Spa+Clinic Team The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest on the human body – about 0.5mm thick – or roughly the width of 5 sheets of paper. With every furrow, blink and squint the delicate skin tissue around the eye area is constantly changing. Add the stretching and rubbing we induce, and it’s no wonder that the very first signs of aging, stress and sensitivity – puffiness, lines, sagging and dehydration – show up in this delicate eye area first.
It’s no surprise that treatments targeting aging around the eye area represent one of the fastest growing market segments in the skin care industry. Unfortunately, these advances have failed to meet the needs of one important segment of our clientele – those who have highly sensitive skin, yet wish to treat the signs of aging around the eye area. Many of the highly-active formulations are just too aggressive for individuals with heightened sensitivity and can actually trigger an inflammatory response. Ironically, chronic inflammation can lead to premature aging and these anti-aging products can actually cause more harm than good for those with sensitive skin.
Look to these ingredients to help reduce eye puffiness and firm skin without the irritating drawbacks:
- Hexapeptide-11: A peptide derived from yeast to help firm the skin, improve skin elasticity and improve fine lines.
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP): A stable form of vitamin C, preferred for clients with sensitive, as the pH of the delivery system does not have to be low or acidic, which can be irritating.
- Carrot oil: Oil enriched with antioxidant carotenoids and provitamin A, which can be converted into vitamin A or retinol in our skin. Vitamin A helps to boost cell renewal and reverse the signs of extrinsically aged skin.
- Red and brown seaweed: Soothing extracts that hydrate while protecting skin from collagen degrading enzymes.
- Golden chamomile: An African plant rich in antioxidant polyphenols that also help soothe irritated skin and strengthen capillaries.
Claudia Aguirre, Ph.D. is the scientific communications manager for The International Dermal Institute.
