By Lori Caruso 

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin on the entire body, leaving it vulnerable to showing the effects of mistreatment. Starting at about age thirty, skin gradually loses its elasticity, which can result in sagging and a more fatigued, aged look. 

Eye lids and under eye skin take on additional abuse from sun exposure, allergies, and environmental stressors such as pollution. With all this working against us, what can be done to counter these effects and prevent further damage? 

Fortunately, there are a number to things to do both at home and in office to improve the eye area. 

Wearing sunglasses is a no brainer, but next time you are running errands on a sunny day, observe how many people disregard this simple solution. Repeated sun exposure can lead to cancer, unwanted pigmentation, and loose skin. Light in all forms breaks down the elasticity, including exposure to blue light from computer screens and devices. Wearing blue light glasses, adjusting the brightness on the monitor, and using an anti-glare monitor with a matte or non-reflective finish can help. Continuous furrowing of the brow, as done often when sitting in front of a screen, leads to deeper creases between the brows known as the “11’s” or bunny lines.  

 

The sooner you establish good practices, the more you will reap the benefits of your labor. The best place to start is your daily routine. Using good under eye cream morning and evening offers continual support. Eye creams are formulated with ingredients that are designed to target common skin issues in that area. The selected ingredients are formulated for rapid absorption and seamless compatibility with other products, including concealers, foundations, and powder minimizing the risk of “pilling.” 

Pilling, or the miniscule balls of product on the surface of the skin that look like unabsorbed flakes that disrupt the smooth finish on the skin. Common causes of pilling are: 

1.Applying products too quickly without giving proper time to absorb. Be sure to get every bit of goodness out of your under-eye treatment creams by using small tapping motions and using the ring finger (the one with the least amount of pressure). MINT Firm and Clear Eye Cream offers a dynamic combination of peptides, such as the Botox mimicking Hexapeptide -8 to firm the delicate skin. Another ingredient, arbutin, inhibits melanin production. Arbutin brightens the skin for a more even skin tone. 

2. Formulations that do not play well together. Mixing water-based products with silicone base products will cause them to fight one another and repel or pill. Read labels to identify silicone base products. Seeing words ingredients ending in “cone” will l alert you to a silicone base. 

3. Being too generous with the product. The theory of more is better does not always apply to skincare products. Most products are designed with powerful ingredients that are active, therefore the need to overdo the amount is eliminated. Using too much of a good thing, the products sit on the surface and clump up. Remember the rule of application: apply by weight. Gels and serums first, lotions next and finally creams. The heavier the product, the further out it goes in the application process. 

4. No prepping has been done to allow the products to absorb. Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine, however, that thinnest skin can be sensitive. Use good judgement and be careful when exfoliation around the eyes. Begin at the out corner and gently move inward avoiding the area directly under the eyes or lash line. A safe exfoliant such as NuPeel by Theraderm is an excellent choice. Formulated with enzymes such as papaya to gently lift dead cells from the surface. The aloe vera base adds a cooling effect on the skin that feels very soothing. The addition of green tea, peptides and calendula help to strengthen the skin while reducing inflammation.  

Beyond at home practices, there are in office treatments that work wonders to keep a healthy rested look. Many providers choose regenerative gel to inject under the delicate eye area. EZGEL is a favorite among seasoned injectors for several reasons. First it is all natural, using your bodies’ own proteins versus artificial chemical components. After your treatment, you will notice volume restoration, and firmer skin. Done in a series of treatments, you will build more collagen as your treatments progress. EZGEL stimulates collagen production to rejuvenate the skin. It is a simple procedure to alleviate hollow eyes, dark circles, and fine lines in the eye area. It can also be used in other parts of the face such as nasolabial folds, cheeks, and smokers line. 

Botox is the fast solution to softening crow’s feet, giving a slight lift to heavy brows, or reducing “jelly roll” the bulge that appears under the eyes when smiling. 

Micro needling for under eyes has been a gold standard for years. By stimulating collagen in the affected area, the results are improved skin quality. Done in a series, micro needling has a long success record for textural advancement. When upgrading, consider adding products like VAMP. to your treatment. You can combine this innovative option with micro needling to boost the results of your treatment even more. VAMP is a serum containing vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and salmon DNA, which amplifies the results of the service for faster recovery and amazing results. 

It is important to understand the value of “Prejuvenation.” Taking initiative in establishing good daily habits, having in office treatments to support and enhance, and finally approaching things with realistic expectations. There is no such thing as one and done, even regarding plastic surgery. Mother Nature does not work that way. The aging process will continue despite your best efforts. Too often people will neglect their skin or use the same regime they have for years, then suddenly press the panic button, and expect immediate long-lasting results from only one treatment. We counter the aging process with continual at home regimes, occasional in-office visits, and lifestyle habits that make the investments pay off. 

It is a fact that as we age, we lose collagen production. Add to this hormonal changes, stressful life events, and environmental damage and you have a recipe for aging. It is necessary to take notice of these changes and shift your lifestyle accordingly.  

Beginning in your thirties, you will begin to see the signs of aging around eyes, (due to genetics, this may happen earlier). This is a perfect time to visit your provider and explore options to get ahead of the process. Waiting too long is like deciding to put air in your tires after they are flat like a pancake. Schedule a consultation with a license provider to explore options that fit your lifestyle, your goals, and your wallet in order. Write down questions and listen to suggestions. Remember, providers have treated multiple people with many different concerns and in doing so, they have discovered what works best for everyone. Look into reward programs many companies offer to incentivize you as well as financing options used to spread payments out that work with your budget. With a solid plan and a provider, you trust, you can reach your aesthetic goals and have fun doing it!