If you’ve looked in the mirror recently and found yourself dealing with crow’s feet and fine lines around the eye, then first things first – stop worrying. It will only make things worse.
Cause for attention is required, though. The skin under and around our eyes is surprisingly thin and is one of the first places to show age. What’s worse, even if the signs of aging aren’t apparent yet; there may already be damage under the surface of the skin.
Aside from the normal wear and tear through the scrunching and stretching of our natural facial movements, the fact that we constantly touch and rub are eyes without knowing it, squint at our screens and expose our face to sun and pollution daily doesn’t help. Now we’re not trying to scare you, just prepare you. That way, you can minimise the effects of aging in and around the eye.
Our bodies peak just before the age of 30. While this doesn’t mean it all suddenly goes down hill from there, it does mean that our skin starts to lose elasticity and fine wrinkles start appearing. So, with all this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL ways to deal with signs of aging around the eye. Hopefully this will be an eye opener to you (sorry we had to).
Apply & Take Off Makeup Correctly
How carefully do you apply and take off your makeup? If the answer is anything but ‘very’ then you’re doing it wrong. The skin around the eye area is delicate and during the application of eye makeup we tend to pull and tug at this region with abandon.
Most of us wear eye makeup daily, and more rub our eyes with regularity. Trying to take off products like stubborn mascara can lead to the development of fine lines. So, moving forward, be careful with how you apply and take off makeup. If you’re not sure what to do, watch a youtube video or ask someone at a cosmetic counter who will show you how to do it correctly.
Use An Eye Serum
We’re not just trying to convince you to buy yet another makeup product, just speaking the truth. The use of an eye serum to help slow the ageing process in the eye area is backed by scientists. We’ve even written a whole article about reasons to use an eye serum. Look out for eye serums geared to reducing fine lines and wrinkles with proven actives.
When it comes to eye serums, the latest advancement in anti ageing skincare products is microemulsion technology. This cutting-edge approach allows for the creation of ultra-fine particles in the serum, ensuring that the active ingredients can penetrate deeply and effectively into the skin’s surface.
By using an eye serum that incorporates microemulsion skincare technology, you’re giving the delicate eye area a powerful dose of nutrients and hydration.
Wear SPF & Sunglasses
Like most sun worshipers, we love a golden tan, but unfortunately tanning and exposure to the sun accelerates the ageing process. To get all scientific, the UVA rays which are responsible for the aging of the skin penetrate deep into the basal layer of the epidermis and cause damage underneath the skin’s surface.
The eyelid and skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your face, which means it’s the most vulnerable to this sort of damage. However, the problem is that lots of sunscreens say that is shouldn’t be applied near the eyes, so what’s a girl to do?
Well, the obvious answer is to wear 100 % UV-protection sunglasses to help shield your eyes which also stops you from squinting (that can lead to wrinkles). But, this isn’t enough – you must wear SPF. Luckily, if you’re not sure if you should apply the sunscreen around your eyes, there are sun products specifically designed for the eye.
Also, you absolutely need sunscreen protection in the winter – the sun’s harmful rays are just as strong, so don’t be misled by the dropping temperature. You should also consider a UV protecting eye cream and concealers that you can wear all year round to protect your eyes from crow’s feet and the dark spots it can cause.
Read: 5 tips for choosing the IDEAL sunglasses this summer
Be Mindful Of How You Sleep
This is one of the simplest ways to reduce the signs of ageing around the eyes, yet also the hardest. Did you know that how you sleep makes a difference when it comes to visible wrinkles? This isn’t one of those beauty myths, we promise – it really is why some lines are called sleep lines. If you sleep with your face squished against the pillow, it causes creasing which can cause noticeable fine lines around the eyes and face.
So, try to sleep on your back to avoid this. If you really can’t sleep on your back, buy a satin pillowcase which your face slides against rather than crunching on. There are also special sleep pillows out there, made in a unique shape and with a special foam to alleviate pressure on the face.
This is by no means an exhaustive list; there are loads of other things you can do to reduce aging around the eyes including using eye masks, eating a healthy diet with plenty of fish to get a good dose of omega 3, taking vitamin supplements and of course drinking lots of water to keep hydrated – the list goes on.
Embrace Antioxidant-Rich Skincare
Antioxidants are your skin’s best friend when it comes to combating the signs of aging. Products containing vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, and green tea can help neutralize free radicals that contribute to skin aging. Incorporate an antioxidant-rich eye cream into your daily routine to help protect and rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes.
Stay Hydrated & Maintain A Balanced Diet
Hydration is key to maintaining plump, youthful skin. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the nutrients your skin needs to repair itself and stay healthy.
Consider Professional Treatments
For those looking for more dramatic results, professional treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or micro-needling can be effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. These treatments should be performed by a licensed professional and can be tailored to your specific skin concerns.