Eye Wrinkles

Three Layers of Skin

The skin is made up of three unique layers. They are:

1. Epidermis: This is the outermost, visible layer.
2. Dermis: The middle layer. It is elastin-rich, a quality which maintains the skin's elasticity, vitality and youthfulness. It also contains collagen.
3. Subcutaneous: The innermost layer.

Causes of Aging Skin

If only one culprit in the age-old battle against wrinkles existed, it might be a fight easily won. Aging, however, is the result of many factors, including unavoidable genetic and preventable environmental influences on the skin. The eyes, in particular, are highly susceptible to premature aging. The area is delicate, thin and is naturally less rich in collagen. In order to best combat eye wrinkles, it is important to understand what causes this sensitive area to change over time.

Intrinsic Aging

Roughly 80% of the skin is made up of collagen, the molecule responsible for making the skin smooth, strong and firm. It also contributes to the skin's supple nature, allows it to retain moisture and makes it thicker.

The natural aging process, however, involves an old friend called time. As the years progress, the dermis loses its ability to hold on to water, and the body's oil-producing glands begin to slow. Collagen production slows dramatically, which then results in a slew of skin care woes heretofore unfamiliar to most women, including wrinkles, scars and fine lines. The skin naturally grows weaker, becomes thinner and is essentially more prone to the sorts of blemishes generally associated with aging. This process is known as intrinsic aging.

There are several additional signs of intrinsic aging, in addition to the aforementioned changes. They include:

• Itchy, dry skin
• Hair loss or excessive hair growth
• Bone loss
• Transparent skin
• Graying hair
• Hollowed cheeks and eye sockets

Extrinsic Aging

If intrinsic is the body's natural aging process, then extrinsic is the exact opposite. This aging process involves the skin's exposure to the elements. These external factors easily contribute to premature aging. It is important to consider that this is a preventable part of the aging process. The following are key extrinsic aging factors:

Sun

The sun is perhaps the greatest culprit of all. "Photo-aging," or sun-related aging, causes fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, leathery skin, broken capillaries, spider veins and blotchiness. Skin cancer is also primarily attributed to sun exposure.

• Eye wrinkles, or "crow's feet," and furrowed brows are both often related to squinting in the sunlight. It's never too late to start wearing sunblock. Invest in a pair of high-quality, ultra-violet sunglasses, and remember that even the glare from the sun can be harmful.

Sleeping Positions

It's much easier said than done, but a change in sleeping positions may well work wonders for your skin's future. "Sleep lines" form after years of resting the head in the same position. Women who sleep on their sides may notice an increase in chin and cheek wrinkles, while those who sleep on their stomachs may experience lines on the forehead, mouth and around the eyes. If these positions apply to you, consider lying on your back.

• Sleep plays an important role in the formation of eye wrinkles. It is imperative – for both your skin and overall wellbeing – to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. There's a reason it's called beauty sleep, after all – and a reason they called her Sleeping Beauty!

Facial Expressions

Frowning, glaring, knotting and creasing the brow and simply making faces can all contribute to eye wrinkle formation. Most people aren't especially aware of the expressions on their faces at all times, but a conscious effort should be made to correct a known habit, such as perpetually frowning.

• Often, tense facial expressions are the result of stress. A relaxed mind naturally equates to a relaxed body. Be mindful of your facial expressions, particularly focusing on your brows and forehead. Of course, there is a vast difference between expression lines and wrinkles, however metaphorical it might be. Lines derived from years of laughter generally convey a more healthy overall mentality than lines caused from years of stress and worry.

Eye Wrinkle Creams

There is no magic potion for eye wrinkles, but the skin care industry overflows with a wide collection of gels, creams, serums and oils designed to combat the aging process. A few of the most popular ones include:

• Lancome High Resolution Eye with Collaser-48™: This treatment packs an eye wrinkle-fighting punch. It promises to accelerate collagen production within 48 hours and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
• Clinique Moisture Surge Extra Refreshing Eye Gel: This oil-free treatment plumps up dry lines, restores moisture and is suitable for all skin types.