The use of specialized eye treatment is often debated: What’s the point? Can’t I just spread my face cream around my eyes? Do I really need this extra step? But ask any dermatologist for their opinion, and they’ll be quick to list all the reasons why the eye area requires special attention. The eye contour is the first to show signs of aging; it’s the thinnest skin on your body; it has concerns that are different than other areas; and, no, you absolutely cannot just smear any product in the vicinity of your eyes. “The skin is more sensitive and delicate and absorbs better than the thicker skin on the other areas of the face,” explains Icelandic dermatologist Jenna Huld Eysteinsdottir. “Overdoing it in this area with something too strong can irritate.

Understand the eye contour area.

Before we continue, let's be clear on the “eye contour” and why it is so fragile. The eye contour is the orbital bone, also known as the eye socket. It starts at the outer corner of the eyes and goes right around up to the brow bone. Because the skin covers the hollow space of the eye socket, it is naturally missing a lot of essential elements that make your skin strong, like fat, muscle tissue, and sebaceous glands. With less barrier protection, it is more vulnerable to UV damage and prone to dryness, both of which contribute to premature aging.

Look out for—and prevent—signs of aging.

Eyes are windows to your soul, but also windows to the passage of time, everyday habits (good and bad), and life’s trials. In other words: Aging, lack of sleep, diet, stress—you’ll see it around your eyes before anywhere else. Crow’s feet—the tiny wrinkles that show up at the outer corners—are caused by involuntary contractions that happen when you laugh, smile, or squint. As you age, collagen and elastin diminish, and the skin becomes thinner, making capillaries more visible. The result: dark circles. (Exhaustion or lack of sleep can exacerbate these shadows.) As for under-eye bags, they can be caused by fluid retention from allergies or salty meals. Prominent bags can also be genetic and become more pronounced as you age. Experts suggest addressing all these issues before they become visible.

Add a targeted eye treatment to your routine.

While there are many anti-aging treatments, not all are safe to use or effective around the eyes. “The anti-aging ingredients you use on your face are likely too irritating to use around your eyes, or the potency of the product is too high,” says Huld.

At BL+, our scientists consider the eye contour area as they contemplate the journey of aging gracefully, and helping skin look its most radiant and feel its most hydrated for years to come. That’s why BL+ Eye Serum was designed specifically for this delicate skin. The first eye treatment with BL+ COMPLEX, it strengthens the skin barrier, prevents collagen breakdown, and promotes collagen synthesis. Three types of hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Fragmented Hydrolized Hyaluronic Acid) lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. Licorice root extract helps diminish the appearance of dark circles by decreasing melanin production. And the anti-inflammatory caffeine reduces puffiness and helps brighten skin. Rolled on with a steel ball applicator, the cooling eye serum offers immediate relief to puffy eyes.

Care for your eyes, and see the difference.