Up to around twenty years of age the production of sebum from the sebaceous glands in the skin surrounding the eyes keeps the area moisturized and wrinkle free. Sebaceous glands are found on all areas of the body with the exception of the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet.
The glands are tiny and perform a specialist function depending on their location on the body. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body, making it more prone to drying out than, for example, an area covered by hair such as the scalp.
After twenty years of age, as the activity of hormones called androgens diminish, the skin around the eyes begins to dry out causing wrinkles and lines to appear. To keep these signs of aging at bay it is important to take precautions.Keep the skin around the eyes moisturized
Keratin is the outer layer of skin and is the first line of defense against the damage caused by the suns rays, excess alcohol, smoking and even smiling. Bear in mind that the first place that people look at when you meet them is your eyes. Keeping the keratin layer healthy can keep you young looking.
In good weather be sure to wear good quality sunglasses, wear appropriate headwear and try not to squint your eyes in bright light conditions. Also avoid exposing the eye area to wind and rain. Keep out of smoky bars and take it easy on the booze.
There are a number of effective over the counter eye moisturizers. Depending on the lines or crowfeet or hopefully lack of them your pharmacist can advise you on the most suitable product.
Another first sign of aging is droopy eyes, where the skin underneath the lower lids sags and looks puffy. This can sometimes be caused temporarily by an allergy such as pollen.
Antihistamines are the best solution to keep this temporary condition from blighting your social life so sufferers should always keep some handy in case of an attack, and try not to rub your eyes, it will only make the condition look worse.
Applying a cold pack will help reduce the swelling and irritation.
If you are over thirty and the bagginess is a permanent problem and likely to appear more noticeable as time goes by it will be caused by the diminishing amount of collagen your body is producing, which, in turn lessens the elasticity of the thin skin around the eyes and its ability to hold up or retain the fat accumulating below the eyes.
There are over the counter creams that mostly contain peptides, which assist the production of collagens and may help to restore the elasticity of the skin. The other remedy, and longer lasting, is with the use of fillers. Ask the advice of your doctor or qualified beautician before taking this route.
Another aging problem focusing on the eyes is when the upper lids droop and look heavy. This is again caused by the skin losing its elasticity as age creeps up on us.
Surgical options will give longer lasting relief to sufferers but in the early stages the problem can be alleviated with collagen producing creams but we advise getting specialist advise before deciding on the best treatment to suit you.
