The eyes are the window to the soul….and a tell–tale indicator of age and skin health! The skin under our eyes is some of the thinnest and most delicate on our bodies, making it susceptible to damage and aging. And chances are high that you first started noticing age-related issues around them, from wrinkles and loss of volume.
Taking care of your under eye skin can help prevent premature wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. Here are the some of the top things you can do to protect and care for your under eye skin:
- Use sunscreen
One of the best things you can do for your under eye skin is to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. The skin around our eyes is more vulnerable to sun damage because it is so thin, so using a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential. Look for a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for the face and is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and apply it liberally every morning before you head out for the day.
- Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can cause the skin under our eyes to look dark and puffy. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night to give your body and skin enough time to rest and regenerate. If you have trouble sleeping, try practicing relaxation techniques before bed or avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is important for overall health, but it can also help keep your under eye skin looking healthy and plump. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can appear dry and dull, making fine lines and wrinkles more visible. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider adding hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
Rubbing your eyes can cause damage to the delicate skin under and around your eyes. Over time, this can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. If your eyes are itchy or irritated, try using a cool compress or eye drops to relieve the discomfort instead of rubbing them.
- Use eye creams and serums
Eye creams and serums are specifically formulated to address the unique needs of the skin around your eyes. Look for products that contain ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides, which can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. When applying eye cream, use your ring finger to gently pat the product onto your skin, being careful not to tug or pull at the delicate skin.
- Eat a healthy diet
What you eat can have a big impact on the health and appearance of your skin, including the skin around your eyes. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help provide the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy and youthful. Foods like blueberries, leafy greens, salmon, and almonds are particularly good for the skin and can help reduce inflammation and promote collagen production.
In addition to these six tips, there are a few other things you can do to take care of your under eye skin. For example, you may want to consider using an eye mask or patches to help soothe and hydrate the skin. You can also try getting regular facials or professional skin treatments to help improve the appearance of your under eye area.
Aesthetic treatments for age-related under eye issues
Of course, no matter how careful you are, aging happens (and that’s okay!) You can use aesthetic treatments to help slow the creation of wrinkles, reduce the appearance of current wrinkles and even replace loss volume that leaves your under eye area looking hollow.
- Botox can help reduce under eye wrinkles and limit the creation of new lines.
- Dysport works like Botox to smooth and reduce under eye lines and wrinkles.
- PRP can be used to replace lost volume under the eyes, giving you a more youthful appearance.
- Fillers can plump up under eye areas to add back lost volume.
It’s important to remember that taking care of your under eye skin is a long-term commitment, and results may not be immediate. Your best bet is to be consistent and to talk with your local, friendly aesthetician. They can help you avoid activities that prematurely age you and recommend tools and treatments to restore your youthful look.