Beneath Your Eyes

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

13 Jun 2009 11:46 AM

I was watching The Colbert Report the other day, and caught a segment on an FDA-approved mini-laser that is designed to treat wrinkles around the eyes at home. I'm not so sure I like the idea of trying to use a laser anywhere on my own face... let alone around the eyes.

The skin around the eyes is very delicate -- some say the most fragile skin on the entire body. Lots of things can contribute to wrinkles, dark circles, and other damage to the skin beneath your eyes:

• Sun exposure. UV rays are a major contributor to the development of fine lines.
• Aging. As we age, our skin becomes less resilient. There are fewer oil glands under your eyes than in other areas of the body, making this skin prone to sagging, wrinkles, and crow's feet.
• Hormones. Hormonal changes as we age can lead to a sunken look beneath the eyes.
• Stress. High stress levels over a long period of time can upset the body's chemical balance, leaving the skin beneath your eyes vulnerable.
• Fatigue. A lack of sleep can encourage development of dark circles, puffy skin, and dull skin around the eyes.
• Allergies and other sensitivities. An allergic reaction can leave your eyes (and the skin around them) irritated, red, and itchy.

What can you do to help the delicate skin around your eyes look happy and healthy? Here are a few things to try:

• Relieve "raccoon eyes" with vitamin K.
• Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E are great for helping to firm up sagging skin.
• Protect the skin around your eyes (and on the rest of your face) by wearing moisturizers that include SPF.
• Reduce puffiness with caffeine. Facial products that include caffeine can improve circulation, bringing puffy, red skin closer to normal.
• Vitamin A and/or retinols can help treat and prevent fine lines around the eyes.

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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