The skin around your eyes is very thin when compared to skin on other parts of the face and neck, making it is susceptible to damage as you age. A certain amount of aging in the facial skin, including the eyes, is normal due to loss of muscle tone, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Two main culprits in accelerated eye skin aging are sun damage and smoking. Protecting your skin from harmful rays and toxins can help reduce the look of aging.
Step 1
Reduce the signs of aging in the skin surrounding your eyes by protecting your face from the sun's harmful rays. According to the Mayo Clinic, overexposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause elastin and collagen, two substances that give your skin support and elasticity, to break down. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat when you go outside. A stick form of sunscreen can be effective around your eyes without running and causing discomfort.
Step 2
Keep your eyes from developing premature crow's feet and bags by not smoking. Your skin will most likely look younger and smoother if you have never smoked, but you can also reap the benefits by quitting if you are a current smoker. Smoking increases the risk of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around your eyes and mouth.
Step 3
Follow a healthy diet that contains fresh produce, whole grains and keeps you hydrated. New York City dermatologist Karen Burke explains that a wide variety of nutrients can keep your skin looking healthy. Water also helps plump up dry tissues that may begin to look wrinkled.
Step 4
Reduce the signs of aging by applying moisturizers, firming creams that contain coenzyme Q10 or alpha hydroxy acids, or retinoid medications to the spots near your eyes that droop or sag. According to the Mayo Clinic, products of this kind range in effectiveness and may not work for everyone. Consult your doctor to determine which product is most appropriate for your use.
Step 5
You can also undergo cosmetic procedures designed to scale back your crow's feet and reduce the signs of aging. Botox injections are commonly used to fill the wrinkled spaces formed by crow's feet. Microdermabrasion can also smooth the skin around your eyes by sanding away lines and furrows. These procedures are not permanent fixes, and can become expensive because they are not usually covered by medical insurance.
Things You'll Need
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
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