Anyone who has slathered on eye cream religiously is probably well aware that as far as the signs of ageing are concerned, it’s not the easiest area to rewind the clock on. In the name of science and beauty Estée Lauder decided to research how and why the eye area ages faster than the rest of the face. “The eye is surrounded by a round muscle, which helps the eye move. Unique to this area of the face, these muscles are closely bound to the skin surrounding the eye,” explains Dr. Nadine Pernodet, Vice President, Skin Biology & BioActives Research & Development at The Estée Lauder Companies.
Each time these muscles are used, the surrounding skin moves and stretches. And it turns out these muscles are being used a lot more than initially thought. “You blink more than 10,000 times per day,” Pernodet says. “If your eyes feel tired at the end of the day, you can understand why, because based on blink rate alone, if compared to walking, the eye area’s micro- movements would be like the equivalent of the number of steps it takes to walk eight kilometres a day.” Multiply that by seven days, and each week your eyes are moving the equivalent of a marathon every single week.
“Each time we blink, smile, frown, laugh or cry there is repetitive skin movement,” says Pernodet explaining that these movements are known as micro-motions.Couple that with that fact the skin surrounding the eyes is 40 per-cent thinner than other areas of the face and has very few oil glands to keep it hydrated, it’s easier to understand why the eyes are more prone to irritation and the first signs of ageing.
Based Estée Lauder’s research, the team discovered that over time, natural collagen production in the area decreases, and irritation increases. “This stress, from micro-movements, along with the delicate features of periorbital skin, explain why this area ages faster than the surrounding facial skin,” says Pernodet. While both young and older cells were both impacted by micro-movements, Pernodet explains that while younger cells are able to naturally re-orient themselves and minimise the impact of repetitive movement, ageing cells are more susceptible to damage caused by constant movement.
Rewind the clock with these must-haves.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix ($138) features an invisible visco-elastic network that strengthens and support the delicate eye area skin. Milk Thistle works to help fight visible irritation and support natural collagen.
Peptides in Environ Skin EssentiA Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel ($67.10) plump the skin surrounding the eye area, while vitamin A, C and E promote collagen and elastin and fend off free radicals.
Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift ($115) wakes up tired eyes by brightening and reducing the signs of stress. A cocktail of potent ingredients – wild indigo seed, arctic algae and hyaluronic acid – reduce unwanted puffiness and dark circles.
