Eyes say a lot about our health and condition, plastic surgeon-ophthalmologist Elizabeth Hawkes told Harper’s Bazaar. The most common problems she sees in the clinic are dark circles and bags under the eyes, as well as drooping eyelids and milia (lumps that form under the outer layer of skin of the eyelid, around the eyes and nose, and on the chin or cheeks). In addition to cosmetic problems, patients also complain of dry, irritated eyes, which cause a feeling of fatigue.
1. Use a special eye cream
“The skin around the eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging,” says Elizabeth Hawkes. “Fragile and delicate, it requires more than facial moisturizers can provide.” The doctor emphasizes that there are many creams that are specifically designed to tighten and sculpt the skin around the eyes. “Be sure to use serums and lightweight creams that are designed for daily use and won’t clog your glands,” Hawkes adds. She notes that eye products need to be applied carefully: “The product should be applied along the orbital bone—the eye socket—not on the skin of the eyelids or close to the lash line. Using your ring finger, use light patting movements from the inner corners of your eyes outward.”
2. Look for active ingredients to solve your problems
“I think retinoids are a must-have when it comes to treating wrinkles around the eyes,” says Elizabeth Hawkes. “They cause surface skin cells to quickly renew themselves, making room for fresh skin underneath. This helps slow down the breakdown of collagen and thickens the deeper layer of skin, helping prevent wrinkles.”
The doctor also advises paying attention to hyaluronic acid, which instantly moisturizes the skin. “It acts like a sponge, drawing in water to smooth out fine lines,” the plastic surgeon adds.
If dark circles under your eyes bother you, use a vitamin C cream throughout the day. “Dark circles aren’t always a sign of fatigue, they can be caused by other factors such as genetics or allergies, but you can reduce their appearance by using topical creams.” actions to brighten,” says Hawkes.
We can’t forget about protecting your skin from UV rays, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin throughout the day.
3. Wear sunglasses
“Just as you protect your skin from UV rays, you need to protect your eyes, so make sure you buy sunglasses with UV protection,” says Dr. Hawkes. — I buy large glasses that cover my eyes and surrounding areas and do not slide off the bridge of my nose. This helps protect not only the eye itself, but also the delicate skin around it.”
UV radiation can not only damage the skin around the eyes, but also the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. “UV exposure may contribute to the development of certain types of cataracts, solar retinopathy and pterygium,” says Dr. — It is necessary to use glasses that have ultraviolet protection. Not only is this important for eye health, but it will also prevent premature aging.”
4. Don’t go to bed with makeup on your eyes
“Because the area under the eyes is delicate, eye shadow, mascara and other products can get into your eyes while you sleep and cause irritation. However, long-term use of products on the skin can also cause unpleasant symptoms,” explains Dr. Hawkes.
Sleeping with makeup on can also increase your chances of developing milia, small white bumps that appear when produced keratin and protein become trapped under the skin. “Contact dermatitis (eye eczema) is also common on the eyelids, so to prevent dry eyelids, it is very important to keep them clean,” adds the optometrist.
5. Use lubricating eye drops
“When people feel tired, many people rub their eyes, which can irritate or damage the eye itself and the skin around it,” says Dr. Hawkes. “I always recommend using lubricating eye drops to help your eyes look brighter, especially when you’re feeling more tired than usual.”
Sometimes the eyes become dry at night due to the eyelids not closing completely. “In addition to using eye drops before bed, using a humidifier to treat dry eyes is a good idea,” the doctor adds.
