Anti-Aging Tips for Eyes

There’s just something about the eyes that makes them one of the most appealing parts of the human body. Eyes are expressive. They can show laughter, love, poignancy and desire. They’re the first thing we look at when we want to know how someone is feeling – and what’s on his or her mind.

Unfortunately, all that expression means the eyes – and the skin around them – do a lot of work. The area around the eyes is often the first place where we show aging.

That’s because the skin around the eyes is up to ten times thinner than on other parts of the body. And with comparatively fewer oil glands, this delicate area is prone to fine lines, crow’s feetand the appearance of dark circles.

But there are ways to combat the first signs of aging around the eyes (and even some more advanced issues, like deep lines). With a little knowledge and some extra care, you can enjoy those beautiful eyes for years to come.

Tip #1: Choose SPF-Containing Eye Products

Sun damage can contribute to dry skin, tearing of the tissue and the appearance of sun spots and lines. Choose eye care products that contain sunscreen. Don’t use a regular (body) sunscreen for this; these can be very irritating to the eyes.

So make sure you select a formulation that’s made specifically for the sensitive eye area … though they are actually hard to find, because the addition of SPF makes creams less smooth and silky. Luckily, you can choose the next tip …

Tip #2: Wear Foundations That Contain Sunscreen

You can add to your sun protection of the eye area by selecting a foundation that contains SPF. Make sure your foundation has non-irritating ingredients; rubbing at your eyes could tear the skin and make it more prone to damage.

Tip #3: Choose Protective Eyewear

Sunglasses or eyeglasses with UV protection are great – they provide a physical barrier from the sun, wind, and irritants in the air. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, get a pair of prescription sunglasses or choose Transitions lenses, which go from light to dark when you’re in direct sunlight.

Tip #4: Use Retinol Products at Night

Retinol (vitamin A) is an extremely common product in eye care creams. It does a wonderful job at combating fine lines. Unfortunately, vitamin A makes the skin more photosensitive. So if you use retinol, apply it overnight. In the morning, after you’ve cleansed your skin, make sure you apply foundation that contains SPF as the photosensitive effects of retinol will continue for at least a day or two.

Tip #5: Use a Light Touch When Applying Concealer

Even the highest-quality under eye concealers can cake if they’re applied too heavily. And when they do, they’ll settle into the creases under and around the eyes. This adds to the appearance of aging.

When applying concealer, start with a very light touch. You can always build on it later if the concealer has worn away during your daily activities.

Tip #6: Work from the Inside Out to Conceal Dark Circles

We’ve all had that bad day when we were asked, “Are you, um…tired?” even though we’d had plenty of rest the night before. Those dark circles gave us the appearance of tiredness – and aging.

Look for products that work to actually reduce what causes dark circles: broken capillaries under the skin. Healing this issue will do anti-aging wonders for your eyes.

Tip #7: Get Plenty of Rest

And on the heels of #6 above: do make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is restorative; your cells do much of their repair work during this time. It’s critical that you make sure you’re sleeping well each night in order to keep your eyes looking bright.

Tip #8: Minimize Puffiness

Bags under the eyes are another telltale sign of aging. Choose ingredients that cool, soothe and reduce puffiness. And twice a week, treat yourself to a “cucumber facial.” Cut up some cold cucumber and place the pieces over your eyes. Then lie back and relax.

Another option: soak tea bags in cold water, then apply them to your closed eyes. These tried and true methods really do work, and they feel wonderful to boot!

Tip #9: Don’t Rub!

Rubbing at your eyes can cause microscopic tears beneath the skin’s surface. This will give you an uneven, rugged appearance you most definitely don’t want! If you have issues such as dry eye or itchy eyes, see your ophthalmologist for help. And if it’s your eye makeup that’s the problem, ditch it for less irritating, more natural ingredients.

Tip #10: Use Products That Contain Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners are simply ingredients that deflect light from the skin’s surface. This makes your eyes appear brighter and minimizes the look of lines and shadowing.

It’s a simple trick, but it has a definite effect, particularly when you’re indoors in fluorescent lighting.

Tip #11: Ditch the “Raccoon Eyes”

Use a lighter touch with mascara and eyeliner. Makeup that smudges during the day will collect in your fine lines, emphasizing them. Try for a more natural look and use makeup designed not to smudge or smear.

Rest assured: the above tips really do work to make your eyes look their best. So try them – your eyes will thank you for it.