For Your Eyes: Eye Care 101
A little known fact about
eyes and wrinkle care is that there are no oil glands on the skin surrounding
your eyes. This is the reason most people see their wrinkles there first,
usually appearing as smile lines around the eye or gentle creases underneath
the eye. You can't stop the process of aging, but with proper care including a
daily moisturizing routine, you can keep your eyes looking fresher and younger.
The eye area is often the
first part of the face to experience wrinkling. Since our eyes are so
expressive, we move the skin around them when we express joy, anger, sadness,
excitement and just about any other emotion. The skin around the eyes is seven
times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, making it more susceptible
to damage. While some degree of wrinkling is inevitable as we age, there are
things you can do to slow the aging process.
Rubbing at your eyes causes
damage. With that area being seven times thinner, it acquires damage seven
times faster. The next time you go to rub or catch yourself doing it, be
gentle.
When washing or applying anything to the area
around the eyes be sure to use very light pressure. Pressure that is too tough
will result in lines and wrinkles. Use your middle and/or ring finger.
Apply a broad-spectrum
sunscreen daily. The sun's damaging rays are the number one cause of premature
aging and skin damage, so it's important to protect your skin daily.
Wear a broad-rimmed hat and
large, UV-protective sunglasses if you will be spending excessive time outdoors.
Wearing sunglasses also helps avoid wrinkles caused by squinting.
You can be exposed to harsh
UVA and UVB rays even on cloudy and rainy days so you should always opt for
full sun protection. Since rays reflect off concrete, water, sand and snow, you
aren't protected by merely standing in the shade.
Sleep for an average of 8 hours a night. Inadequate sleep
can lead to premature wrinkling, particularly in the eye area. Determine the
amount of sleep you need nightly to be well-rested, and maintain a regular
sleep schedule.
Elevate your head when you sleep to encourage fluid to drain
away from the eye area.
Hold a metal spoon under cold running water for a few
minutes and then gently press it onto the eye area to soothe, cool and reduce
swelling.
A couple slices of cucumber from your fridge and a half hour
of quiet rest are good for reducing puffiness and soothing tired, sore eyes.
Soak used tea bags in cold water for around ten minutes
(making sure they are really cool) and place them on the puffy area. Start at
the outside of the eye and roll them gently inwards.
Place a slice of raw potato underneath your eyes. The
potassium in them counteracts dark circles.
(Please do let me know if you have a topic you'd like me to include in upcoming newsletters. I am always open to your questions, ideas and feedback!)