Although your skin is technically one large organ, not all parts of it have the same properties or needs. Differences in thickness, density of hair follicles, and oil gland activity means you can’t treat every inch of skin the same.

In particular, the skin around your eyes is especially sensitive and delicate. To stay healthy and beautiful, it needs special attention and care at every age.

This article will discuss:

• Skin Around the Eye
• Tips: Lifestyle & Products

A Closer Look at Skin Around the Eye

In order to properly care for the skin in the eye area, it helps to understand the unique anatomy of this area.

The structures surrounding the eye are called the eye adnexa; they consist of:

• Orbital fascia
• Ocular muscles
• Eyelids
• Tunica conjunctiva
• Lacrimal apparatus, or tear ducts

Eyelid skin is composed of several layers. The deepest layer rests on top of the orbicularis muscle, the muscle that controls movement of the eyelid. It consists of a thin layer of fascia, a soft tissue element of the connective tissue system found throughout the human body. Next comes the dermis which is made up of threadlike proteins and bunches of elastin and collagen. Finally the top layer, or epidermis, gives skin its color, texture, and overall appearance.

Tips: Products & Lifestyle Choices

Eyes are one of the first places to show aging, partly because the skin around the eyes is so thin. However, there are methods to protect the skin and treat both wrinkles and dark circles. Your best weapons against eye area aging are to use a daily eye lift cream to lock in moisture and to protect the area with sunscreen.

When choosing an eye area treatment, it is a good idea to look for one does not contain irritating ingredients or oils. The reduces the likelihood of clogged glands, styes, and other ocular problems. Products packaged in pumps rather than jars are preferable because the minimize the potential for contamination from your fingers.

Perricone MD’s exclusive line of Neuropeptide products includes the Neuropeptide cream. It nourishes the skin around the eyes with alpha lipoic acid and DMAE. These ingredients help to firm the skin, minimize dark circles, and reduce the appearance of puffiness and wrinkles.

Other than treating it with quality products as a part of your daily routine, there are lifestyle steps you can take to protect the skin around your eyes:

• Drink plenty of water — This helps keep all your skin hydrated and aids in the maintenance of elasticity.
• Avoid smoking — Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, even under the eyes. This can lead to nutrient-deprived skin and decreased collagen production.
• Monitor sun exposure — Overexposure to UV rays can lead to uneven pigmentation caused by abnormal melanocyte (pigment-producer) maturation. Wearing UV protective sunglasses keeps the damaging rays away from the skin and prevents squinting which can itself cause wrinkles.
• Get enough rest — To reduce dark circles and puffiness, sleep at least seven to eight hours every night. Also, try sleeping with your head slightly elevated. This fights helps prevent fluid from collecting in your lower eyelids.
• Be gentle — The skin around the eye requires delicate handling. Use cotton balls when removing make-up as to avoid pulling or tugging at the skin. When applying eye cream, use your ring finger in order to exert less pressure on the area.