We are all well aware that not all skin is created equal. We use special care routines for the bottoms of our feet than we do for our faces or even our hands. The skin on the bottoms of our feet is thick and hard, as it must be since we walk on it all day long. The scalp has its own peculiarities in that it has embedded hair follicles. The skin of the nose and cheeks has very active oil glands. In the same way, the skin around our eyes has its own peculiar characteristics. For example, it has no oil glands, which makes it tend to become very dry. It's very thin and sensitive. It has very little fat padding but covers a dense network of veins and nerves; this structure is what accounts for the tendency to be puffy. It gets a lot of work, what with all the movements of the eyes and the squinting. For every one of these reasons, this is the first place where we notice the effects of aging. Clerks look at our eyes and ask us if we want the senior citizen discount. Because we want to look younger than we are, the eyes come in for special attention. We desire to neutralize the tendency of that skin to age faster than that of the rest of our faces.
Don't Squint
This is what causes crow's feet. We all tend to squint, and most of us are unaware that we are doing it. Ask family members whether you squint. It's particularly common if you’re nearsighted and don't wear glasses or if your glasses don't sufficiently correct your nearsightedness. If you can't see very clearly in the distance when you’re relaxed, you probably squint. You can avoid it. Just be aware that you’re doing it and get your glasses adjusted to solve the problem.
Protect your Eyes from the Sun's Rays
For the reasons listed above, the eye suffers more than other skin because of ultraviolet rays. Wear sunglasses that are wide enough to protect the skin around the eye. Be particular about what sunglasses you wear, also. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist which ones are best for you.
Pay Attention to Skin Irritation
If this skin becomes irritated and inflamed, it will cause it to age because it will generate large amounts of free radicals. The skin around the eyes is more susceptible than other skin to irritation. Be careful about the skin-care products you use because many of them irritate the eye area. Before putting a product on the skin around your eye, test it on the inside of your arm and on your face away from the eye area. There may be a form of the product you want to use that is designed specifically for the eye area. If that is true, use that version. Generally speaking, eye creams are more hydrating and less irritating than regular skin-care products. By all means, stop using it if an irritation develops. You may need to use something to heal it for a few days. If the irritation persists, it might be a good idea to visit your doctor.
Be Careful about Makeup
Makeup products intended for the face may contain irritants that will cause a flare only in the eye area. Actually, it's best to use makeup in moderation, particularly in the eye area. Makeup advertised to be long-lasting may be the most harmful because it probably contains harsher ingredients. It may also require irritating solvents to remove it.
Puffiness
The swelling is probably not only in the eye but also in the face. It stretches the skin and is a precursor to wrinkles and sagging. The skin around the eyes is particularly likely to swell because of the underlying network of veins and the fact that there is no fat padding. However, if there is significant swelling, it may be a sign of kidney or liver disease and if it persists should be discussed with your physician. Allergies also cause swelling. You may want to explore your environment, diet, or skin-care products for possible allergic reactions. However, morning puffiness is more commonly caused by lifestyle factors, such as drinking alcoholic beverages too late in the evening, so you might explore what in yours might be causing it. It's best to find the cause and eliminate it if possible because the long-term effects of persistent puffiness are wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
Moisturizing
Because the skin around your eyes is particularly likely to be very dry, keeping it well hydrated is an important step in preventing wrinkles. Use a long-lasting moisturizer that will provide 24-hour protection without a second application during the day. Be sure the moisturizer you use contains only natural and organic ingredients. If you feel that what you’re doing is not enough, you might want to try a night cream. Also, take a look at your environment. Are there things you can do to add moisture to the air you live in, for instance.
The Important Role of Diet in Prevention of Aging
Remember that you are what you eat. Your raw-foods diet should contain the nutrients that build healthy skin all over your body, including your eyes. A balanced raw-foods diet that includes plenty of raw whole grains and an abundance of fruits and vegetables that provide the range of vitamins necessary for good health will also build up your skin where it's most fragile. Also, pay attention to anti-oxidants. Most raw-foods diets are already high in these magical substances that make such a difference in how healthy our skin is; however, give some special attention to them when you are planning your raw-foods diet. Consider including broccoli sprouts–they are a powerhouse of skin-protecting nutrients.
For a homemade facial, try the following:
Use carrots that have been pureed, and add ½ teaspoon of wheat germ oil, 1-2 teaspoons of honey and a few drops of geranium oil. Mix the ingredients together and apply to your face and neck. Wait about 20 minutes and then rinse off. This can be used as a quick home facial to give a more youthful looking appearance.
By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari
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