The skin around the eye is very delicate and prone to ageing, being much finer than the skin on your face with no oil glands to help keep the skin supple. Regular use of an eye treatment can be beneficial from as young as 20 years old. For the sake of adding an extra 30 seconds to your regime, it’s well worth it.
We need to compensate by applying an eye cream which is typically richer and more nourishing than your regular face cream. This helps to keep the delicate skin supple and moist, preventing fine lines, dehydration and creases.
During the day layer an antioxidant serum, underneath your eye cream or serum and then finish with your moisturiser and SPF to effectively protect this delicate skin from UV and environmental damage. For the evening a nourishing, restorative serum and eye cream can be layered underneath your night cream to keep the area hydrated and supple throughout the night.
Try a silk pillow slip to prevent creasing from sleeping on your side and apply an overnight eye mask once a week. (Sisley eye contour mask is amazing!) Also, don’t forget to wear sunglasses to prevent unnecessary squinting.
When choosing your eye cream look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for plumping and hydration and ceramides to lock in moisture. I love retinol in eye creams as it stimulates cell turnover and collagen production. In other words it gently exfoliates the delicate skin around the eyes and helps to thicken the skin. Vitamin C for maintaining elasticity, brightening and preventing free radical damage. Peptides will stimulate collagen and reinforce the skin. Vitamin E is great for moisture as well as soothing dry irritated skin and protection from harmful free radicals.
Try and avoid synthetic fragrance and fragrant plant oils as these types of ingredients can irritate the delicate eye area – not to mention your eyes.
For those that prefer natural ingredients, look out for rosehip oil and aloe vera for nourishment and hydration. Blueberry extract and CoQ10 for fighting free radicals, arnica and caffeine for depuffing and vitamin K and willowbark for brightening.
A common misconception is that natural or organic is more gentle or better for sensitive skin types. Natural ingredients can be as potent and active as their manufactured counterparts.
Professional treatments for this delicate area can range from simple enzyme or lactic acid peels and light therapy through to lasers and micro needling. The aim is typically to stimulate collagen to plump, thicken and reinforce the skin, along with removing unwanted pigment and surface vessels to lighten and brighten the area.
Shop skincareedit.com/eye-care/ for my favourite eye treatments.
MGx
