EYE CARE – PREVENT RATHER THAN CORRECT

Kosmetik International - Article by Elisabeth Bergvall

Many are unsure if they already need a special eye cream. Yes, is a clear answer! Expert Elisabeth Bergvall explains which active ingredients prevent or alleviate signs of aging in the eye area.

Our eyes are very expressive and reveal a lot about our emotions, mood, lifestyle, and age. Even our daily well-being is reflected in our eyes. Therefore, eye care is essential for people who value a well-groomed appearance and positive radiance. The first wrinkles that appear on the face with increasing age are most likely to form in 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 the 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 provides nourishment without weighing it down. Furthermore, special attention is paid to mild preservatives and the use of non-creeping or non-smearing oils in eye creams. These could get into the eyes, causing burning and irritation. If the primary need in the eye area is moisture and protection, a mild, well-formulated face cream without fragrances, alcohols, and irritating preservatives and ingredients can also 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, the powerful active ingredients Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Spilanthol can achieve a muscle-relaxing effect to effectively soften expression lines. In combination with hyaluronic acid, fine lines or "crow's feet" can also be visibly plumped 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 framework – for denser, smoother skin in the eye area. The effect of Retinol and Vitamin C is very 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, as well as 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 further reduce pigmentation spots and redness.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS FOR SHADOWS AND SWELLING

Dark circles and swollen under-eye bags cannot be eliminated by skincare alone – regardless of their origin, whether caused by lifestyle, allergies, vitamin deficiency, lack of sleep, or genetic predisposition. However, it is possible to achieve an improvement. Active ingredients that reduce swelling include, for example, caffeine and special plant extracts such as Albizia julibrissin (silk tree extract).

Caffeine helps reduce under-eye bags by increasing microcirculation, draining fluid, 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 encouraging the natural detoxification system. Improved circulation leads to a reduction in pigment accumulation and dark circles, and also 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 additional substances with anti-inflammatory and itch-relieving properties.

OILS AND LIPIDS FOR AN INTACT SKIN BARRIER

Nourishing oils and lipids such as squalane, shea butter, argan oil, and ceramides are important for locking in moisture and strengthening the skin barrier. Squalane is particularly suitable for the eye area because it is a light oil with strong antioxidant properties. 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 overly 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, a low-irritant, targeted eye care product is recommended for clients from around 25 years of age to prevent lines and wrinkles.