Your eyes tell—to borrow the title of a popular BTS song. In this pandemic when one cannot face the world without a mask, only our eyes are left for the world to see—most of the time. Not only do we see with them, we also speak through our eyes.
It comes as no surprise then that there’s a rise in the number of patients seeking eye rejuvenating treatments. And with the mandated use of facial mask due to Covid-19, people started paying more attention to their eyes.
The skin around our eyes is naturally thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, which is why this area is usually the first to show visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it is also relatively drier because it has fewer sebaceous (oil) glands to keep it hydrated.
Nowadays, there is an expansive landscape of treatments designed to rejuvenate the eye area, offering non-invasive, minimally-invasive and surgical solutions.
Here is the list of eye treatments one can do, depending on the specific concerns:
1) Eye serums and moisturizers help prevent early signs of eye aging. Cosmeceuticals containing retinol, peptides, growth factors and anti-oxidants like vitamin C or E combat aging in the eye area by stimulating collagen production, combating hyperpigmentation and getting rid of free radicals that accelerate the aging process.
2) Botulinum toxin injection can help smooth out crow’s feet and can even give the outer eye brow a rejuvenating lift. Typically, the effect lasts between 4-6 months.
3) Over time, the area under our eye loses its volume creating a deformity called tear trough. Volume can be restored by injecting dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the skin. Effect is instant and can last up to a year.
4) Lasers and energy-based devices such as micro-focused ultrasound and radiofrequency can help improve the skin around the eyes. These machines deliver energy under the skin that stimulates collagen production and elastin formation. The result is even more dramatic when it is done in combination with botulinum toxin or dermal filler injections.
5) A surgical procedure called blepharoplasty is a great solution for those suffering from fatty eyebags and droopy eyelids that can be both aesthetically and functionally displeasing. The procedure removes and repositions excess skin and tissues around the eyelids. It is usually done in an outpatient setting, with the process taking about two hours if both the upper and lower eyelids are done together. For about a week, there is post-operative bruising and swelling. The result is a more rested and youthful appearance.