Since the skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin, it is one of the first areas where you might note signs of aging, even in your 20s,

explains Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, FAAD, owner of Vibrant Dermatology and SkinBar MD. "The most common eye-related complaints I see are dark under-eye circles, crêpey skin, and sunken tired-looking eyes," she says. "Eye creams can help with the first two complaints. By using eye cream starting in your 20s, it can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles and help keep skin plump and well hydrated. It's also important to follow this up with sunscreen to avoid damage from harmful UV rays."

Whether you use an eye cream or not is a personal preference and depends on your skin needs. Board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness DermatologyCorey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, suggests that people start using an eye cream at the first sign of discoloration, dryness, or crêpey skin. There are a number of factors that could contribute to changes in that area, like dryness, thinness, and sensitivity to changes in hydration, sleep, and allergies.

"It is necessary to take care to fortify the area with extra hydration and moisture and to provide antioxidants and nutrients to protect the skin from environmental changes and heredity," Hartman explains. "Some believe that simply applying your moisturizer to your eyes is enough, but I have found success using specialized eye creams that are tailored to the specific needs of the patient."