Aloe vera for the eye area: what are the effects?

The skin around the eyes is one of the most sensitive areas on the face, as it is up to four times thinner than the rest of the facial skin. This thinness makes the skin more permeable and fragile, leaving it particularly vulnerable to external aggressors such as pollution, the sun and changes in the weather. The area under the eyes has fewer sebaceous glands, which makes it less able to retain moisture and more prone to dryness.

Because it is so delicate, the skin around the eyes requires special attention and care in order to: 

Prevent the signs of ageing: As the skin around the eyes is thinner, it can be the first to show signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines. Adequate hydration can help preserve the skin’s youthfulness by maintaining its elasticity and delaying the appearance of these signs of ageing.

Reduce dark circles and puffiness: Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes can often make you look tired and older. They are usually caused by poor blood or lymphatic circulation. Regular eye contour care, using products that stimulate circulation, can help reduce these problems.

Protecting against environmental damage: The area around the eyes is particularly exposed to harmful elements, including UV rays, pollution and wind, all of which can accelerate skin ageing. Using products containing antioxidants can help protect the skin against this damage.

Improving your overall appearance: Well-hydrated skin around the eyes can significantly improve your overall appearance. It can make make-up look smoother and more natural, preventing cosmetic products from settling into fine lines.

Aloe vera is an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural solution to look after the skin around your eyes. For this particularly sensitive area, aloe vera gel offers several benefits:

• Deep hydration: Aloe vera is particularly renowned for its exceptional moisturising properties. Aloe vera gel contains over 99% water, which allows it to penetrate the skin easily and deeply, providing essential hydration without leaving a greasy feeling. Around the eyes, this hydration helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness. By forming a moisturising barrier on the skin, aloe vera gel also helps to lock in moisture, which is crucial for an area that has very few protective sebaceous glands.

• A soothing effect: Aloe vera gel has soothing properties thanks to compounds such as acemannan. Applying it around the eyes can help to visibly reduce puffiness and redness, which are often exacerbated by stress, tiredness or allergic reactions. Its soothing effect is particularly welcome after a long day spent in front of a screen, offering rapid and refreshing relief.

• A boost for cell renewal: Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E contained in the aloe vera gel promote skin repair and protection, which can help minimise the signs of ageing.

To enjoy all its benefits and restore a smooth, plumped-up eye area, you can incorporate aloe vera gel into your beauty routine in various forms. It couldn’t be simpler – just follow these few steps:

1. Prepare your skin:

Cleanse your face thoroughly, paying particular attention to the area around your eyes. To do this, use a gentle cleanser such as our Organic Cucumber & Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water to remove all traces of make-up and impurities. Pat dry gently with a clean towel.

Discover our Organic Cucumber & Hyaluronic Acid Micellar Water

2. Applying aloe vera gel:

Take a small amount of our organic aloe vera gel onto your finger: a pea-sized amount is sufficient for each eye. Gently apply the aloe vera gel by dabbing it all around your eye. Start at the inner corner beneath the eye and follow the contour to the outer corner. Take care not to apply the gel too close to the eye itself, to avoid any irritation. Use the tip of your ring finger to gently massage the gel into the skin. Your finger exerts less pressure than a tool and is ideal for massaging products into the delicate skin around the eyes. (1–2 times a day / morning and evening)

Discover our Organic Aloe Vera Gel

3. Double hydration

If you have particularly dry skin, you can follow up the application of Aloe vera gel with our 5% Caffeine & Helichrysum Concentrated Eye Contour Serum to help lock in moisture and further nourish the skin.

Discover our 5% Caffeine & Helichrysum Concentrated Eye Contour Serum

4. Day/night cream:

The final step is to apply a moisturiser. You can apply it all over your face, after using a serum suited to your skin type if necessary. Pay particular attention to the area around your eyes, always using the pad of your ring finger, to ensure the cream is properly absorbed.

Discover our Hydrating Face and Body Cream

There are many other natural solutions for gently and effectively caring for the skin around your eyes. Here is our short selection:

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturiser that can be particularly beneficial for the dry, sensitive skin around the eyes. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, it not only hydrates the skin, but also protects it against damage caused by free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant properties. This can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent premature ageing.

To use: apply a small amount of organic coconut oil under your eyes before going to sleep, massaging gently to aid absorption.

Cucumber

Cucumber is renowned for its moisturising and soothing properties, mainly due to its high water content and vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K. These vitamins help to refresh the skin and reduce puffiness under the eyes.

For an immediate soothing effect, place cold slices of cucumber over your eyes and rest for 10–15 minutes. This method not only helps to reduce puffiness, but also soothes and moisturises the skin.

Also consider incorporating it into your serums and eye creams.

Green tea

Green tea bags, once steeped and cooled, are excellent for combating dark circles and inflammation around the eyes. Green tea contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and tighten the skin.

Apply cooled green tea bags to your closed eyes for around 10–15 minutes to benefit from these effects.

You can also opt for our Green Tea Extract powder, which you can incorporate into your eye creams and masks.

Discover our easy, natural recipes for making your own eye care products at home:

Although aloe vera gel is natural and generally safe, using it near the eyes requires a degree of caution. Avoid getting the gel directly into your eyes. If irritation develops following use, we advise you to rinse thoroughly with clean water and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

For an even more refreshing effect that can also help reduce under-eye bags, keep your aloe vera gel in the fridge. The cooling effect will help constrict blood vessels and reduce localised swelling.

Coralie has been a journalist and editor specialising in women’s interests for seven years. With a particular interest in topics related to beauty and wellbeing, she is passionate about highlighting the solutions nature offers for self-care and is always keen to stay informed on the subject so she can share the very best insights.