Are Avocado Eye Creams the Key to Youthful Eyes?
Eye creams have become a staple in many skincare routines, particularly for those seeking to address concerns like dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. But with the growing popularity of natural ingredients, could avocado - known for its skin-loving benefits - be the key ingredient effective eye cream?
What are Common ‘Eye Concerns’ and How are they Caused?
The eye area is one of the first places to show signs of stress, aging, and fatigue.
Here are the common ‘concerns’:
Dark Circles: While Instagram might have you believe that cucumbers alone can fix them, the reality is that dark circles are often caused by a mix of genetics, lifestyle factors, and thinning skin.
Hyperpigmentation: Sun exposure and inflammation can make the skin around the eyes appear darker, but slathering on any brightening cream won’t always work.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Thanks to the delicate skin around the eyes, fine lines are inevitable. But some creams promise to do more than they actually can.
Puffiness: This often comes from fluid retention, allergies, or lack of sleep. While cooling gels can help temporarily, finding the root cause is key.
Introducing Avocado…
We’ve all seen the claims - avocado oil is rich in nutrients and deeply moisturizing, so naturally, it must be perfect for the delicate skin under the eyes, right? Well, the truth is that eye creams with avocado may actually help, but there’s more to it than the avocado alone.
Because the skin under the eye tends to be more prone to irritation, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and puffiness; eye cream formulations tend to be thicker and contain more oil than regular facial creams. They often include powerhouse ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, and caffeine, which work together to tackle fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and puffiness. (1)
When it comes to avocado, it contains antioxidants such as Lutein (More on this later!). Studies say "Topical application of saffron extract and avocado oil for anti-wrinkle topical cream for 12 weeks demonstrated an increase in skin elasticity and the area and volume of nasolabial folds were significantly reduced." (2)
This suggests that avocado oil could contribute to increased skin elasticity, which could imply potential benefits for areas prone to wrinkles and sagging, such as under the eyes. (2) This makes it a promising ingredient, but don’t expect miracles overnight.
The Eye Vitamin: Lutein
You might have heard of lutein, also known as the "eye vitamin"- and for good reason. Found in avocados, lutein has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to benefit eye health, both internally and externally (3). With 80 micrograms of lutein in just one ounce of avocado, it certainly packs a lot compared to a regular lutein supplement, which often only offer 10-20 mg (4).
But here’s where it gets interesting: lutein has also been linked to improved skin hydration and elasticity . So, when incorporated into skincare, it might actually help your skin appear smoother and firmer. That said, using an eye cream with avocado oil (and lutein) won’t magically erase fine lines, but it can give your skin the moisture it craves to look its best.
Revouza Pick: Lina’s Go-To Avocado Eye Cream
Lina is in love with the Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Treatment. Its creamy texture provides deep hydration, making it perfect for under-eye puffiness and fine lines.
“This has been a staple in my morning routine for months. Honestly, I barely even wear concealer now!”
While it’s not a magic eraser, the long-lasting moisture it provides has earned its spot in our skincare hall of fame.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. While avocado and its derivatives may offer benefits for the skin, individual results can vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare routine, especially if you have any underlying conditions or specific eye concerns.
Sources:
Hamie, H. et al. (2024) ‘A review of the efficacy of popular eye cream ingredients’, International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 10(2). doi:10.1097/jw9.0000000000000156.
Henning, S.M. et al. (2022) ‘Avocado consumption increased skin elasticity and firmness in women ‐ a pilot study’, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(9), pp. 4028–4034. doi:10.1111/jocd.14717.
Buscemi, S. et al. (2018) ‘The effect of lutein on eye and Extra-Eye Health’, Nutrients, 10(9), p. 1321. doi:10.3390/nu10091321.
Johnson, L. (2024) Holy guacamole! avocados are good for Eye Health, Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons. Available at: https://www.washingtoneye.com/eye-health/holy-guacamole-avocados-good-eye-health/#:~:text=Setting aside the obvious delicious,give you 10-20 mg (Accessed: 07 October 2024).
