A skincare guide to managing dark circles, puffiness and premature ageing around your eyes.
2021 has been the year of sheeeeesh… While many are still working from home and spending more time indoors, most of South Africa’s workforce has returned to the workplace and find themselves constantly in front of screens and wearing masks, inside and out of the office. These factors can cause our skin to become dull, dehydrated and age faster than it should.
The skin around our eyes is especially at risk because it is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the body. This means that it can be easily harmed and it is super susceptible to premature ageing.
So, how do we protect the skin around our eyes as well as treat and prevent issues like dark circles, puffiness and premature ageing?
We spoke to the Customer Service Manager at SKIN functional, Kevin Khosa, who shared that products that target specific skin concerns with science-backed formulations can help manage the situation. Take a look at his suggestions below
For Dark circles
Consider using a Vitamin C serum safe for the eye area. This ingredient scavenges free radicals and brightens the skin. Caffeine, Ceramides and Alpha Arbutin are also highly recommended alternative options.
For Puffy Eyes
Using a potent face serum that contains caffeine and peptides will help with puffy eyes. Caffeine reduces excess fluid build-up around the eye area, reducing puffiness and the Peptides increase the production of collagen and have the ability to assist in restoring damaged skin.
For redness and irritation Ceramides are essential for a healthy, intact skin barrier as well as Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 which is a phenomenal ingredient for preventing and treating skin sensitivity. Remember, when your skin is sensitive it means its barrier has been compromised. Consider incorporating a barrier supporting serum that contains Squalane which mimics skin’s natural lipids and inhibits loss of moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. Cannabis Sativa Oil is also a powerful antioxidant that scavenges Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), delivering perfect ratios of anti-inflammatory omega fatty acids. It also assists in diminishing lines, wrinkles, dullness, and poor complexion.
Anti Ageing
Keeping the area around your eyes moisturised is what we consider the most important step in reducing premature ageing and unwanted fine lines. Hyaluronic Acid, peptides and Vitamin C are your fighters in this war. Copper Tripeptide is also important as it increases the production of collagen and elastin and can promote the production of glycosaminoglycans while providing powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Be gentle always, when applying products, washing your face or even removing your makeup. Use as little pressure as possible and always rub inwards towards your nose.
Khosa added, “Lifestyle plays a major role. Sleep well, eat well, exercise, drink loads of water and treat yourself now and again to reduce stress and tension, whether it’s a massage or staycation – you deserve it. Environmental factors, as well as poor lifestyle choices and stress, contribute more than you think to the appearance of your skin.”.
