Can Eye Creams Really "Cure" Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Dark Circles and Puffiness?

For healthy skin, millions of Americans have incorporated eye cream into their daily skincare regimen. Beauty products that treat fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes have been on the market for decades.

How do eye creams really work?

Fine lines and wrinkles are natural results of aging, but who wants to admit they're getting older? As people age, their bodies produce less collagen, the protein which makes skin supple. Also, elastin fibers lose their elasticity. Since collagen and elastin molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, the key to most eye creams is to moisturize the skin.

Wrinkles and fine lines are most visible when the skin is dry. Hydrating agents, such as hyaluronic acid, attract and retain moisture to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dark circles and puffiness mean more than a lack of sleep. As people age, the skin below their eyes gets thinner and reveals the darker tissue underneath. Dark circles indicate a problem retaining blood in the skin's upper layers. At the same time, blood flow can become sluggish, creating puffiness.

Dark circles and puffiness are brought on by poor blood circulation. If left untreated or treated improperly, this can lead to a build-up of venous back pressure in the skin's capillaries. Soy and rice bran peptides have been shown to reduce venous blood clotting, thereby reducing dark circles and puffiness. In addition, these two peptides inhibit elastase and collagenase. These enzymes degrade collagen and elastin in the skin, so blocking them helps the skin retain its natural firmness.

Other eye cream ingredients to consider include mild alpha hydroxy acids which help lighten dark circles by exfoliating discolored skin. Recent studies suggest Vitamin K effectively reduces the signs of dark circles. Potent antioxidants, such as red tea, help diminish free radicals. This reduces inflammation and minimizes puffiness and wrinkles around eyes.

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