Tired of tired eyes? Late nights, early mornings, and endless scrolling and screen time make the delicate skin around our eyes work overtime – and, since you’re reading this, you’ll probably know it shows. From puffiness and dark circles to fine lines and wrinkles, the eye area is often the first to reveal our bad habits. Happily, there are products that can help; we’ve assembled the ultimate eye rescue regime that will change your skincare game.

Why does the skin around the eyes age faster?

The skin around the eyes is up to 10 times thinner than that of the rest of the face. This makes it ultra-delicate, extra sensitive, and first to show signs of dehydration, sleep-deprivation, or when you’ve skipped the SPF. Even something as mundane as rubbing your eyes can cause damage over time. Add in natural collagen loss (which starts as early as your mid-20s), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for wrinkles, sagging, and that permanently tired look.

What products should I use for dark circles?

Hydrogel Eye Pads

Think of these little miracles as a power nap for your under-eyes. Packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or caffeine, hydrogel eye pads cool, soothe, and visibly reduce puffiness in minutes. Plus, they’re so easy to use you can pop them on while binging Netflix for a seriously luxurious and rejuvenating night in.

Beauty hack: Store them in the fridge for an instant refresh.

Eye Massager Mask

This high-tech wonder combines gentle vibrations, both warm or cooling functions, and even air pressure technology to relax facial tension and boost circulation. The result? De-puffed, smoother under-eyes and fewer fine lines. An eye massager mask turns your 10-minute break into a spa moment – and doubles as the ultimate screen time detox.

Beauty hack: Consistency is key so use 2-3 times per week for the best results.

Anti-ageing Serums

Small but mighty, adding a wrinkle-targeting serum packed with retinol or peptides to your routine can help stimulate collagen and smooth fine lines. Use a drop under each eye daily and always follow with a hydrating moisturiser. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes hero keeping your skin firm and supple.

Beauty hack: Combine with gua sha or an eye roller for even faster effects.

Eye Creams

Eye creams are your daily insurance policy. Look for formulas with ingredients like caffeine (to reduce puffiness), vitamin C (to brighten), or ceramides (to nourish). The goal? Hydrate, protect, and maintain that plump, fresh look.

Beauty hack: For daytime use, find a formula with SPF for extra protection.

Eye Masks

Eye masks with creamy formulas deliver concentrated moisture and active ingredients overnight or in a 15-minute pamper session. They’re your secret weapon for mornings when you’d rather stay under the covers.

Beauty hack: Layer over your eye cream for maximum effect.

The ultimate eye skincare regime

Morning Routine

• Start with a gentle cleanse with a fragrance-free cleanser. No harsh rubbing – always treat your eye area like silk.
• Add a spritz of hydrating toner to prep the skin.
• Follow with a lightweight serum with peptides, caffeine or vitamin C.
• Lock in moisture with a nourishing eye cream formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides or niacinamide.
• Always use SPF: you can either use a mineral sunscreen or an SPF eye cream to protect your skin against sun damage, which is a major cause of wrinkles.
• 2-3 times per week, or as needed, use hydrogel eye pads to achieve a fresh, rested look.

Evening Routine

• If you wore makeup during the day, double cleanse your face with an oil-based remover that is gentle on your eyes, then follow with your regular cleanser.
• At night, you can go a little stronger with eye serum. Choose retinol or bakuchiol-based serums to boost cell turnover and soften fine lines.
• Use a richer, more nourishing cream at night to help repair and deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep. Creams with peptides or shea butter can work wonders.
• 1-2 times per week, layer a thicker eye mask over your eye cream for an intensive treatment.
• Level up your evening beauty regime with an eye massager mask for 10 to 15 minutes to relax eye muscles and improve circulation.

Pro tips

• Your ring finger is the best tool for applying eye products. It is the weakest and gentlest.
• Keep your eye creams and hydrogel pads in the fridge for an instant de-puffing effect.
• Start using eye care in your early 20s as wrinkle prevention.
• Applying too much product can lead to puffiness – a tiny dot goes a long way.
• Be sure to get plenty of sleep, because no product can outwork a tired body.