PRO VS FAUX: YOUNGER LOOKING EYESPosted by Jackie: December 3, 2012

The first signs of aging usually show on our eyes—dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness—and can make us look more fatigued and older than we really are.

Once we hit our late 20s, the delicate skin around the eyes gets Once we hit our late 20s, the delicate skin around the eyes gets thinner and looser due to the loss of collagen and elastin. Combined with years of repeated muscle movements such as squinting and laughing, as well as UV exposure, lines begin to form and over time get deeper.

DDr. Lisa M. Donofrio, a dermatologist in New Haven, CT, says her patients’ biggest complaint about their eyes “are dark circles and crepey skin.” Dark circles become more prevalent as the skin becomes thinner and capillaries under the eyes show through. Dr. Ron M. Shelton, Director of The New York Aesthetic Consultants in

New York City, explains that there are two causes of dark circles. “One is pigment related, and this often can be an inherited condition, and the other is vascular or blood flow.”

Under-eye concealers can disguise dark shadows and make eyes appear more awake, while eye creams Under-eye concealers can disguise dark shadows and make eyes appear more awake, while eye creams containing hyaluronic acid and caffeine can help plump skin and constrict under-eye blood vessels.

Swollen eyes can make us look older and tired and often is the result of fluid retention. Cold compresses can help reduce puffiness, and eye creams containing caffeine and botanicals reduce water retention by tightening the skin.

PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS

For those looking for more dramatic results that cannot be found in an over-the-counter eye cream, there are For those looking for more dramatic results that cannot be found in an over-the-counter eye cream, there are a variety of professional options to help erase tired-looking eyes. Dermatologists like BOTOX® injections for treating crow’s feet as they relax the muscle and smooth skin. BOTOX® lasts about three to four months and ranges in price from $$400 to $800 depending on the amount used.

Pellevé®, a non-invasive medical treatment, uses radiofrequency technology to penetrate deep Pellevé®, a non-invasive medical treatment, uses radiofrequency technology to penetrate deep into the dermis, triggering collagen synthesis and tightening the skin. You can be a little pink after treatment, but will notice firmer skin right away with no downtime. A session for around the eye area costs about $500, and usually requires three treatments spaced three to four weeks apart.

For dark circles, hyaluronic acid injections such as Restylane® are eFor dark circles, hyaluronic acid injections such as Restylane® are effective treatments. This tried and true filler is injected into the hollow under the eyes to add fullness and hydration, also helping with discoloration. A round of injections can cost $500 to $800 and last for six months. Another option is IPL (Intense Pulse Light), which targets the melanin cells under the skin and shrinks dilated capillaries. Multiple sessions are recommended and range from $300 to $600 per session.

FAUX OPTIONS

Whatever your issue, an eye cream is a good place to start. “Eye creams are often milder than face creams Whatever your issue, an eye cream is a good place to start. “Eye creams are often milder than face creams so they are more easily tolerated by the delicate skin of the area,” says Donofrio. Look for ingredients such as retinol and peptides to thicken skin and boost collagen, hyaluronic acid to plump, caffeine to tighten and antioxidants to fight free radical damage.