Image: Jeroen Bennink
As we grow older, we start to notice changes in our body and our skin. One of these changes is the appearance of fine lines or creases in the skin. These fine lines are collectively called as wrinkles.
Factors Affecting Appearance of Wrinkles
We start to notice wrinkles as part of our facial expression. Overtime, other factors play in the role of determining when and where these wrinkles will develop. Some of these factors include sun exposure, smoking, and skin dryness.
Sun Exposure
Research revealed that sun exposure accounts for most cases of visible signs of aging such as skin pigmentation and wrinkles. Without any form of skin protection from the harmful UV rays, the skin can get damaged because UV light breaks down the elastin and collagen of the skin. Elastin fibers keep the skin supple while collagen provide the skin with structure and strength. When these are damaged, the skin becomes weak and less flexible, causing it to sag.
Smoking
According to Mayo Clinic, the skin changes brought by smoking will only start to appear after 10 years of smoking. This has something to do with the nicotine that causes narrowing of the blood vessels. This restricts the delivery of oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients to the skin. Tobacco also contains thousands of chemicals that damage the elastin fibers and collagen of the skin.
Skin Dryness
In contrast to what many people believe, dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles. However, wrinkles tend to be more apparent on a dry skin.
Ways to Hide Wrinkles Around Eyes
Wrinkles can appear anywhere. One of the most common areas where they develop is on the outer corners of the eyes. Fine lines in these areas are more commonly known as “crow’s feet.” They are also called as “laugh lines” and “character lines.”
There are several ways though to hide the wrinkles around the eyes. Some of the more popular ones include the following:
1. Lifestyle changes
One way to hide or reduce the wrinkles around the eyes is by making necessary lifestyle changes. These include steering clear of the sun without sunscreen and quitting smoking. Another change you can do to reduce fine lines around the eyes is by changing the way you eat.
Eat more foods that are rich in antioxidants which include eggplants, fish, and asparagus. Foods rich in healthy fats can also help. These include avocados and olive oil. It’s also best to cut back on sugar as it damages the collagen.
2. Creams
There are over-the-counter moisturizing creams that when used regularly can reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. Make sure to pick those creams containing ingredients like copper peptides, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients are commonly found in prescription wrinkle creams.
If you pick an over-the-counter cream and it still doesn’t work, then it’s best to consult a dermatologist as he/she may prescribe you with a good wrinkle cream.
Prescription wrinkle creams usually have higher doses of copper peptides, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids. These prescription creams may be more expensive than nonprescription ones but most of them aren’t as pricey as cosmetic procedures like Botox injections.
3. Facial exercises
Compared to cosmetic procedures, facial exercises are simple but inexpensive way to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.
Doing facial exercises regularly “work out” the 44 facial muscles which keeps the skin from sagging. However, results will only be visible after six months or more of doing it on a regular basis.
The following are some facial exercises that can help reduce appearance of wrinkles around your eyes:
- Place your thumb at the outside portion of your eye. Gently pull the skin back towards your ear and hold the skin taut for about 5 seconds. Release then repeat.
- For fine lines above your brows and the outside of your eyes, focus on one object in a room and open your eyes as wide as possible. Hold it for 5 to 10 seconds then release. Repeat this for four times.
- Close your eyes firmly but keeping your eyelids smooth. While your eyes still close, roll your eyes back and forth, up and down for 10 seconds. Open your eyes and repeat the rolling of your eyes.
For best results, do these exercises twice to thrice a week in the morning or in the evening when you’re feeling well-rested.
Aging is expected but to age beautifully is an option. These suggestions can help you achieve that youthful glow even when you’re already in your 40s or 50s.