Taking Care of the Delicate Skin Under Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than skin on the rest of your body. As a result, this area can show signs of age earlier than other parts of your face. Taking proper care of the skin under your eyes can keep it looking smoother and more youthful for years to come.

Never Rub Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can irritate these sensitive surrounding tissues. Pulling the skin makes it loose and subject to fine lines. Use eye drops if you have red or dry eyes rather than rubbing them to try to make them feel better. Never use forceful motions to apply or remove eye makeup. Use a special sponge or brush applicator to apply eye makeup. Take it off by using a special eye makeup remover with a soft cotton puff. Avoid harsh cleansers that could dry out the skin around your eyes.

Use a Special Eye Area Moisturizer

The skin around your eyes is thin and requires additional moisture. Invest in a special eye cream to use before bed and prior to applying eye makeup. Cleanse your skin and eyes before bed to remove all traces of makeup. Slather on a thick layer of moisturizer to infuse this area with moisture while you sleep. Use a gentle upward patting motion to apply moisturizer around your eyes. Wash and dry your face again in the morning and apply a thin layer of eye cream to the area. Let the skin absorb it before you apply eye makeup. Use an eye makeup primer on your lids if you are concerned about eye shadow creasing or wearing off.

Getting Rid of Dark Areas Under Your Eyes

Always try to get at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. If you have dark circles under your eyes. use a non-irritating, non-comedogenic concealer to camouflage them. It should be a creamy formula in a shade or two lighter than your skin tone. Use a tapered brush or sponge to apply the concealer from the lower inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. Gently blend the concealer until it is invisible. To set it, use a small brush to apply a little mineral powder to the area.

Reducing Puffy Eyes

After a long day, our eyes sometimes look swollen and puffy. Reduce the swelling by placing a chilled slice of cucumber on each eye for 10 minutes. You can also soak cotton balls in chilled soy milk and place them on your eyes for a few minutes to minimize the swelling for a smoother look. Avoid salty foods that can make your eyes look puffier. What you eat is often reflected on your skin.

Make sure your eyes are part of your daily skin care regime. Often we remember to cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate but might forget the sensitive area around our eyes.  Get plenty of rest and avoid pulling this delicate skin when you apply makeup, put in contact lenses or put on moisturizer. Taking care of your eyes today will keep them looking more youthful tomorrow.

Image Source: © Fredgoldstein | 
Dreamstime Stock Photos &Stock Free Images