The delicate and vulnerable skin around the eyes has always been a special focus in the beauty industry. This is the area where signs of aging appear first: wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. Over time, these signs become more pronounced, and caring for this area requires not only consistency but also the right choice of products. In recent years, many serums promising instant results have entered the market, but not all of them are suitable for daily use—especially when it comes to applying them to other areas of the face.
Many women, noticing the first wrinkles above the upper lip, start using eye products on that area as well, believing the skin there is similar in structure. However, experts caution that despite their external similarity, the needs of these areas are different. The skin around the eyes has almost no sebaceous glands, so it loses moisture quickly and requires intense hydration. At the same time, the area above the lip, though thin, needs different active ingredients to combat so-called “barcode lines”—the vertical wrinkles.
Care tips
Eye serums often contain ingredients designed to reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles. Their formulas may include caffeine, plant extracts, light oils, and peptides. These components work to decrease swelling and strengthen blood vessels, but they aren’t always effective against deep wrinkles above the lip. Moreover, some of these ingredients can be ineffective or even irritating for the skin around the mouth.
Experts note that there are no universal remedies. If an eye serum is formulated to combat bags and dark circles, it won’t benefit the lip area. To prevent and correct wrinkles above the upper lip, you need formulas with a higher concentration of retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Only these ingredients can stimulate collagen production and noticeably improve skin elasticity.
Making the Right Choice
When choosing a product for delicate areas, it’s important to pay attention to its composition and purpose. If your goal is to hydrate and smooth the skin, you can use the same serum for both areas—but only if it doesn’t contain harsh draining components. Otherwise, it’s better to select separate products tailored to the specific needs of each area.
To combat wrinkles around the eyes, opt for serums with gentle formulas containing antioxidants, vitamins, and light oils. For the area above the lips, choose products with retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid of various molecular weights. Don’t forget daily sun protection—photoprotection is essential for both areas to prevent new wrinkles and maintain youthful skin.
Expert Advice
Specialists recommend not experimenting with products designed for one area on another without consulting a dermatologist. Even if the skin seems equally thin, its reaction to active ingredients may differ. This is especially true for products with a high concentration of retinoids: those made for the eye area are usually too mild, while for the lips they may not be effective enough.
If you want visible results, choose products that have been dermatologically tested and have a clear purpose. Avoid chasing after universal solutions—an individual approach always delivers better results. And remember: regular use and proper application technique are just as important as the product’s formula.
2025 Trends
In 2025, the Spanish market is seeing a surge in interest in multifunctional serums that promise comprehensive care for different areas of the face. However, professionals still recommend not mixing eye and lip care, and advise selecting products tailored to skin features. Among the new arrivals are serums with innovative peptides that not only smooth wrinkles but also strengthen the skin’s barrier function.
Some products with adapted formulas for both areas have emerged, but their effectiveness remains in question among experts. Most specialists agree: it is better to use proven products with a clear specialty than to risk applying unsuitable formulas to sensitive areas of the face.
If you didn’t know, pharmacist and skincare expert Eduardo Senante is renowned for his developments in skincare. His recommendations are often used by leading Spanish cosmetic brands when creating new formulas for delicate facial areas. Senante pays special attention to ingredient safety and efficacy, as well as an individualized approach to choosing products for different skin types.
