Augenpflege

Eye care – prevention rather than correction

Kosmetik International - Article by Elisabeth Bergvall
Many are unsure whether they already need special eye care. Yes, is the clear answer! Expert Elisabeth Bergvall explains which active ingredients prevent or alleviate signs of aging in the eye area.
The eyes are very expressive and reveal a lot about our emotions, mood, lifestyle, and age. Even our daily condition is reflected in our eyes. For people who value a well-groomed appearance and a positive aura, eye care is therefore essential. The first wrinkles that appear on the face with increasing age are most likely to form around the eye area.

 

THE REASONS FOR EYE WRINKLES

The thin skin also makes the eye area more sensitive and susceptible to allergic reactions and environmental influences than other areas of facial skin. Daily stress, screen work, and lack of sleep can intensify dark circles, shadows, and puffiness. To address these typical problems and the complexity of the sensitive eye area more effectively, regular use of an eye care product with suitable active ingredients is recommended.

EYE CARE SPECIALISTS FOR THE SENSITIVE ZONE

Eye cream often has a light consistency that is quickly absorbed by the thin skin yet feels nourishing on the skin—without weighing it down. In addition, for eye creams, emphasis is placed on mild preservatives and the use of non-creeping or smearing oils. These could get into the eyes, causing burning and irritation. If the primary need for care in the eye area is moisture and protection, a mild, well-formulated face cream without fragrances, alcohols, and irritating preservatives and ingredients can generally be used, depending on tolerance.

MUSCLE-RELAXING ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Preventive and corrective active ingredients can contribute to a significantly fresher and more radiant appearance around the eyes. For example, with the power ingredients Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Spilanthol, a muscle-relaxing effect can be achieved to impressively alleviate expression lines. In combination with hyaluronic acid, fine lines or "crow's feet" can also be visibly plumped up and smoothed quickly. Translucent capillaries also benefit from the plumping, moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid, becoming less visible.

STIMULATING COLLAGEN PRODUCTION WITH ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Active ingredients such as retinol, retinol derivatives, vitamin C, and peptides can stimulate collagen production and thus strengthen the collagen structure—for denser, smoother skin in the eye area. The effects of retinol and vitamin C are well documented and scientifically proven in studies. Retinol and vitamin C also have the anti-aging benefit of helping against sun damage and pigmentation spots, and refining the complexion.
Antioxidants and vitamin E provide cell protection, prevent premature aging, and make the skin barrier in the delicate eye area more resilient. In addition, antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide can also reduce pigmentation spots and redness.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS FOR SHADOWS AND PUFFINESS

Dark circles and puffy under-eye bags cannot be "cared away" – regardless of their origin, whether due to lifestyle, allergies, vitamin deficiency, lack of sleep, or genetic predisposition. However, it is possible to achieve an improvement. De-puffing active ingredients include caffeine and special plant extracts like Albizia julibrissin (Persian silk tree extract).

  • Caffeine helps reduce under-eye bags by draining through increased microcirculation and constricting blood vessels (vasoconstriction).
  • Albizia julibrissin from the bark of the Persian silk tree contains active ingredients that strengthen the thin capillaries around the eyes. Blood flow in the capillaries is stimulated by activating the natural detoxification system. Improved circulation leads to a reduction in pigment accumulation, dark circles, and simultaneously has a decongestant effect on under-eye bags.

PROVIDE PLENTY OF MOISTURE

Since the skin around the eyes has very few active sebaceous glands, moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin are essential to minimize dehydration lines. They are components of the natural moisturizing system and can strengthen the skin's regenerative capacity and alleviate irritation. Aloe Vera and D-panthenol are further substances with anti-inflammatory and itch-relieving properties.

OILS AND LIPIDS FOR AN INTACT SKIN BARRIER

Nourishing oils and lipids like squalane, shea butter, argan oil, and ceramides are important to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Squalane is particularly suitable for the eye area because it is a lightweight oil with strong antioxidant effects. It is a natural component of the skin barrier and therefore has high tolerability. This multi-active and highly nourishing oil is quickly absorbed without being greasy, protects, and ensures a more even eye area.

Conclusion: The effect of a well-formulated eye cream in a daily skincare routine is more visibly noticeable than in other facial areas. Therefore, an irritation-free, targeted eye care product is recommended for customers from around 25 years of age to prevent lines and wrinkles.