The area around the eyes is the most sensitive and it is there that first appear fine wrinkles, dark circles, dehydration, and relaxation, betraying age and emotions. The thickness of the skin in the area around the eyes is only 0.1 mm, without many sebaceous glands, but subject to stretching with every facial expression.
If you have not used cosmetics specifically in this area of the face until now, it might be worth taking a few minutes to find out what we need to know about the skin around the eyes and what are the characteristic symptoms of the first signs of aging.
There are mainly three types of changes in the area around the eyes – eye wrinkles, bags under the eyes, and dark circles.
Types of eye wrinkles
Dynamic wrinkles – over time, the repeated contraction of the eye muscles can cause wrinkles that are only visible when the muscles are used, for example when smiling.
Static Wrinkles – Damage to the skin causes static wrinkles that remain visible even when the facial muscles are at rest. Over time, dynamic wrinkles can become static.
What are the reasons?
Natural skin aging – because the skin around the eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, it starts to age the earliest.
Smoking – the oxidative stress of smoking can further damage collagen and elastin by increasing matrix metalloproteinases (enzymes that break them down). Smoking restricts nutrients from reaching your face as the blood vessels constrict. The effects of exposure to cigarette smoke can further lead to skin aging (eye irritation developing crow’s feet wrinkles and repetitive facial movements associated with the act of smoking). Studies of alternative products with modified risk suggest that, for example, the aerosol emitted by heated tobacco products or vapes is less cytotoxic, less inflammatory, and causes less oxidative stress than smoke from regular combustible cigarettes. But that doesn’t mean they’re safer, and complete abstinence is preferable.
UV rays – if you don’t use adequate sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen), constant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause collagen damage and wrinkle formation.
Impaired vision – if you have impaired vision, this can lead to additional strain on the muscles around the eyes and the formation of wrinkles.
Allergies – tearing and inflammation of the eyelids lead to the frequent rubbing of the eyes, which can dry out your skin and lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
Tips for proper care
Hundreds of anti-wrinkle eye creams are sold in pharmacies and drugstores, but the evidence supporting their effectiveness varies. Be careful when the products you want to buy promise miraculous results. Have realistic expectations.
Use a hydrating eye cream;
Ingredients to look for on product labels include broad-spectrum SPF, retinol, antioxidants, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Procedures (not always applicable)
Baby Botox – injection of micro-dose toxin is popularly known as Micro-Botox or Baby-Botox. This is an injection procedure in which microdoses of botulinum toxin are injected very superficially into the skin in order to achieve a maximally natural appearance of lines and wrinkles. Baby Botox does not “freeze” the appearance and facial expression do not change. In this case, we are talking about preventive botox! This is one of the tricks to delay the aging process by partially blocking the facial muscles that are involved in the upcoming formation of wrinkles on the face! Done right, Botox therapy will help you look more relaxed and rested.
Hardware procedures
Lasers, micro-needling, and radiofrequency – can be helpful in improving skin texture, and tightening and smoothing fine lines.
Surgery – for “ptosis” (drooping upper eyelid) surgical removal of the tissue is recommended.
Dark circles under the eyes become more visible with age and lack of sleep.
What triggers them?
Increased skin transparency – the skin on the eyelids is the thinnest in the entire body, making it more transparent. This means that darker structures underneath, such as veins, are more visible.
Pigmentation – exposure to the sun, certain genetic factors, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (pigmentation due to eczema, mechanical rubbing of the eyes, and allergies), pigmentation due to smoking conventional cigarettes (through the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) lead to increased shedding of pigment in the eye area.
Bone structure – the hollowing of the eye socket in some people, as well as thinning of the skin and bone and loss of volume with age, contribute to the “sinking” of the under-eye area.
Tips on how to properly care for and prevent dark circles?
Hydration – a good moisturizer will smooth the skin and “reflect” light, giving it a glow.
Sun protection – the best way to preserve collagen/elastin levels, minimize wrinkles, and prevent pigmentation.
Retinoid Creams – In terms of skincare, retinoid creams have the most evidence for increasing collagen levels. They also improve pigmentation. Contrary to some reports, retinoid creams can be used carefully on the eye area. Start with a low %!
Skincare to address pigmentation – hydroquinone (prescription), vitamin C, azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Additional factors
In the anatomy of the eye area, there are “fat bags” that can retain fluid and cause puffiness. As we age, the ligaments and muscles in the area become weaker and the fatty tissue around the eyes shifts lower.
What triggers them:
Fluid retention;
Loss of skin elasticity;
“fat spills” – occur when the round muscle of the eye loses its tone and stops retaining fat tissue;
Genetic factors.
Tips on how to deal with the problem
Reduce salt intake – this will reduce fluid retention;
Massage the face and apply cool compresses – useful for temporary lymphatic drainage and maintaining muscle tone in the area. You don’t need a specific tool, you can use your hands;
Try to sleep for 8 hours with your head slightly elevated – this will reduce the risk of fluid retention in the face area;
Use an eye cream with caffeine or green tea during the day and a retinol product at night.
Procedures (not always applicable)
Ablative procedures for tightening the eye area – chemical peeling; micro-needling; Fraxel radiofrequency;
Laser non-operative lifting – Clearlift;
Surgery – in the late stages of formation, lower blepharoplasty is the only solution to bags under the eyes.