The skin surrounding the eyes, particularly under the eyes, is considerably thinner than the skin on the rest of the face. As you grow older, collagen begins to break down; the skin becomes more tenuous and further loses its elasticity. Wrinkles and bags start to appear, which can add years to a person's appearance. Fortunately, there are several exercises that can be performed to diminish the appearance of under-eye wrinkles.
Eyelid Stretch
In his book "Five Minute Face Lift," Reinhold Benz describes a simple method to flatten out under-eye wrinkles. Open your eyes wide, pulling the upper lids upward, and the lower lids downward, as far as possible. When executed correctly, the white around the iris should be clearly visible. Hold the pose for 15 seconds, relax and repeat 10 times. This will also help your upper lids to refrain from drooping.
Closed Eye Stretch
Close your eyes in a seated position. Your eyes should be relaxed. Lift your upper lids, and lower the lower lids simultaneously. The skin around your eyes should be stretched as far as possible, without opening your eyes. Hold the pose for five seconds and repeat for a total of five times.
Lower Lid Lift
Deborah Crowley, who developed the Flex Effect Facial Resistance training program, incorporates a "lower lid lift" into her system to strengthen the under-eye muscles and help diminish lines, bags and puffiness. Place your three middle fingers under your eyes, and pull the lower lids downward to the top of your cheekbones. At the same time, contract the palpebral muscle by trying to close your eyes. Do not release the lower lids. Hold for five seconds, and repeat 10 times.
Eye Tapping
Tap directly underneath your eyes gently, using the middle fingers. Start at the inner corners, and work your way outward, then back toward your nose again. Tap using light brisk movements, for a total of approximately 45 seconds.
Lower Lid Press
Place the fleshy part of your palms on your lower lids, pulling the under-eye skin taut with your palms, and apply pressure. Against this pressure and resistance provided by your palms, attempt to lift your lower eyelids upward. When performed correctly you will feel the lower eye muscle beneath your hands begin to flutter or twitch. Hold the pose for around 20 to 30 seconds. The exercise can be repeated several times per day.
Palming
After performing any eye exercises, "palming" is a technique to relax the eyes. Cover your eyes with your cupped hands, adjusting your fingers as necessary, so no light can filter through. Close your eyes and relax with your palms cupped over your eyes for several minutes. Palming will help you relax your eyes after performing eye exercises and is also a helpful tool against eye strain.
References
- Mediniche: Caring for the Skin Around the Eyes
- Ageless: Eyes and Forehead Facial Exercises
- "Five Minute Face Lift"; Reinhold Benz; 1991
- "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training"; Deborah Crowley; 2002
- "Zone Therapy: Youth, Beauty and Health in Ten Minutes a Day"; Joseph Corvo; 1993
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