The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest on your face, with fewer oil glands and a lot of daily movement from squinting, smiling, and screen time. That's why fine lines and crow's feet tend to show up there first, and why a routine built for the rest of your face doesn't always do enough for this area. The best approach is a gentle but consistent one, built around an ingredient that supports collagen and cell renewal over time, which is exactly where retinal comes in.
A simple retinal eye routine has two parts. First, a dedicated retinal eye cream, applied in the evening as part of your night time skincare routine. Pat a small amount along the orbital bone and the outer corners of the eyes, where crow's feet form, rather than right up against the lash line. Second, a hydrating eye patch as an extra step a few evenings a week, to give the area a boost of moisture and a little extra care on the nights your skin needs it. Cream for steady, everyday work and patches for an occasional boost make a balanced pairing.
A few tips will help you get the most out of it. Start with the eye cream two to three nights a week and build up as your skin adjusts, since this area is more sensitive than the rest of your face. If your skin is on the sensitive side, do a patch test before your first full application. And wear sunscreen every morning, including around the eyes, because retinal can increase sun sensitivity and daily SPF is what protects your progress. As with most active ingredients, visible smoothing builds gradually, so consistency matters more than quantity.
Looking to give your eye routine an upgrade? The KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Retinal Eye Duo pairs the Retinal Liposome 4% Eye Cream with the Retinal Glow Eye Patch, giving you both steps for under-eye fine lines and crow's feet in one set.