This sensitive area requires different care than the rest of your face. Follow these maintenance tips and learn how to fix common problems, from fine lines to puffiness.
If your eyes are a window to your soul, you’re going to want to take care of the skin around them as best you can. The area around the eyes is one of the thinnest and most sensitive areas of your body. It’s also one of the first to reveal the very first signs of aging, like fine lines.
For what ? As a 2015 study published in Advanced Biomedical Research points out, the skin around the eyes does not have as many sebaceous glands and collagen as the rest of the face and body, which makes it more prone to dryness, sagging, wrinkles and fine lines. In fact, a study published in September 2015 in Clinical Anatomy concluded that areas of skin that have fewer sebaceous (oil) glands are less dense and more prone to wrinkles, which is why crow’s feet are such a big deal. big problem.
3 do’s and don’ts for taking care of the skin around your eyes.
1. Commit to treating your eye skin
One of the things that people forget about and don’t use often is eye creams. You need a moisturizer that can penetrate the area to give it the moisture it needs. »
2. Don’t rely on your usual moisturizer to do the job.
You need an eye cream specifically designed for eyelid skin. Serums and moisturizers for the face may contain active ingredients, such as retinoids, whose concentration is too strong for the skin of the eyelids.
3. Go for actives when choosing an eye cream
Just because it’s a delicate area doesn’t mean you need a bland moisturizer. One of the best products to look for is an eye cream that contains retinol, a derivative of vitamin A. An eye cream that contains retinol will look different from a typical face cream that contains retinol. Due to the risk of irritation, it will be specifically formulated with a lower concentration of retinol and in a more emollient base (i.e. hydrating; look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid) to boost hydration while reducing the risk of irritation.
Tips for treating common skin problems around the eyes
Here are some of the top eye area problems that dermatologists hear about and their suggestions for fixing them.
dark circles
Although they are linked to lack of sleep, sometimes getting eight hours of sleep a night is not enough to make them go away. This is because dark circles have a genetic component. It’s hard to completely erase them, but there are good topical products that contain caffeine or vitamin K, which can promote blood circulation and lighten dark circles.
Swollen pockets
If you wake up with puffiness, it may be because of the fluid that collected under your eyes while you slept. If this scenario is common in your home, buy a jade roller and keep it in your refrigerator. (Buy one that’s shaped like a small ball, so it’s suitable for that smaller area). In the morning, dip the roller in the eye gel and gently sweep it over puffiness. Although there is no scientific evidence that jade rollers permanently reduce puffiness, some dermatologists recommend using them around the eye area when cool, as the cooling action will help reduce puffiness. . Cold temperatures reduce blood flow, which helps reduce swelling in the eye area.
Wrinkles and fine lines
Opt for an eye cream made with retinol or peptides. Retinol and retinoid are vitamin A derivatives that stimulate skin cell turnover and collagen production. Retinol helps overall texture and penetrates deeper into skin structures to revitalize wrinkles and improve the appearance of fine lines. Use an eye cream containing retinol at night. As for the morning, use an eye cream that contains green tea, an antioxidant-packed ingredient that protects skin against environmental stressors that contribute to aging. According to a review published in February 2019 in the journal Nutrients, green tea polyphenols, which are antioxidant compounds, neutralize aging free radicals in the body, decrease the risk of sunburn and decrease the activity of an enzyme which breaks down the collagen in your skin. The result: less UV damage and fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Redness and irritation
Given the thin and sensitive nature of the skin here, it may take longer to recover. If you are sensitive to an ingredient in one of your products, such as perfume, preservatives or natural plant extracts, the eyes are often the first area to be irritated, or the irritation may be more extreme here. In this case, consult your dermatologist. It is best to deal with the problem immediately[andidentifytheoffendingproductOtherwisethereturntonormalcantakeweeksormonths[etd’identifierleproduitincriminéSinonleretouràlanormalepeutprendredessemainesoudesmois
Are eye creams or gels better?
This question depends on your skin type or primary concern. If you have naturally dry eyes, you’ll want to choose a cream, which contains less water than a gel, allowing it to hydrate better. A gel alone will not be moisturizing enough. On the other hand, if you have bags under your eyes, a gel may be perfect for you.
How to properly apply your eye cream or gel?
To learn how to apply eye cream or gel, use the lightest finger, usually the little finger. Gently tap around the eye area until covered. This will prevent you from pulling on that delicate skin as you would if you were spreading it.
Diet and lifestyle changes that can help remedy eye problems
Bad health habits, including smoking, can contribute to the appearance of problems under the eyes. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause puffiness and dark circles to appear, as well as affect the quality of your sleep. Stick to one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. Speaking of sleep, make sure you get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Research shows that a tired face has droopy lids, puffy eyes, and dark circles, which tells people how tired you are, a message you probably don’t want to send. Finally, drink enough water. Why it’s important for your skin’s health: Dark circles can be the result of a lack of hydration, according to a study published in April 2014 in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. A diet high in sodium can also cause puffiness. Researchers therefore advise reducing water retention by reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
One last thing about caring for the skin around your eyes
The skin around the eyes tends to be drier and more delicate than that on the rest of the face. Although some problems are hereditary, such as bags under the eyes, many topical remedies and in-office treatments can smooth lines, brighten the area under the eyes, and reduce puffiness and puffiness. While it may be tempting to use your existing facial moisturizer around your eyes, it’s best to opt for a specially designed eye cream or gel to slow the signs of aging and reduce the risk of irritation. Always give this area a bit more softness.
