More than meets the eye.
As we age the skin around the eye area becomes thinner and is amongst the first to shown the signs of ageing. The skin in this area does not have as many oil glands or collagen and is therefore more prone to lines and wrinkles.
When tending to the skin around your eyes the best piece of advice I can give you is consistency. Using an eye cream morning and night will boost hydration and improve the appearance of lines. It is best to opt for a specific eye cream or gel as your normal moisturiser may irritate the fragile skin around the eyes especially if it contains retinol.
Our favourite tried and tested eye products include:
Dermalogica total eye care SPF15 a brilliant moisturising and soothing eye cream, great for bags and dark circles ( also contains SPF 15).
Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Cream is formulated with retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. ( acclimatise the skin when using at first, use every other night initially and build up to daily use).
Environ Vita Peptide Eye Gel is a light gel formula containing a variety of vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to help improve lines and wrinkles.
Whether you opt for a gel or a cream depends on your skin type. Gels are generally lighter and can even be kept in the fridge, great for sensitive or puffy eyes. Creams are generally better for dry eyes and to improve hydration. Avoid tugging the skin when applying your eye cream instead pat the skin gently until the product is absorbed.
Poor health habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of sleep can contribute to under-eye problems. Try to get at least 7 hours a night, hanging eyelids or swollen eyes can reveal how tired you are. Dark circles can be improved by ensuring you are drinking enough water. It’s important to protect your eyes from the sun as over exposure can make your skin thinner and less elastic.
Antioxidants are powerful ingredients that will help remove free radicals in the skin that are triggered by UV radiation, smoking, and pollutants. Moreover, they may also help put a brake on the ageing process.
Look for the following ingredients when purchasing an eye product:
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- green tea
- vitamin B-3 (niacinamide)
Include antioxidants in your diet, Eat foods that contain vitamin c and blueberries to help reduce dark circles and help to build stronger capillaries.
Using a cold compress will help to calm and soothe puffiness. Use an eye treatment mask a couple of times a week, depending on which one you chose can give added hydration and a cooling effect to keep the puffiness to a minimum. I keep a bottle of Optrex in the fridge and soak cotton pads in the solution for a quick and easy DIY mask.
It is often said the eyes are the window to the soul, they are full of beauty and charm so let’s take keep them looking happy, wide awake and fresh.