Did you know: The skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin on your body and is very delicate so it needs to be treated with extra care. Rubbing or using a heavy hand when you touch your eyes can cause irritation and worsen dark circles, redness and puffiness. If you have allergies, try making an allergy clock where you put a capital A when your allergies start. Then, go forward one year and add a small “a” one week before. That is when you could start your allergy medications to get ahead of the season and minimize allergies and the irritation to the eyes that go with it. 

Here are 5 more tips for getting and keeping the skin around your eyes beautiful, smooth and to minimize dark circles and puffiness:

1. Use a gentle cleanser: It is very important to remove all makeup before bed, but it’s equally important to avoid using harsh cleansers or to scrub too vigorously, as this can irritate the skin and lead to increased redness and discoloration. Instead, use a gentle cleanser along with warm, not hot water, to remove makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils. When you’re done, pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

2. Apply serums and creams specifically designed and tested for the eye area: Choose a serum to treat your specific concern, from puffiness, to dark circles or redness, and an eye cream that will hydrate and nourish the delicate skin around your eyes. Apply them morning and night to keep the skin around your eyes looking smooth and healthy. To apply, use the finger pad of your third finger to gently pat the cream in, instead of rubbing it in with your index finger. The goal is to avoid rubbing or stretching the skin.

3. Protect your skin from the sun: The skin around your eyes is especially susceptible to damage from the sun. Wear sunglasses when you are outdoors and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the area around your eyes before you go outside. Be sure to reapply the sunscreen every 2-3 hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

4. Be careful when removing makeup. Take care not to tug or pull at the skin around your eyes when removing makeup. Gently wipe away makeup with a cotton pad or a soft washcloth.
5. See your dermatologist for specific treatments designed just for you, to help your eyes age beautifully so they can be a true mirror of your soul, and your health!

• Make a home remedy for de-puffing:
• Brew a pot of black, green or white tea (2 cups)
• Add 2 tablespoons of honey
• Add cucumbers sliced to 1/8” thickness
• Refridgerate for 4 hours or over night
• Apply cucumber slices around the eyes as needed to de-puff and reduce redness