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Sun exposure contributes to a number of skin issues, including fine lines, wrinkles, skin dryness, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, SPF is key.
The upper and lower eyelids are often neglected when we apply sunscreen. So make sure to apply a little extra SPF around that area in the AM.
Therefore, look for formulas with encapsulated retinol, which decreases the risk of irritation.
Instead, opt for a more hydrating, gel-like formula, which will help prevent creasing. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
Avoid rich, silicone-heavy eye creams, unless you're dealing with excessively dry skin. Ultrarich products can work against concealing and brightening, while silicone-heavy formulas can lead to creasing issues.
Retinoids stimulate new collagen synthesis, which helps prevent collagen degradation and improve fine lines and wrinkles. However, because they can be drying, it's important to look for a product that won't irritate the delicate area.
Another way to physically cool the area is by using actual cooling under-eye gels and patches. And if they're not naturally cooling, just throw them in the fridge overnight.
For example, to reduce redness, use a concealer shade with a more neutral or golden tone, as it helps neutralize redness. For under-eye darkness, try warm-hued color correctors.
To camouflage any problem areas, start by using medium-coverage hydrating concealer. Then, you'll want to tweak your shade choice based on your biggest concern.
Even cool compresses like chilled spoons will help shrink dilated blood vessels and soothe inflammation and swelling.
You can also try DIY at-home remedies, like using green tea bags, which have been shown to help with under-eye puffiness.
Insufficient toxin drainage and fluid buildup, which are results of poor blood circulation, can cause swelling and puffiness. As a result, enhancing blood circulation is a great technique for waking up the eyes.
Another way to help enhance blood circulation is with manual stimulation and lymphatic drainage. This can be as simple as a gentle under-eye massage.
Look for an eye cream with circulation-enhancing ingredients, such as vitamin K. It will improve dark circles and redness.
Choose products with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients, especially if you suffer from excessive dryness.
Cooling the under-eye area is also an effective method to lessen any puffiness. Try using a chilled roller or even chilled cucumber slices.
During the day, less is always more. Using too much product can work against you, especially around the eye area, which is already prone to creasing.
Look for ingredients like ceramides, chamomile, cucumber, aloe vera, or colloidal oatmeal.
In the morning, apply ultra-thin layers of eye cream, color corrector, and concealer to prevent the product from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. In the evening, pack on the cream before bed. Just remember to be gentle.
Sources: (Byrdie) (Healthline)
See also: Bad beauty habits we all need to break
The area around your eyes is one of the thinnest, most sensitive areas of your body. This makes it more susceptible to irritation, sensitivity, and to signs of aging.
You only need to use a pea-sized amount of product for both eyes. Apply with your ring finger, which has a naturally light touch and won't put too much pressure on the skin.
Make sure you apply products with a gentle tapping motion, and take extra care to avoid tugging and pulling on the skin.
Instead, try showering with lukewarm water, and switch over to washing your face with cold water.
Regardless of under-eye concern, it's important to use caution and proceed with a gentle approach.
Hot water can quickly thin and dry out your skin. So if you're in the habit of washing your face with hot water, you might want to cut back to save your under-eye area.
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it can tighten or constrict the blood vessels, which eliminates puffiness.
For those with discoloration or hyperpigmentation around their under-eyes, opt for products that will brighten and even out pigmentation. Antioxidants like vitamin C can help you with that, as well as smoothening niacinamide.
Do note that caffeine provides temporary relief only. Once you stop using the ingredient, the puffiness may come back.
Other gentle ingredients that will lighten darkness without irritating the skin include arbutin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid.
Whether fighting dark circles, puffiness, or sagging, we're pretty much all on a quest for the best way to handle our under-eyes. And while it might be frustrating, fear not! The good news is, whatever your under-eye concern may be, there's likely a solution that doesn't require a trip to the dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
If you’re in need of a little assistance to improve the appearance of your under-eye area, click on for dermatologist-approved tips.
Ways to improve the look of your under-eyes
Learn how to care for the skin under your eyes
LIFESTYLE Skincare
Whether fighting dark circles, puffiness, or sagging, we're pretty much all on a quest for the best way to handle our under-eyes. And while it might be frustrating, fear not! The good news is, whatever your under-eye concern may be, there's likely a solution that doesn't require a trip to the dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
If you’re in need of a little assistance to improve the appearance of your under-eye area, click on for dermatologist-approved tips.