In the Blink of an Eye
The skin around the eyes is fragile, and readily shows the signs of age, fatigue and stress. The tissue is thinner, water evaporation is rapid and the collagen and elastin fibers are less numerous.
Signs of Eye Aging:
Early (age 20-40)—Degradation of Elastin
Elastin is produced by the body throughout the period of growth, the production of elastin reducing after maturity (22 years). It is therefore the first protein to degenerate. As a result the skin around the eyes can become lined and wrinkled from in your early 20’s, elastin loss is seen as horizontal lines and is commonly found under the eyes and loose skin across the eye lid.
Advanced (age 40+)—Loss of Collagen
Collagen is responsible for the structural integrity of tissue and skin density, we produce collagen throughout our life, but collagen production decreases in quantity after the age of forty. Both collagen and elastin are surrounded and supported by fluid called glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s). This fluid is responsible for keeping both collagen and elastin in good condition. Collagen loss manifests itself in the form of fine vertical lines, with common areas of loss being the corner of the eye and eye lids.
Let’s look at some of the most common challenges:
- Puffiness: The noticeable puffiness in the eye area is due to the fineness of the tissue and just under the skin there is a slack tissue which contains no fat and becomes easily distended. This is why the eyelids swell up quickly.
- Under Eye Bags: Never use oils around the eye area. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, and get plenty of sleep. Do not rub the eyes excessively. Drink plenty of water to help flush your body of toxins.
- Dark Circles: One of the biggest complaints we hear as estheticians is the dreaded “dark circles”. The causes could be many, but again more likely to be hereditary or of ethnic origin However, tiredness and stress are additional factors. In some instances the only alternative to reducing the appearance of dark circles is to camouflage them, however protecting the delicate skin with eye creams is still important prior to applying any concealer.
- Crows Feet: Crows feet are lines resulting from extrinsic aging. Caused by sun, wind, cold and overall lack of care. A prevention program should start in your late teens to early 20’s with eye creams, sensible eye care and a sun protection. Wear good quality sun glasses that are large to cover the entire eye area and surrounding skin (think Jackie Onassis sunglasses) and be sure they have broad-range UVA/UVB protection. A great topical choice for added protection is Murad’s Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15.
