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Beauty

A Derm Shares The #1 Eye Cream Mistake To Avoid Over 40 If You Want To Combat Thinning Skin And Maintain 'Elastin Levels'

March 8, 2025 by Mariam Qayum
shefinds | Beauty
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Taking care of the delicate skin around your eyes is essential, especially as you age. Eye creams can help reduce fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles, but using them incorrectly may prevent you from seeing the best results.

After 40, your skin’s collagen production slows down, making it even more important to apply eye creams properly. Avoiding common errors can help you achieve brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking eyes.

Dr. Sam, a dermatologist, recently revealed the most common eye cream mistake she frequently encounters in her clinic. Keep reading to learn more!

@drsamsskincare THIS the number one eye cream mistake that I see all the time in my clinic #skincare #skincaretips #dermatologist original sound – Dr Sam’s Skincare

Not using sunscreen as the first eye cream

Believe it or not, the biggest mistake doesn’t even have anything to do with the eye cream product you’re using!

You may know the importance of sunscreen for your face, but applying it around your eyes before eye cream is just as crucial.

Not using sunscreen around the eye is a mistake because the skin in this area is thinner and more delicate, making it highly susceptible to sun damage. Without protection, UV rays can accelerate fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, leading to premature aging. Sun exposure also breaks down collagen, which is essential for keeping the skin firm and youthful.

“I see patients in the clinic all the time, and they want to know what the best eye cream is,” adding that when she asks them if they’re using sunscreen around the eyes, the answer is almost always no!

Now, if you’re prone to sensitivity, she recommends to “choose mineral sunscreen, which is much less likely to sting your eyes.”

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Importance of sunscreen around the eye area

So, why is it important to apply sunscreen around the eye area? Dr. Sam says, “Well, when it comes to preserving the delicate thin skin around the eyes, what is crucial is maintaining elastin levels, the thing that makes the skin snap, and maintaining collagen levels, a thing that makes the skin thick and crease-resistant.”

Sunscreen is a powerful tool for this because it can “combat both of those things,” especially as you age.

The eye area is also prone to hyperpigmentation and can develop sun-related conditions like crow’s feet and dark circles.

Try opting for a gentle, SPF-infused product around the eyes that can help against these effects, keeping the skin smooth, bright, and healthy.

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Mariam is an Editorial Assistant and writer at SheFinds, covering everything from style and beauty to health and wellness. Splitting her time between New York and Philadelphia, she brings a sharp eye for trends and a passion for storytelling to the digital space. With a strong editorial background, she’s always exploring the latest in fashion, skincare, and wellness. When she’s not writing or pitching, you’ll find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or planning her next travel adventure. You can reach Mariam at mariam@shefinds.com.

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