Eye contour - ways to improve yours
EYE
CONTOUR (ways to improve yours)
With age, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes become more apparent, especially when smiling. The skin around the eyes is much thinner than the rest of the skin on the face and so commonly tends to show the signs of ageing first. Some may have puffiness, dark circles or both!
Below are some effective strategies that can be incorporated in your daily skin care routine to improve the appearance of the delicate eye contour.
1. Apply sun protection with a minimum SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. SPF will help to protect the skin from the sun's rays that consist of UVA & UVB. Some may opt to wear a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for extra protection when on holiday or at home during very warm temperatures.
2. Wear sunglasses on sunny days (especially during the summer months and during the cooler seasons, when days are sunny even if the temperature is cold). Some may prefer photochromic lenses that darken when stimulated by the sun and lighten when indoors. Squinting and frowning due to bright sunlight can cause wrinkles which over a period of time can become deeper lines around the eyes. I am definitely a sunglasses wearer.
3. Moisturize - Keeping the skin around your eyes well-hydrated can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Use a gentle, hydrating eye cream that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. Apply it both morning and night as part of your skincare routine. You only need to use a small amount - don't overload the eye area with face cream, as this could weigh the delicate skin downwards, possibly causing puffiness under the eye.
4. Use a product that contains retinol that is specifically made for the eye area, which may stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol cream or serum to the eye area at night, being careful to avoid getting it too close to the eyes to prevent irritation. Never use a retinol cream during the day, as this may lead to skin sensitivity.
5. Get plenty of sleep - as a lack of sleep can contribute to the
formation of under-eye wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality
sleep each night to allow your skin time to repair and regenerate.
6. Stay Hydrated - drink water throughout the day which will help to keep the skin hydrated and plump and will help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Try to limit alcohol and caffeine
intake, as they can dehydrate the skin.
7. Eat a healthy diet and develop a healthy lifestyle. Consume a diet rich in fruits,
vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to provide your skin with essential
nutrients. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts,
can promote good skin health.
Avoid or reduce smoking: Smoking accelerates the skin to age and can contribute to the formation of wrinkles around the eyes and elsewhere on the face.
8. Use under-eye masks (sometimes referred to as eye gels). There are a range of products and prices, infused with different formulas such as green tea (see below). Also there are under-eye masks that you can re-use. My preference are the disposable ones, which I use during spring/summer. I find them too cold to use during the Autumn and winter months.
9. Be gentle with this area around the eyes! Avoid rubbing or pulling at the delicate skin around your eyes, as this can contribute to wrinkle formation and exacerbate existing lines. Instead, gently pat on skincare products and use a light touch when applying makeup or removing eye makeup.
See below for my recommended eye creams.
Ultrasun sun protection eye cream SPF 30 (RRP £19)
(for more information visit www.qvc.com and search for ultrasun)
Final thoughts
If you are on a tight budget you could purchase an own-brand eye cream from retailers such as Boots, Superdrug or Primark. Just ensure you buy an eye cream to keep this area hydrated, which will reduce fine lines and wrinkles. You can still see positive visible results from cheaper products!