Here's what dermatologists and skin experts really think about SPF eye cream and if it's worth investing in

“Not necessarily,” says our consultant dermatologist Mahto. “Your regular sunscreen should be suitable for using all over your face and neck, including below your eye and on your eyelids.” 

While Mahto doesn't think you need a specific SPF eye cream, it’s worth noting that some of the specific eye cream sunscreens that have been developed are much lighter in texture, and so you might still want to invest in one. “But unless you don’t like the feeling of your regular sunscreen, I would say there’s no need to use a separate one,” continues Mahto.

This is good news for anyone who wants to streamline their skincare routine and avoid additional steps. Mariam Abbas, advanced facialist, actually advises against using eye creams laced with SPF and agrees with Mahto that you can use your regular facial sunscreen instead. She explains why saying, “The best eye creams are formulated to brighten and hydrate the eye area and are designed to be absorbed by the skin. SPF, on the other hand, is meant to sit on the skin and absorb or reflect UV rays.” According to Abbas, one product cannot perform both functions well – "it’s like a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner – and we all know we don’t want to go there!"

The short answer is yes. “The skin around the eyes is thinner and more fragile than that on the rest of the body,” says Dr Maryam Zamani, a world-renowned Oculoplastic Surgeon and leading Facial Aesthetics Doctor who is an American-trained and Board Certified Ophthalmologist. 

Mahto adds that the eye area is "also incredibly active – we blink around 20,000 times per day so it’s an area that’s well-exercised" and the skin is therefore weaker here and more prone to things like wrinkles. 

Both experts agree that it’s vital to wear sunscreen around the eye area - whether that be an SPF eye cream or just ensuring that your facial sunscreen covers the eye area - especially if premature ageing is a concern. 

Yes. As Mahto mentions above, your broad-spectrum SPF should be taken up under the eyes and on top of the eyelids. “The eyelids are one of the main places where people miss [when applying sunscreen] and it’s extremely delicate,” she says. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that this area is properly protected. 

"SPF cannot get rid of existing dark circles," Zamani states. 

However, depending on what’s causing the dark circles, SPF might be able to help prevent further damage as Mahto explains: “If the dark circles are a result of pigmentation, then preventative care in the form of sunscreen can help prevent future damage."

“If it's a case of dark circles due to genetics/blood vessels close to the surface, then wearing sunscreen daily can help prevent this getting worse as sunscreen also helps with collagen breakdown,” adds Mahto. The skin will be healthier and stronger meaning that blood vessels won't show through quite as much.