Advertisement
This Common Skin Care Mistake Is Damaging Your Under-Eyes
Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.
Retinol and chemical exfoliants are two of the most effective ways to clear away dead skin, encourage quicker cell turnover, and brighten your complexion—however, they're also two of the easiest products to misuse.
Not only that, but these potent formulas can damage sensitive areas on your face (like your under-eyes) if you're not careful, so make this quick preparation step a part of your nightly routine.
Why you should apply a barrier cream before retinol.
London-based dermatologist Aamna Adel, MBBS, MRCP, PgCERT, recently shared a TikTok video showing how she applies retinol. Her hack? Apply a barrier cream to sensitive areas like the under-eyes, under the nose, and the lips before slathering on your retinol serum.
Applying a barrier cream to the skin buffers other potentially irritating ingredients and locks in moisture on your skin post-cleanse. This works wonders pre-retinol, as retinol serums made for the face often use significantly stronger concentrations than eye-safe retinol products, like under-eye creams and serums.
Barrier creams come in two main forms: those derived from petroleum jelly and those using natural botanical oils to serve a similar occlusive function, like the Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm. We prefer the second option for skin and environmental reasons, but the choice is ultimately yours.
Keep this tip on hand whenever you apply a potentially irritating ingredient, be it retinol or chemical exfoliants. After you use your active, follow up with your regular moisturizer like usual. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
The takeaway.
While retinol and exfoliating acids can provide great results, they can also be irritating to sensitive areas like the under-eyes, lips, and under the nose. To mitigate this reaction, apply an occlusive barrier cream to the skin before applying your retinol or exfoliating serum. Want to shop more barrier creams? Here's a curated list of our favorite options on the market right now.
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel