EYE LINES: caring for your eye area

Strike that unflattering term “crow’s feet” from your vocabulary. Sharon Hunt explores how to embrace those glorious smile lines while still caring for the eye area.

Years of grins, giggles and guffaws cause tiny creases to form at the outer corner of the eyes. We’re all for embracing these smile lines, but that doesn’t mean neglecting the delicate eye area all together.

A two-pronged approach is the best way to address unwanted fine lines. And that’s something to smile about.

QUENCH

Smile lines emerge over time as a result of repeated facial muscle contractions. They’re a souvenir of a life well lived – and we love them for that.

Advancing fine lines around the eyes are the ones worth taking a stand against. They emerge due to a combination of skin dehydration and a decline in collagen and elastin.

“The skin around the eyes is much thinner, so wrinkles develop more rapidly in this area,” explains Dr Michelle Hunt, a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

When the eye area is dehydrated it exacerbates the appearance of lines. “Think plum versus prune,” says Dr Hunt. “Ensuring the eye area is hydrated keeps the skin plump and supple, reducing the appearance of fine lines.”

For maximum hydration choose a nourishing eye cream that contains hyaluronic acid, as this ingredient attracts and retains water. Other measures include washing with lukewarm water and drinking plenty of water.

SMOOTH

Collagen and elastin are the main building blocks of the skin, giving it its strength and ability to bounce back. However, once these two pillars decline, wrinkles and sagging could soon follow – usually first visible around the eyes.

Preventing further damage is paramount. Natural ageing is one factor we can’t do much about, but lifestyle and environmental factors play a part – and that’s where we can intervene.

“Things like sun exposure, stress, smoking and even excess sugar and alcohol cause destruction to collagen and elastin,” advises Dr Hunt. “So use sun protection, avoid smoking, have a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy diet.”

In terms of skincare, your eye products need to work a little harder and there are two ingredients frequently called on: retinol and peptides.

“Retinol helps protect collagen and elastin from damage and stimulate collagen production,” Dr Hunt says. “Meanwhile, peptides imitate normal biological signals that either stimulate repair or inhibit breakdown of collagen and elastin.”