How to prevent hooding and other aging of the eyes

As you grow older, skin undergoes gradual changes. Some parts of the face are more susceptible than others to the signs of aging. This includes the fragile eye area. Being the most sensitive area of the face with the least amount of sebaceous oil glands, the eyelids are vulnerable to the effects of UV exposure, harsh chemicals, dehydration, allergies and sleep deprivation and the first to manifest signs of age and fatigue. This is because eyelid skin is four times thinner than the rest of the face, making it particularly susceptible to UV damage and hormonal changes. This together with reduced elasticity and elastic results in loss of collagen, a protein that gives us a plump, youthful look.

Crows’ feet develop over time because of tiny muscle contractions that happen every time you make a movement. It is the result of a loss of elasticity in skin combined with wrinkles caused by smiling, squinting, rubbing the eyes and other facial expressions that stretch and pinch the skin around the eyes. Even putting on eye makeup may cause your eye area to wrinkle prematurely, making you appear years older. Dark circles may develop due to translucency of thinning skin and/or pigmentary changes. Of course, genes may also play a role. Loss of volume from the temples can add to upper lid redundancy and hooding, reveals ophthalmic surgeon Dr Julia Sen. In the lower lids, compromised lymphatic drainage may lead to puffiness.

Since the eye area is so delicate, you should not use your face moisturizer on the area but choose a  cream dedicated to the eye area instead. A good eye cream can help get rid of dryness as well as take care of the puffiness. You should probably be careful about choosing what ingredients go on your eye area, as the skin around the eyes is so sensitive, ingredients that work well on the rest of the face may be too aggressive and lead to additional problems like milia, skin irritation and allergic reactions.

To minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you should carefully select a safe and effective product. One such eye cream that reduces puffiness and sagging without unwanted side effects is CALECIM®s Eye Contour Lifting Cream. According to Dr Sen, the Eye Contour Lifting Cream applied to the lids and temples enhances volume and improves skin quality, thanks to its unique combination of clinically proven active ingredients, including the patented PTT-6® technology. PTT-6®, derived ethically from the cord lining of red deer, contains stem cell and exosomes and has been scientifically validated. It should be noted that the extraction of these stem cells are conducted under extreme ethical considerations with no harm to any animals.

The stem cell-secreted growth factors and exosomes in the Eye Contour Lifting Cream has a tightening effect on the eye area and is able to perform the following actions, reveals Dr Sen:

• Reduce crepiness and translucency by thickening both epidermal and dermal skin layers in both temples and eyelids
• Enhance texture and elasticity by increasing production of collagen and elastin
• Interrupt pigment-inducing inflammatory responses by improving barrier function
• Alleviate puffiness by enhancing circulation

The result?  Tighter, smoother, more even skin with less tendency to sag. It also addresses discoloration, visibly reducing the appearance of dark circles.

For best results in maintaining eye shape and contour, it is recommended to apply the Eye Contour Lifting Cream right up to your temples to nourish and strengthen the area that helps ‘hold up’ your eyes. The formulation’s high concentration of PTT-6® can help improve collagen and elastin production of skin cells in this crucial area.

For Dr Sen, CALECIM® products with their patented stem cell technology are a staple within her practice for skincare and enhancing results following many surgical and non-surgical procedures. “I recommend CALECIM® Eye Contour Lifting Cream to treat aging changes in this most cosmetically important and sensitive area,” she affirms.

Besides using a good eye cream, do ensure you follow healthy lifestyle practices such as getting enough sleep and limiting your alcohol intake to keep the area around your eyes looking its best.