Eye creams are intended to help hydrate and brighten the delicate skin under the eye area, and if you have dark circles or fine lines, chances are you’ve purchased one (or at least considered it). But even if you don’t feel like you need to use one yet, it’s probably not a bad idea to get in the habit. To unpack why an eye cream is so important in your skin-care routine, we called on dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.Why Is the Under-Eye Area Important?“The eye area is a very delicate part of the body,” says Dr. Nazarian, “and it tends to show signs of aging much quicker than other areas of the face.” Often, between constant rubbing, seasonal allergies and little sunscreen application in this area, the delicate tissue can become inflamed and appear puff and dull.  Why Do We Need Eye Creams?To help this area age gracefully, eye cream is key, says Dr. Nazarian. “They should be used twice a day upon the first sign of skin aging, like fine lines, thinning skin and dark circles,” she says. Eye creams help hydrate  the skin, which helps fight wrinkles and lines around this area. What Ingredients Should You Look for in an Eye Cream?Dr. Nazarian suggests looking for eye creams that include retinol, green tea extract, vitamin C, caffeine, vitamin E or kojic acid. “Eye products are really special only because they sometimes address issues that are not priorities for other areas of the face,” she says. Additionally, eye creams are built for this sensitive area in order to minimize the chance of eye irritation. Now excuse us while we add one to cart, stat! Need help finding the right eye cream for you? Try the SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel or take our quiz!Read MoreWhy We Love This Avocado Eye CreamWhat Are PHAs?How to Fake an Airbrushed Complexion 
