Why the skin around your eyes ages quickly?
Your eyes aren’t just a window to the soul, they can also be a tell-tale sign of aging!
The periorbital area, which refers to the skin around the eyes, is distinct from other areas of the body. A combination of factors contributes to the quicker appearance of aging signs in this region.
Here’s Why:
The skin around the eyes is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of the body. The thinnest on the eyelids making it more vulnerable + sensitive to damage.
This thin skin has less collagen + elastin, which are the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and smooth. As their productions decrease with age, the skin becomes less resilient and more prone to sagging, puffiness, and discoloration.
Thin skin also means that the deeper vascular system beneath the skin shows more, which can contribute to the appearance of dark circles, fatigued look.
The skin around eyes also lacks sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, the oily substance that helps moisturize and protect our skin. Without this natural lubrication, the skin around your eyes is more prone to dehydration+dryness, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
Eyes are very expressive. This area is constantly in motion and contribute significantly to non-verbal communication cues. All the micro-contractions that happen to the skin from blinking to facial expressions, as we smile or squint in the sun can cause the skin to stretch, fold and crease over time.
The delicate skin around the eyes can experience a lot of wear and tear. We often touch or rub our eyes without thinking, and removing eye makeup nightly can contribute to the stretching of this thin skin. Over time, even gentle tugging can lead to sagging under the eyes and eyelids.
There is also a decline in the supporting structures that hold everything together. We lose fat and bone density around our bodies including our faces. Facial muscles are either used incorrectly or not used at all. The fascia gets tight and rigid.
Signs of Eye Aging
About the Eye Skin
Now that you know why the skin around your eyes ages faster than other parts of your face and body, it's important to understand that different areas of the eye are susceptible to specific issues. Here's a breakdown of the three main areas of your eye skin:
Under-eye: The skin beneath your eyes is thin and delicate, making it prone to fine lines and wrinkles. As collagen decreases, veins and blood vessels become more visible, leading to the appearance of dark circles. As we age, the muscles and structure supporting the skin weaken, causing it to sag. Additionally, this area is prone to fluid retention, which can make it appear puffy.
Eyelid: The skin on your upper eyelids is the thinnest on your body, making it especially fragile. With age and frequent rubbing, the skin can begin to sag and lose elasticity. It's also more likely to develop crepiness, which results in a crinkled or wrinkled texture.
Outer-eye area: When you smile or squint, the skin around your outer eyes crinkles, forming what we call "crow’s feet." Over time, these expression lines can become more prominent and etched into the skin, contributing to the signs of aging in this area.
As we age, the delicate skin around our eyes starts to show unwanted changes. By understanding how each part of the eye area ages, you can customize your skincare routine to target specific concerns, ensuring your eyes stay fresh, bright, and youthful-looking.
The key is selecting the right skincare + makeup + treatments, and learning how to use them together for optimal results.