Is Eye Cream Really Necessary? Episteme Shares the Latest on Anti-Aging Eye Care

Concerns around the eye area tend to get more serious with age. Many of us reach for an eye cream, but is it really a must-have? Is layering your regular moisturizer not enough to do the trick?

To answer these fundamental questions, we went to the source: Rohto Pharmaceutical, a company that has specialized in eye research for over 110 years. We sat down with Tomoko Fujii, Manager of the Prestige Skincare Business Division, to discuss the latest in anti-aging eye care, drawing on insights from their skincare brand, Episteme.

To Care for Your Eyes, You Have to Study the Skin *and* the Eye

To create an effective anti-aging plan, it's essential to first understand just how unique the eye area is. Fujii breaks down its structure.

"The area around our eyes, meaning the upper and lower eyelids, has the thinnest skin on the entire face. The outside is like the skin on other parts of your body, but the inside is in direct contact with the eyeball. A thin muscle sits right under the eyelid, covering the eyeball, and moving this muscle is what allows us to blink. It’s a special structure, unlike skin anywhere else on the body. That's why, when we think about anti-aging for the eye area, we have to research not only the skin but the 'eye' itself."

Founded in 1899, Rohto Pharmaceutical has been a leader in eye care research for over 110 years, ever since launching its "Rohto eye drops" in 1909. This extensive research has revealed that because the skin around the eyes is so thin, the condition of the underlying muscles has a direct impact on the appearance of the eyelids.

"Just like your body shape changes as muscles weaken, the appearance of your eye area is heavily influenced by the condition of its muscles," Fujii explains. "Issues like heavy eyelids, eyes that look smaller, or a constantly tired appearance are likely linked to muscle condition. If any of that resonates with you, it's definitely time to start focusing on your eye care routine."

We've all felt that heavy-eyelid sensation after spending too much time on a computer or smartphone. Fujii notes that this use of digital devices is a key factor that can speed up the aging process around the eyes.

"The blue light from digital devices is said to affect the appearance of the eye area by causing dryness and fatigue. What's more, when we focus on a screen, we tend to blink less. This dries out the eyes, which can lead to another negative effect: unconsciously rubbing our eyelids more often. The first step is to use eye drops properly to prevent the eyes themselves from drying out. Beyond that, it's also crucial to care for the skin around the eyes."

She adds that 'conscious blinking' is an effective tactic that you can easily do at home.

"Your everyday, unconscious blinks won't strengthen the muscles, but intentionally squeezing your eyes shut and then opening them wide is like a workout for your eyelids. Try to incorporate a 'blinking workout' into your breaks or relaxation time."

Given that the skin on our eyelids has a different structure from other areas, it's clear that the eye area requires its own dedicated skincare. If you have concerns about your eyes, using an eye cream is a smart move. So, what exactly is the difference between an eye cream and a regular face cream?

"The 'episteme Eye Perfect Shot' is intentionally designed with a 'firmer' texture compared to creams meant for the whole face. This is so it can adhere securely to the thin skin and create a taut, firm feeling."

According to Fujii, the demand for eye creams has been on the rise in recent years.

"It's no exaggeration to say that the appearance of your eye area can define the impression of your entire face. The market is seeing an increase not only in high-end, function-focused products but also in more affordable options. It's never too early to start an anti-aging routine for your eyes. The right time to begin is whenever you start to notice issues like dryness, expression lines, or a feeling of heaviness in your eyelids. Find an eye cream that's tailored to your specific concerns."

Rohto Pharmaceutical, a company that has long researched both eyes and skin, identified "muscle inflammation" as a key cause of aging signs around the eye area and developed a groundbreaking new eye care ingredient.

"We focused on how the muscles around the eyes can atrophy due to inflammation and developed a new complex to address this."

Episteme, launched in 2009, released its first 'Eye Perfect Shot' in 2016. In 2024, it was revamped and has since earned high acclaim, winning the number one spot in various beauty magazines' Best Cosmetics awards for the first half of 2024.

"We're proud to say the new 'Eye Perfect Shot' delivers even more noticeable results. We've received a flood of happy comments from customers, such as, 'My eye area looks so much brighter' and 'I can't imagine my routine without it now!'"

Episteme offers a lineup of three eye creams, each tailored to different concerns. We got the inside scoop on how to choose the perfect one for you and tips to boost its effectiveness.

"'Eye Perfect Shot' is a fantastic choice for everyone, whether you're new to eye creams or looking for a powerful, comprehensive solution. If dark circles and dullness are your main concerns, try 'Eye Clear Essence' in the morning for an instant brightening effect. For more persistent, deep-rooted issues, our premium 'Stem Science Eye' is an excellent option. Feel free to choose based on your favorite texture or switch between them for your morning and evening routines."

Regardless of which eye cream you choose, how you apply it is crucial for getting the most out of it.

"The key is to be gentle and avoid too much friction. You'll see even better results if you gently blend it in with your ring finger, using a light massaging motion."

The skin around our eyes is incredibly thin and delicate, which makes it tricky to care for with facial devices or sheet masks. This is precisely why adding a specially formulated eye cream to your daily regimen can make a real, noticeable difference.