I Applied My Eye Cream All Wrong—Until a Dermatologist Told Me This

For skin care fanatics, a good eye cream is a need, not a want—but do you know where to apply eye cream? Specifically formulated to treat the eye area, eye creams are “usually ophthalmologically and dermatologically tested to be safe to use,” says Karan Lal, DO, a double-board certified adult and pediatric dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ.

Plus, you can target different concerns with your eye cream, whether you want to get rid of dark circles or treat wrinkles. Not all creams are automatically safe for the eyes: “We often need to use gentler products with lower concentrations around the eyelid, so as to minimize irritation because the eyelid skin is much thinner,” he adds.

So, you have your eye cream in hand, but what’s the best way to apply it—and where? Should you apply it morning or night (or both)? On damp skin or dry skin? Follow along board-certified dermatologists answer all your questions.

Where to apply eye cream

First off: Gentle, gentle, gentle. Applying delicately is the name of the game. “Avoid putting too much pressure or rubbing the skin excessively,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Yes, you can apply eye cream to your upper eyelids: “Apply a small amount under your eyes, around the sides, and if it’s a hydrating, gentle eye cream, apply a little to the outer upper lid under the eyebrows.” As with any topical products, avoid getting it in your eyes.

“It’s best to apply eye cream with your middle finger,” says Dr. Lal. When it comes to your upper eye area, “Apply it from the inside of the eyelid all the way out and even make sure you work up to the upper eyelid,” he says. Remember that the eye area of your skin is very thin, so you don’t need to be forceful. In fact, doing so could further irritate your skin; instead, “gently pat the product and rub it in,” Lal advises.