cream won’t enhance results—instead, it can lead to product buildup, clogged pores, or even irritation, especially on the delicate skin around the eyes. A pea-sized amount is sufficient for both eyes.

2. Applying Too Close to the Eyes

Only stick to the orbital bone area. Product will naturally migrate closer as it absorbs.

3. Rubbing Instead of Patting

Rubbing can stretch the delicate skin. Always pat gently with minimal pressure.

4. Skipping Sunscreen

Eye creams may help fade pigmentation, but without SPF, new discoloration will keep appearing. Sunscreen is essential for lasting results.

Conclusion

So, the question is – is an eye cream needed? Well, if you have started seeing aging signs, experiencing dark circles or your eyes are getting puffy – then you are in a dire need of eye cream. It is indeed time to add an eye cream in your skincare routine.

The right time, as we just discussed, to start using the under-eye cream depends on the skin needs that you have. The best advice is that choose your formula based on the skin concerns that you have, make sure you apply it consistently, and always pair it with a sunscreen for best and long-term results.

When used correctly, eye cream benefits go beyond just hydration—they support skin resilience, brightness, and smoothness over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use my face moisturizer as an under-eye cream?

Not always. While some gentle moisturizers may be safe, the under-eye area requires lightweight, non-irritating formulations. Face creams with strong actives may be too harsh for this sensitive area.

Is it safe to use retinol under the eyes?

Yes—when formulated specifically for the eye area. Retinol can help reduce fine lines and improve texture, but it should be used gradually and always followed by hydration and sun protection.

How long does it take to see results?

Results vary depending on your concern and the ingredients used. For hydration, improvements can be seen in a few days. For dark circles or fine lines, visible changes may take 4–6 weeks of consistent use.

Should men use under-eye cream too?

Yes. The skin under the eyes doesn’t differ much across genders. A good eye cream for men addresses fatigue, dryness, and puffiness—just like any targeted eye cream.