How to Care For Your Under-Eye Skin

woman applying eye cream

We’ve all heard the expression “the eyes are the window to the soul.” And while we can’t vouch for that, we can say for sure that the eyes can tell us a lot about our health. This sensitive skin can show early signs of aging, sleep deprivation and dehydration. Plus, it’s the skin that surrounds one of our most important organs – the eyes. 

Your under-eye skin is unlike the rest of the skin found on your body. It is very thin and delicate, and so it requires a different set of care practices and products. Learning to properly care for the skin under your eyes can help you look your best, and should be a vital element of your overall skincare and health routine. Let’s learn more about your under-eye skin. 

Why is the skin under the eye different from other skin on your body? 

Your under-eye skin is unique. It’s very sensitive to light and other environmental factors due to its job – protecting the eyes. As thin skin, the skin under the eyes can wrinkle much faster, and it is usually one of the first places on the face where people see early signs of aging. Whereas the skin on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands is thick and strong, the under-eye skin is thin and delicate. This is because the skin of the feet and hands is meant for heavy pressure and constant use. So naturally, they would require different care and products. 

Why care for the skin under your eyes? 

There are some very important reasons why you want to take extra special care of the skin under your eyes. Your under-eye skin is generally one of the first areas to show signs of illness, dehydration or fatigue. The eyes may appear puffy or develop dark circles because the blood vessels in this area are small, and show noticeable reactions to a lack of oxygen or hydration. Thin skin like that found under the eyes can lose elasticity faster than other skin on the body. It can also be very sensitive to allergens and irritants in the products you use. 

Under-Eye Care Tips 

If you are wondering how to best care for the skin under your eyes, follow these tips and then consult with your Atlanta dermatologist

Avoid products that contain irritants and chemicals.

Because of how sensitive and thin under-eye skin is, it is important to use products that are designed to be used in or around the eyes. Choose hypoallergenic skincare products, including lotions, sunscreens and cleansers. If you are trying out a new product, be sure to test it on the skin around your eyes first by applying a small amount and then monitoring for any irritation or sensitivity.  

Protect your eyes from UV rays.

Like the rest of the skin on your body, the skin around your eyes needs to be protected from sun damage. Under-eye skin is sensitive to sunlight, so you should take care to wear eye-safe products that block harmful UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen that is designed for the face. When outdoors, wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin from the rays of the sun. 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

As we mentioned above, your eyes are often the first place you will see signs of illness or unhealth. By making healthy choices, you can see a significant improvement in the appearance of your under-eye skin and prevent new wrinkles or dark circles from forming. Some of the best things you can do include eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, engaging in physical activity and getting good sleep. 

Buckhead Dermatology Atlanta and College Park 

Caring for your skin is important for your overall health. The skin under your eyes requires special care because of its location on the body and the nature of the skin itself. If you live in the Atlanta area and have questions about how to care for your skin or how to address any troubling skin conditions, contact Buckhead Dermatology. With two convenient locations in Atlanta and College Park, our board-certified dermatologist can help you get an accurate diagnosis and start you on an effective treatment plan.