While we consider ourselves experts on everything from double cleansing and hair color to microblading
and makeup pilling, when it comes to eye care, it's easy to feel
overwhelmed. Perhaps it's because of the sheer amount of products on the
market today (Creams! Gels! Serums! Masks!)
or because there's a bigger focus on other skin care areas, like
brightening or evening. Either way, the jargon surrounding taking care
of the skin around your eyes often feels like Latin.
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There's
a wealth of factors to consider when thinking about the skin around
your eyes, from diet and vices to sun exposure and sleep – after all,
the eyes are the windows to the soul, and you can bet your lifestyle
will take its toll eventually. With an array of products – ranging from
sensitive to overnight formulas – it's easy to feel frustrated and avoid
the subject all together.
To help guide you, we asked those in the know why, when, and how we should start taking care of our eye area, below.
Why?
"As we age, the levels of collagen
and elastin in the skin begin to decrease naturally, leading to a loss
of firmness, density, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in
the eye area. The rate at which we age can be accelerated by a number of
factors such as genetics, UV exposure, diet and skincare regimen (or
lack thereof)," aesthetic dermatologist Dr. Phillip M. Levy explains.
"The root cause of this depletion in collagen and elastin is when our
dermal stem cells – the mother cells of the skin’s factories of collagen
and elastin – become worn out and tired."
[post_ads]In short, your eyes aren't escaping your last sunburn
or love of binge watching Netflix until 2 AM any more than the rest of
your face and body. Why? Our eyes are affected by the big bad trio: the
sun, fatigue, and pollution. However, while the majority of us
(hopefully) have preventative measures in place to combat these elements
(daily SPF, lots of sleep, regular water intake), the skin around our
eyes is much thinner – meaning it's far more susceptible. Skin-care
expert and founder of a brand of the same name, Tata Harper, stresses as
much: "The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, so
fatigue, dryness, tugging (when removing eye makeup) and your everyday
expressions can play an even bigger role."
This
all sounds very ticking time bomb... If we haven't started an eye care
routine, is it too late? Rejoice – because it isn't. "Now that the very
source of skin’s regeneration system is known, it is possible to 'turn
back' the effects of aging on these very cells," Dr. Levy tells us, "And
hence re-stimulate the skin’s production of aging-fighting collagen and
elastin fibers."
So now that we know exactly why our eyes show the first signs of aging, where do we begin?
Age: 20-25
While
our eyes may be the last beauty priority in our early 20s (hello, late
nights and boozy weekends!), it's good to get started early. "It’s so
important to keep this delicate skin hydrated to help keep skin looking
plump and firm," says Harper. "So start using an all-purpose eye cream
in your 20s for hydration." Our favorites? Peter Thomas Roth's Cucumber De-Tox Depuffing Eye Cubes are perfect for calming, toning and tightening hungover eyes, while REN's Keep Young and Beautiful Firm and Lift Eye Cream hydrates like a dream.
[post_ads_2]Age: 25-30
"By
the time you’re in your mid- to late-20s, you’re ready for a
retinol-based treatment," Peter Thomas Roth, founder of the eponymous
clinical skin-care brand tells us, "Which resurfaces your skin overnight
to help diminish the look of fine lines and crow’s feet". We're firm
believers in the power of retinol-based formulas but remember always to
apply SPF when using, as the retinol can make skin more sensitive to
rays. Oskia's gel-like Eye Wonder is light and refreshing worn under makeup, and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 is a concentrate that helps reduce fine lines and dark spots while you sleep.
Age: 30+
"This
is when you might start to see fine lines. Look for products that
really target the area, and layer serums with more hydrating eye
creams," Harper says. "You can even add in an eye mask for a hydration
boost with lifting and firming properties. Personally, I like to layer
my Elixir Vitae Eye Serum and Restorative Eye Crème during the day, and at night (or before an event or when I fly) layer on the Boosted Contouring Eye Mask. This reduces the look of fine lines and minimizes puffiness, signs of fatigue, and dark circles."
So now you've got your eye-care timeline straight, get protecting!
