By Kate Creasey
Even if eyes aren't really the windows to our soul, they certainly give a pretty good insight into what we've been up to. Been burning the candle at both ends? Those dark circles certainly suggest so. Been flagging on the water-intake and enjoying a glass or three of white instead? Tell-tale puffiness gives the game away.
The reason the eyes are the first areas to show the signs of ageing, fatigue and an unhealthy lifestyle is down to the delicate nature of the skin. The skin around the eyes is much thinner than anywhere else on the face and also contains fewer oil glands. This means the area is more susceptible to dryness and subsequently fine lines and wrinkles.
There are, however, some simple steps you can take to keep your peepers looking fresh, bright and wrinkle-free.
Moisture boost
Although you don't necessarily need to use separate products on your face and eyes, it's important not to overload the eye area. Don't slather on super-rich creams to try to combat dryness – the skin around your eyes won't be able to cope and will become puffy. Instead apply a rice grain's worth of product gently around the eye socket area (follow the orbital bone and avoid applying direct to the lids). When it comes to choosing an eye cream Sally Penford, Education Manager at the International Dermal Institute, advises you to look out for certain ingredients. 'Look for antioxidants to fight the ravages of free radicals that cause wrinkles. Also look for a physical sunscreen to guard against UVB but also UVA… a primary cause of premature ageing.'
Handle with care
Tugging, pulling and rubbing can all damage the delicate skin around the eyes so try to treat this area to a softer touch. When you apply eye cream or concealer use your ring finger to gently pat the cream into the skin. The warmth from your fingers will help to melt the product into the skin without the dreaded drag, which not only damages the skin but also moves product around without it necessarily being absorbed.
[quote]Travelling light
If you're carrying the equivalent of Victoria Beckham's suitcases beneath your eyes, help is at hand. Temporary bags, which can appear due to lack of sleep (or in fact too much sleep), smoky atmospheres and allergies, can be reduced with a couple of simple tricks. Gently tapping your ring finger around the eye area can help to reduce puffiness, as can applying an ice cube for a moment. Exercise can also help to stimulate drainage around the eye area and reduce the puffiness. Permanent eye bags tend to be hereditary and cosmetic surgery is usually the only way to banish them for good.
Take the day off
Sleeping in your eye make-up will not only leave you with a grubby pillowcase but also potentially sore, swollen panda-style eyes. Using a separate eye make-up remover will ensure you get rid of hard-to-shift mascara without having to viciously scrub away at it. And if you're prone to climbing into bed with a faceful of make-up after a big night out why not leave a pack of cleansing wipes by your bed so you can quickly get rid of most of it before collapsing?
Cover-up
The final thing to remember is that, summer or winter, shielding your eyes with sunglasses will help to keep fine lines and wrinkles away. Make sure they are 100% UVA and UVB resistant. Size-wise, the bigger the better. Super-sized shades not only look chic and stylish but will keep your eyes better protected too.
Your eyecare kit bag:
Everyday eye cream: Garnier Nutritionist Regenerating Eye Cream (£8.49, available nationwide)
Eye treatment cream: Osmotics Eye Surgery (£45, 020 7409 9823)
Soothing eye gel: Molton Brown Eye Rescue (£22, 0808 178 1188)
Cleansing: Dermalogica Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (£16.40, 0800 591818)
Quick cleansing: Johnson's 3-in-1 Facial Cleansing Wipes (£2.99, available nationwide)
