You have probably heard that skin is the human body’s largest organ. While this is true, not all of the skin on your body is created equally. For example, the skin that comprises your eyelids and the area under your eyes is much different than what you’ll find on the rest of your head, shoulders, knees and toes. To learn more about this sensitive skin and why it deserves a separate skincare routine, read on.
Skin on and Around the Eyes is Different
The skin around your eyes is unique in a number of ways. The skin on your eyelids lacks fat (which helps cushion the skin everywhere else) making it thinner than the rest of the skin on your body. Because of this, the eyelids can be especially sensitive to skin conditions, including becoming rough, flaky and scaly. This area is also prone to sun damage. This is because many people are nervous about applying sunscreen to their eyelids out of a fear of getting the product into their eyes, which can sting and burn. Although this is understandable, the thin eyelids are especially sensitive to UV rays, making them a prime spot for skin cancers to occur.
Besides your eyelids, the skin around and under your eyes is also thinner and more delicate than other parts of your body. Because this skin also tends to work really hard each day—everything from blinking to helping express emotions and more—it is more likely to show premature aging, dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.
Special Skin Deserves Special Treatment
As you can see (bad pun fully intended), the skin around your eyes is much more delicate and sensitive than on other parts of your body. As a result, it definitely deserves to be treated differently, both in how it is cleaned, moisturized and protected. When you wash your face, don’t apply the same cleaning force to your eyelids and areas around your eyes as you do to your chin and forehead. Instead, be as gentle as you can, starting by removing your eye makeup with a cotton ball. Use a fingertip to apply a facial cleanser around your eyes and carefully massage it in, rinsing away the suds with lukewarm water.
To help keep the skin around your eyes as healthy and happy as possible, follow your cleansing routine with an eye cream that is designed to help nourish the area while also reducing fine lines and crow’s feet. Consider a quality deep moisturizing eye cream with peptides from a brand such as Rodan + Fields. These products are created expressly for the delicate eye area and, when used regularly, can eliminate dryness and loss of firmness while visibly improving signs of aging.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen and Sunglasses
While you do need to be careful about applying sunscreen so close to your eyes, it is definitely an important part of your skincare routine. Try to find a sunscreen that is mineral based—for instance, contains zinc or titanium—and apply it as carefully as you can. Make sure you allow it to dry thoroughly before applying eye liner, eye shadow or mascara. As a backup, wear sunglasses that have UV protection in the glass and/or a large brimmed hat when you are out and about.
A Skincare Routine for Your Eyes Will Reward You in Many Ways
Once you adopt a daily and gentle skincare routine for the eye area, it shouldn’t be long before you notice tangible improvements. The skin around your eyes should look healthier, less dry and more youthful, you should look more awake thanks to fewer dark circles and bags, and you will hopefully ward off concerning health issues like skin cancer.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
