Have you ever thought, “Do I really have to use an eye cream?” The answer is yes. The skin around our eyes is more delicate and prone to drying than the rest of the face. This means that the area is more likely to age quickly. You can see crow’s feet and skin laxity.

Eye creams are specifically formulated for the delicate, thinner skin around our eyes. This is why they tend be thicker,” says Stacy Chimento MD, a board certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology, Miami, Fla.

These common mistakes in eye cream application can lead to you losing your anti-aging efforts, no matter how new or experienced.

#1 Regular moisturizers will suffice

Eye creams are made specifically for the eye area, as Dr. Chimento stated. You won’t get the same results if you use a regular moisturizer.

“So many clients come to see me with concerns about fine lines, puffiness and dark circles around their eyes. But when I ask them what they use to treat these concerns, they often say ‘nothing or ‘I use moisturizer.'” Kasey Boone is an esthetician and founder at Glow Skincare LA. Moisturizers are great for hydrating skin but good eye creams are needed if you want to treat the eye area.

#2 Way too much

Have you ever noticed how small eye cream jars look? They don’t come with super-sized containers. You only need a little, and too much can backfire.

Some believe that more product is better. Dr. Chimento says that for the area below your eyes, less is more. Too much product can clog pores, irritate your eyes, and even sneak into your eyes. You only need a pea-sized amount.

#3 Do not let the product absorb

You must give the product time to soak in. Dr. Chimento says that it is important to give the product time to settle on the skin before you feel the effects.

This means that you shouldn’t layer too many products in a very short time. Make sure your eye cream has had enough time to absorb before you go to bed. Otherwise, you run the risk of transferring the product onto your pillow.

#4 Don’t apply too close to your eyes

Eye cream should not be applied to your eyelids, or near your lash line. You run the risk of getting the cream into your eyes. This can cause severe discomfort. Dr. Chimento explains that the product can travel by itself as your body heat rises. It is not necessary to place the product too close to your eyes to avoid irritation. Instead, apply to the orbital bone area and undereye region.

#5 You can not expect immediate results

Although some eye creams may instantly plump the skin and reduce wrinkle appearance, others can take a while to show long-term results. You won’t see a big change in your appearance if you only go to the gym once. To reap the full benefits of your eye cream, you need to stay with it.

Boone claims that many of her clients complain about “trying all” but when she probes, they tell her they have only used an eye cream for a few days or weeks.

She advises that you give your eye cream time – at least 30 to 60 day. Eye creams are not plastic surgery. Don’t expect drastic changes. If you use the right eye cream for your particular concern, you will see significant improvements over time.

Eye creams are won slowly and steadily.