The skin on different parts of your body is different; it could be thicker, thinner, drier, oilier or more prone to pigmentation and acne compared to other parts of the body. The skin around your eyes, called periorbital skin, is quite unique; it is thinner, drier, and more sensitive than the skin on other parts of your body, including the rest of your face. In addition, genetics plays a significant role.
The properties of periorbital skin make it more likely to show visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. To keep the periorbital skin healthy, bright, and fresh, it requires consistent TLC. In this article, we will explore the best ways to care for the skin around your eyes, ranging from eye serums and LED eye masks to lifestyle changes and cosmetic treatments.
1. Eye Skincare
The internet is split on whether the skin around your eyes needs separate products designed specifically for the area or not. Many claim t hat dedicated eye skincare products are a marketing gimmick and aren’t really necessary. However, it is known that the undereye skin is drier, thinner, and more sensitive than the rest of your face. If you can, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in a product that is specially formulated with these factors in mind.
Facial serums and moisturisers often contain ingredients, such as actives, that may be too strong for the skin around your eyes to handle. Products that work for the rest of your face might not be suitable to take care of the skin around your eyes, and they might even aggravate it.
This does not mean eye skincare products containing active ingredients are “bad.” On the contrary, specially formulated eye skincare often contains active ingredients. Eye skincare products typically contain lower concentrations of active ingredients and are often coupled with other ingredients that work to soothe and prevent any potential aggravation of the skin.
Eye Skincare Steps You Shouldn’t Skip
There are three major steps that you shouldn’t skip when it comes to taking care of the skin around your eyes. These non-negotiable steps are:
- Cleanse: The skin around your eyes needs to be cleansed, just like the rest of your face and neck. It is recommended to use a gentle cleanser for this. This step is crucial, especially if you wear eye makeup.
- Moisturise: Hydration is important to maintain the health and youthful appearance of the skin around your eyes. Depending on your skin type and skin concerns, choose a serum, gel, or cream that is suitable for your skin.
- Sunscreen: Sun protection is of paramount importance but often gets overlooked when it comes to the skin around your eyes. Don’t forget to apply it to the upper eyelids as well.
Common Eye Skincare Products
- Eye Serums, Gels, and Creams: There are several eye serums, gels, and creams available on the market, each with different combinations of ingredients and different skin issues that are targeted. For example, there are under eye serum for dark circles that contain ingredients such as caffeine, niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, azelaic acid, etc. Make sure to gently pat the product into your skin instead of rubbing or tugging at the skin.
- Eye Masks and Patches: Sheet masks specifically designed for the skin around your eyes can be a good way to take care of your skin while having a spa-like experience. Innovative products such as LED eye masks, which help target the ingredients precisely to the areas of concern, are also available.
- Eye Sun Protection: Eyes are often overlooked when applying sunscreen. It is important to use sunscreen with at least SPF30 or UV-protection eyeglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes from the adverse effects of sun exposure.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications, if practiced consistently, can have a significant effect on the health and appearance of the skin around your eyes. They help fix the underlying causes of your skin concerns from within. After all, we should take advantage of the capabilities of our own bodies to resolve these issues.
● Good Quality Sleep
Getting high-quality sleep for the recommended 7-9 hours every night (or whatever duration works best for you) has several benefits. One of them happens to be healthier skin, including that around your eyes. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also help avoid puffiness from fluid retention under the eyes. Refrigerated eye products or rollers can be beneficial as well, providing a relaxing effect in addition to the other benefits of ice on face.
● Regular Physical Activity
Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine will positively affect several aspects of your health, including skin health. It also helps with better sleep quality.
● Healthy Diet and Adequate Water Intake
What you consume is just as important as the products you apply externally, if not more. The importance of a well-balanced diet and adequate water intake (typically 8 glasses of water every day) is well known. Proper hydration, a lower intake of salty and fatty foods, and a balanced diet will help you achieve smoother and healthier skin.
● Stop Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Consumption
There are many reasons to quit smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption. Dull, unhealthy skin and visibly accelerated ageing are two more reasons to add to that list.
3. Cosmetic Treatments
If lifestyle changes and topical products are not sufficient or suitable to resolve your skin concerns around your eyes, you can also opt for cosmetic treatments. These can be non-surgical or surgical treatments.
Non-surgical options like tear trough fillers or laser resurfacing can be a good option to reduce the appearance of dark circles and hollow under-eyes, especially if you are younger. In other cases, including mature skin or concerns caused by genetic factors, surgical treatment options may be more appropriate.
Consult with a certified and experienced professional to get assessed for your suitability for these treatments. They can guide you in the right direction to make a careful and informed decision.
Conclusion
The skin around your eyes usually requires consistent, special treatment to maintain its health as well as its youthful and bright appearance. There are several ways to take care of the skin around your eyes. Eye skincare products incorporated into a consistent skincare routine can be highly effective. The underlying causes of skin concerns can be targeted by focusing on lifestyle changes, including getting high-quality and adequate sleep, regular exercise, a balanced diet, no smoking, and reduced alcohol consumption. Cosmetic treatments, both non-surgical and surgical, are also effective.
