Despite years of experience applying make-up, the older I get, the more my skin's imperfections are emphasised by trying to conceal them. For example, a once effortlessly smooth under-eye area is now one of the trickiest concealer placements on my face. Whether I apply the smoothest of powder on top or meticulously hydrate beforehand, lines and creasing have become the bane of my beauty routine.
As a result, I've been required to adjust my skincare. After a long series of trialling and testing, introducing a retinol eye cream to my routine has been the antidote to my under-eye woes. Cue, Medik8's Intelligent Retinol Eye TR.
For context, I'm a beauty writer in her mid-twenties, which puts me a few years away from deep wrinkles and crow's feet territory, but a far cry from what my complexion was a mere five years ago. I struggle with dark circles (a symptom of a long battle with insomnia and interrupted sleep) and fine lines, particular in the areas I would typically apply concealer.
I introduced this retinol eye serum on a twice-a-week basis for the first two weeks, and then increased my usage to every other night once a tolerance was built up. To avoid sun damage, I only used it in the evenings and in conjunction with a good face SPF the following morning. Remember, any potent formula like retinol should be phased into your skincare routine gradually.
What Causes Fine Lines Around The Eyes?
'Unlike the skin on the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks, there are virtually no oil glands surrounding the eye area, making it much more prone to dryness and formation of wrinkles,' explains Daniel Isaacs, Medik8 Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder of Medik8. 'Wrinkles are often deepest in the areas where oil glands are less concentrated, which is why crow's feet are a typical first sign of ageing.'
Why Use A Retinol Eye Serum For Fine Lines?
Retinol is often used as a hero ingredient to target fine lines, texture and tone across the face and more recently, the body. 'If you’re looking to visibly smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, then a retinoid eye formula is your answer. It’s a hero ingredient when it comes to boosting collagen production to smooth fine lines while refining uneven skin texture fast,' says Isaacs.
The Verdict
Combining major efficacy with reasonable prices, it's no secret that Medik8 retinols are some of the best in the industry. I reach for this lightweight retinol serum above heavier classic creams because it feels entirely traceless on the skin, doesn't cause irritation and, when needed, it can be patted below one of my other more nourishing ceramide formulas for a boost of hydration and protection in winter.
Tech-wise, it's supercharged by slow-release climbazole (which has been proven to increase the efficacy of the retinol), making it ideal for targeting those stubborn fine lines and texture. 'Within Intelligent Retinol Eye TR, retinol's performance is enhanced by climbazole, a breakthrough ingredient in vitamin A technology that has been proven to boost the activity of retinol by blocking the enzymes which break down retinoic acid in the skin,' explains Isaacs. 'The result is supercharged visible results, without the common irritating downsides of other vitamin A formulas.'
With targeted ingredients specifically designed for the needs of the eye area, you could use this serum as a method of diminishing crow's feet, reducing puffiness and brightening dark circles. In my experience, I've found that it works most noticeably to visibly plump fine lines. My concealer applies more smoothly when I maintain use of it and I've even noticed a reduced appearance of milia around my eyes as a result of its gentle exfoliating properties.
The only downside is that, like any retinol serum, it shouldn't be used during the day. For that, I'll turn to other formulas with SPF, antioxidants and caffeine.
The Best Medik8 Eye Creams For Every Concern
Best eye cream for everyday
Medik8 Advanced Day Eye Protect
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