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Dr. Neil Niren

Neil Niren MD, Author

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Caring for the Skin Around the Eyes

Everyone knows that the skin around the eyes is extra thin and delicate, and it is prone to wrinkles. One of the first places where visible signs of ageing begin to emerge is around your eyes. The delicate skin in this area is extremely thin, becoming even thinner as you age. This can be further aggravated by sun exposure, smoking, and other environmental exposures. According to Neil Niren MD who runs a dermatology office, taking care of the area around the eyes goes beyond applying moisturizing cream that you put on your face, as it is not intended for that area. The skin around the eyes demands special cosmetics intended specifically for that area.

Wearing glasses that have zinc oxide protection is a great way to protect your eyes. To avoid dark circles around the eyes, caused by broken capillaries, Dr. Niren recommends using products that stimulate micro-circulation. Before using any product in this area of the face, apply a little eye serum that contains vitamins E and C. This kind of serum will help protect collagen and destroy free radicals.

Dark circles around the eyes are formed due to prolonged sun exposure, impact of hormones and genetic factors. They can also appear from burst blood capillaries. To prevent them from bursting use caffeine based cosmetic products, which can also lighten the dark areas. The report that concludes a research by Neil Niren and some of his colleagues, dermatologists, reveals that these circle are caused by blood vessels showing through the delicate skin around the eye area giving the under eye area a bluish, purple cast, often a hereditary condition. 

While dark circles have a hereditary component, external factors such as exposure to pollution and topical irritants also play a significant role by triggering inflammatory processes in the skin, which can also contribute to puffy eyes. In addition puffy eyes or swollen eyes usually appear from water retention, lack of sleep or genetic traits like dark circles under the eyes. While certain home remedies such as soothing cucumber slices may temporarily relieve puffy eyes, a more long-lasting solution depends on the underlying cause.

Dry skin around the eyelids is another skin condition, common during the winter months. Dry skin under the eyes can affect anyone, at any time, although Neil Niren MD warns that those with skin conditions like eczema are more likely to suffer.

In addition to choosing the proper skin care product, other things are important in maintaining healthy skin around the eyes. 

Be sure to wash your face every day and pay particular attention to the eye area. Fresh, warm water will help to make sure that all dirt, oil, and irritants are removed from your face, getting rid of any impurities that could be harmful to your eyes. 

It’s of great importance that caring for the skin around eyes requires being very gentle, because the skin on your eye area is 6-10 times thinner than other parts of your face. Avoid rough washing, rubbing and pulling the skin around your eyes, because it can have a negative impact on the structure of your skin.

In conclusion Dr. Niren advises drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol dry out the skin and should be consumed in moderation.

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