Unless you’ve found the fountain of youth, there is no going around the fine lines and crow’s feet that will eventually creep upon all of us. It’s best you accept it—and do it gracefully. What you can do though is to get to know your skin better now rather than later. While we many not avoid the wrinkles, we can reduce the damage.
1. Eye problem: Dark circles even when you get enough sleep
Why it’s happening: If fatigue isn’t the cause, then the culprit is most likely nasal congestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, when your nose is congested veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose widen (dilate) and thus becomes darker. Eyelid swelling can also happen when you sleep, and that creates the appearance of shadows below your eyes. You may also want to check with your doctor about chronic skin conditions, such as atopic eczema, which can cause dark circles.
Beauty aid: Look for eye creams that contain vitamin C or K, alpha hydroxy acids and kinetin. These might help diminish the dark circles but if it’s chronic or severe, you may want to consult a doctor who may recommend bleaching agents and laser therapy.
2. Eye Problem: Puffiness or the so-called ‘eye bags’
Why it’s happening: If your mom—or dad—suffers from puffiness, then you’re likely to inherit it. Sometimes too much sleep—or too little—makes the skin under your eyes swell. It can also be fluid retention due to weather or hormone levels. You may also be suffering from an allergy especially if it’s accompanied by redness and itching.
Beauty aid: Always have the dependable cucumber slices on hand; chill first before putting on your eyes and do it when you’re sitting up. You can also use refrigerated gel mask or chilled, damp tea bags. You can also treat it with a lightweight eye gel containing chamomile, green tea, cucumber, or aloe. See your doctor if the puffiness is severe and persistent.
3. Eye Problem: Fine lines and those charming creases called crow’s feet
Why it’s happening: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and dryer. It loses its elasticity and will start to sag and form furrows. There’s also one of our worst enemies—gravity.
Beauty aid: A moisturizing eye cream can plump up the lines so they look less pronounced. But that’s only a temporary solution. Look for creams with Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acids, and vitamin A (retinol) to actually diminish the lines. Be forewarned though that these ingredients can be irritating to the skin aside from being expensive. Try to get samples to test how your skin will react.
The best secret to younger looking skin
Sun exposure especially to its ultraviolet (UVA or UVB) light hastens and exacerbates the wrinkling of the skin. In fact, it’s the major cause of premature skin aging (which can occur by age 20) and skin cancer. So always use products with at least an SPF 25 whether in your eye cream or a regular moisturizer. Apply it everyday and generously especially when you’re going to be under the sun for a long period of time.
Help your skin even further by not exposing your skin to cigarette smoke and other pollutants.