BOOTCAMP FOR YOUR EYE BAGS

How face yoga exercises for your eyes could make you look years younger in months ... concluding our groundbreaking series

MANY of us take time to exercise our bodies, but we need to dedicate time to our faces as well.

Tired-looking eyes and bags under the eyes are a particular concern for many women — and men, too.

The skin here — known as the periocular area — is ten times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face. It is therefore much more delicate and more likely to show signs of ageing.

Lines can be caused by habitual facial expressions, such as smiling or squinting. Wrinkles form because of a breakdown of collagen and elastin surrounding the eyes.

This is due to internal and external influences, and from rubbing the skin when, for example, removing make-up or contact lenses, or during an allergy flare up. Vigorous rubbing causes tiny tears in the capillaries, leading to discolouration and puffiness.

The eye area is also prone to puffiness and dark circles, as well as hooded eyebrows and sunken eyes. The skin can look dehydrated and show lines earlier than other parts of the face, partially because it lacks oil glands.

But before you despair, this is where face yoga can help. Last week, I gave you the core exercises to use regularly to tone and hone your face.

Today, we’re focusing on the eye area, as well as the neck, with more exercises that target ways to improve blood flow to the skin and muscles.

Ideally, you should practise face yoga for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. A recent study, where particpants did face yoga for 30 minutes a day, found that it can make you look three years younger in 20 weeks. You can do it just before you go to bed or when watching TV or while soaking in the bath.

FACE Yoga, by Danielle Collins, is published by Watkins at €15.40.