Thin-skinned: A quick search online comes up with a definition of “oversensitive, especially to criticism or insult.” What a near perfect description for the area around the eyes, which is (in more ways than one) literally thin-skinned. Actually, it’s almost 10 times thinner than anywhere else on your face.

And just like a person who is thin-skinned is easily injured, so too is the skin near your eyes. “Because the skin around the eyes is thinner, it is more prone to damage like the loss of collagen and elastic tissue” says dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, M.D., Director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.

Want to prevent that damage, and along with it the telltale signs of aging it portends (think wrinkling and sagging)? Just follow Jacob’s prescription for anti-aging eye care.

1 . Always wear sunglasses

Of course you already know to wear shades that shield your peepers from 100% of the sun’s rays, but you should also look for large frames that cover as much of the skin around your eyes as possible. UV damage is the main cause of aging in the eye area and, unfortunately, most eye creams don’t offer SPF protection.

2 . Use the best anti-aging eye creams

Lotions and creams made specifically for the eyes are best for this sensitive area, according to Jacob, as “most are made with fewer irritating ingredients.” During the day, look for a cream that fights both aging and under eye circles. Jacob’s pick is SkinMedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream ($80, skinmedica.com), which contains peptides to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as ingredients to diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. At night, use a product with retinol (a wrinkle-fighting vitamin A derivative available in OTC products) to help slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin tissue. We like Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream ($12.69, soap.com).

3 . Apply to the eyes before anywhere else

As a proponent of eye creams with powerful active ingredients (see above), Jacob says it’s important to apply eye products before facial moisturizers and makeup. “You want those ingredients to go on first so they penetrate into the skin, before your sunscreen and makeup, otherwise they may not reach down into the deeper layers of the skin.”

4 . Be gentle

Rubbing and tugging at the skin when you apply an eye cream or makeup can cause added tissue damage and wrinkling, according to Jacob. Instead, tap eye creams and concealers onto skin using your ring finger, then roll the same finger from side to side to apply.

5 . Wash with care

Because the skin around the eyes has fewer oil glands, it is easily dehydrated. Basic cleansers can be too drying, so be sure to use a dedicated eye makeup remover—preferably one with moisturizing oils and ingredients—to wash away cosmetics.

Megan O'Neill is Beauty Editor at EndlessBeauty.com