Taking a walk through any beauty department can leave you more than confused about what sort of eye care you might need. One question in particular always seems to arise when the topic eye creams comes up: “Do you really need a specialized moisturizer for your eyes?”

According to Dr. Craig Kraffert, board certified dermatologist and president of Amarte, the answer is a resounding yes. “Eye cream should always be the final step in your regular routine, and twice a day is ideal! It’s essential to keep the delicate skin around your eyes well moisturized.”

First of all, this skin around the eyes is indeed thinner and shows signs of aging more quickly than other areas of the face. This thinness makes it more delicate and vulnerable, and it’s more prone to allergic reactions than other facial skin. The skin around the eyes also gets a much greater workout; every time you move your eyes, whether you squint, smile or widen them in surprise, you’re using muscles around your eyes. Over time, this skin dries out and forms small wrinkles, sometimes called “crow’s feet.” Smoking and exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can also encourage wrinkles to form.

Skin under the eyes can be prone to puffiness if fluid builds up there; allergies and sinus problems can also cause the eyes to puff. When the epidermis becomes thinner and the underlying veins become more prominent, dark circles can form. Unlike skin on the rest of your face, the eye area does not contain oil glands that can help keep this skin moist.

Consider adding one of these eye creams to your daily skin care routine.

Antioxidant Brightening
GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment ($53.50, FragranceNet.com): Non-dry tapwipe bioactive mud consists of powerful actives that help minimize puffiness, dark circles and fine lines while brightening and hydrating the eyes. Simply tap-on to deliver these ingredients into the skin and then wipe-off, leaving a micro-layer of actives for extended results.

Intense Nourishment and Hydration
Suki Eye Lift Renewal Cream – Day ($60.95, sukiskincare.com) : A rich, activated and absorbable eye cream for life’s little irritations ~ puffiness, redness, fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations ~ or when things like not enough sleep or stress occur. Works to smooth and hydrate delicate tissues throughout your stressful day.

OROGOLD 24K Intensive Eye Formula Cream ($198, orogoldcosmetics.com): This 24K Intensive Eye Formula Cream deflates puffiness and reduces the appearance of dark circles around the eyes, giving your eyes a more rested look. 24K Intensive Eye Formula Cream is formulated with four main ingredients: 24K gold, caffeine, vitamin A and green tea.

Anti-Aging: Damage Repair, Cell Regeneration
Amarte Eyeconic Eye Cream ($55, AmarteSkinCare.com): The Amarte Eyeconic Eye Cream, which packs in 3.8 percent retinol, is so gentle and nourishing that Dr. Kraffert recommends it even for sensitive upper eyelids. Deeply hydrating, it nourishes skin and promotes elasticity without irritation.