Eye Area
The eyes are a common area of concern in skincare. Often associated with signs of ageing, the eyes are also an area where people to tend to focus their attention. Fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles or tired looking eyes are consequently a high priority for many people.
Causes of Fine Lines and Wrinkles Around the Eyes
Causes of Fine Lines and Wrinkles Around the Eyes
Although fine lines and wrinkles are a sign of ageing skin, it is not uncommon for these to appear around the eye area first, this is due to the skin around the eye being very thin. The skin around the eyes also do not have the same type of oil secreting glands in the skin around the eye which is why it is very common for individuals to experience dry skin around the eye more than anywhere else on the face or body.
Other causes for fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes are:
• Sun Damage – UVA rays cause the maximum damage to the skin, as the rays penetrate to deep layers, which, in high doses can cause darkening and pigmentation of the skin accelerating the ageing process and increasing fine lines and wrinkles due to collagen damage.
• Smiling – When we smile, we get smile lines on our faces. Our eyes also rise up at the corners slightly causing temporary lines (crows feet). However, these lines can become more permanent as we age.
• Lack of Sleep and Sleep Position – When in deep sleep the pituitary gland in our brains secrets a growth hormone used to maintain the health of various body tissues as well as helping with their renewal; this includes the skin tissue. Prolonged lack of sleep means that an individual is not secreting the growth hormone meaning that the skin tissue is not being healthily maintained nor renewed leading to premature signs of ageing. Sleeping on one side of the body can also cause temporary lines to appear on the face on that side which can become more permanent as we age.
• Smoking – Individuals who smoke tend to experience premature signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles as much as 10 years before they would normally appear in a non-smoker. Premature ageing occurs in smokers due to the reduction of vitamin C in the blood, which causes a reduction in collagen production due to vitamin C playing a vital role in overall collagen production.
• Squinting – like when we smile, if we squint a lot (maybe due to vision impairment) this can cause more permanent lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Ways to Reduce Wrinkles around the Eyes
There are 8 ways to help reduce wrinkles around the eyes:
- Avoid the sun and wear sunscreen
- Quit smoking
- Get enough sleep
- Try not to squint
- Add fish to diet
- Moisturise
- Manage allergies
- Remove make-up before bed
Avoid the sun and wear sunscreen – Most individuals forget to protect their face from the sun, especially near their eyes. It is vital to apply appropriate sun protection to the skin as close to the skin around the eyes as possible. For further protection, it’s also advisable to wear a hat when in the sun.
Quit smoking – Due to nicotine breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin, it is advisable to quit smoking as early as possible to deter premature signs of ageing in the skin, especially skin around the eye area as it is more susceptible to ageing factors.
Get enough sleep – Getting the right amount of sleep can assist in the production of the human growth hormone, which in turn, helps to keep the skin elastic and thick making it less likely to wrinkle. Sleeping on your back can also deter fine lines and wrinkles from developing, as it is not putting any pressure on the face. Whereas sleeping on your side can cause wrinkles on the cheek and chin, while sleeping face down can cause a furrowed brow.
Try not to squint – If corrective lenses are required to help see better, it is advisable to get them. For if the eyes continue to squint at things it can cause permanent lines on the skin around the eye that eventually becomes wrinkles. It is important to also wear sunglasses for the sun can make us squint without noticing.
Add fish to diet – Salmon and other cold-water fish contains fatty acids known as Omega-3, which is essential for keeping the skin plump and youthful as well as helping reduce the signs of wrinkles.
Moisturise – The skin around the eye area is very thin therefore gets dry very easily and quickly. This is why it is important to use an effective moisturiser every day to help keep the skin hydrated, for dry skin is more likely to show premature signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Manage allergies – If suffering from common allergies that can cause runny noses and watery eyes, it is important to try and manage these by taking appropriate medicines. For when we have allergies or colds, our eyes puff up which can increase the likelihood of wrinkles around the eye.
Remove make-up before bed – Many individuals to go to sleep with make-up still caked on, this is one of the worst things that can be done to the skin for it clogs pores and can actually make your eyes water and puff in the morning. Try to ensure an effective yet soft make-up remover solution is used before bed to prevent this.
Eye Wrinkle Treatments
The following treatments are most common to help treat fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles around the eye area:
- Eye Creams and Gels – Creams and gels that contain retinoids are designed to help improve fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles as they help tighten the skin so they become less visible. It is important to look at the ingredients within creams and gels before buying them as there are many cosmetics which claim to improve the appearance of wrinkles yet that do not feature retinoids or other key ingredients.
- Chemical Peels – Skin/Chemical Peels are common treatments for helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles by unveiling new skin underneath whilst treatment is taking place, this new skin will show less wrinkles and lines. Chemical peels can also be used to help with scars, acne and sun damaged skin as well as improving the overall look and feel of the skin around the eyes as well as the face, neck and around the mouth.
- Dermal Fillers – Dermal fillers are designed to plump up the skin, making it appear fuller and smoother. They can be used around the eye area to reduce lines such as crow’s feet and frown lines. Dermal filler treatments can be semi-permanent or permanent depending on what results the individual wants.
- Cleansers, toners and moisturisers – There are a range of cleansers on the market to help with reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and eye bags. Some can be bought in local shops yet some have to be prescribed depending on the exact needs of the individual. Obagi is a popular brand of medical skincare that has a range of products to help assist with signs of ageing skin particularly on the face and around the eyes. It’s ELASTIderm eye treatments help deliver stunning results by using Copper Zinc Malonate which works by restoring elasticity around the eyes, reducing the appearances of fine lines, wrinkles, eye bags and dark circles.
How can we help?
How can we help?
Healthxchange is a trusted supplier of pharmacy products to healthcare professionals and offer a range of treatments that can be used to help manage the delicate skin around the eye.
Obagi ELASTIderm has been formulated specifically for people with suffering from fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles around the eye area with help from the key ingredient; a bi-mineral complex called Copper Zinc Malonate.
To find a clinic near you offering Obagi ELASTI-derm eye treatments, use our Clinic Finder.