Did you know…that the eyes are not only the “windows into our soul”, but are usually the first area on the face to show signs of aging? As we age, the texture and integrity of the skin around the eyes is lost, resulting in a less than refreshed and youthful appearance. In addition to the internal aging process, environmental and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking also contribute to the aging eyes. And, because the skin around the eyes is very thin and fragile, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, crepiness, dark circles and sagging skin tend to appear here first. So what can you do?

Eye Health

• Avoid harsh cleansers or skin products. Do not use the same products that you use on your face around your eyes. Rather, use moisturizing and anti-aging creams specially formulated for the eye area. We recommend Skinmedica’s TNS Eye Repain Cream, available at our offices.
• Be gentle when washing, removing or applying makeup or eye products. Remove eye makeup by dabbing your eye makeup remover, moisturizer or even extra-virgin olive oil on a cotton ball or pad, and then gently wiping off your makeup. If your makeup is heavy, allow the wet cotton ball or pad to sit on your eyelids for a few minutes before wiping. Always apply eye cream lightly with your ring finger. Dab dots along the rim of the orbital bone back and forth from the outer to the inner corner of the eye.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle. Get enough sleep to avoid under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Avoid excess alcohol and drink enough water to keep the skin hydrated. Lastly, eat a diet high in anti-oxidants to preserve your existing collagen and foods that protect your vision such as leafy greens and carrots to prevent excessive squinting.

Eye Protection

The eyelid is one of the most common sites for non-melanoma skin cancer. In fact, skin cancers of the eyelid account for 5 to 10% of all skin cancers. Below are some tips for the proper use of sunscreens and eyeglasses.

• 95% of the Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the earth is UVA. Therefore, a full spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that protects the eyes from both UVA and UVB radiation is critical. For optimal protection of the delicate eye area, a sunscreen containing a physical blocker such as zinc oxide is indicated. We recommend Skinmedica’s SPF 30 sunscreen for sensitive skin types and Revisions Intellishade , which is a broad spectrum moisturizing sunscreen. Both of these products are available at our offices. NOTE: For runners, or other athletes, look for a sunscreen that is sweat resistant and won’t sting if it gets in your eyes.
• Sunglasses have become the ultimate fashion accessory but should also protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. When selecting eyeglasses, check the tag to insure that 99 to 100% of UV rays are blocked, they should fit comfortably over your eyes so as to not slip down the bridge of the nose, and consider different lens colors and technologies that are useful for reducing glare and improving color content and depth perception.