What does collagen loss look like?

COLLAGEN LOSS manifests itself in the form of FINE VERTICAL LINES, with common areas of loss being the corner of the eye, eye lids. (see photo)

What does elastin loss look like?

ELASTIN LOSS is seen as HORIZONTAL LINES and is commonly found under the eyes, as loss of fit across the eyelid. (see photo) 

Can I prevent collagen and elastin loss?

There is an inherited potential to the aging process, look closely at your parents and you will see what you could become. Slowing down the aging process is possible, but most of that will come from a change in your work/play lifestyle. Smoking, sun damage, little or no skin protection will all contribute to the aging process. Vit C, E & A based creams are excellent as are the vitamin supplements. 

Do eye creams really work?

Yes they do, they will not stop the aging process, but will slow it down, as will sensible daily care.

Why do my eyelids go puffy.

Its the fineness of the tissue and just under the skin there is a slack tissue which contains no fat and becomes easily distended. This is why the eyelids swell up quickly. 

What about bags under my eyes, can I prevent them?

Not if they are inherited or racial. But there are ways to prevent them being too obvious or from getting worse.  Never use oils around the eye area. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, and get plenty of sleep. Do not rub the eyes excessively, and try not to cry too much. Watch your metabolism, if its slow you are more inclined to retain fluid. Do not use diuretics for this problem, drink water and have a 20 minute walk a day instead. Have an eye test once a year, and if you do need glasses, wear them!

 How do I apply a cream to my eyes?

Use a light pat, press & roll movement, with your ring finger to apply eye creams and cleansers, doing the movements from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner of the eye. 

What about dark circles under my eyes, can I get rid of them?

The causes could be many, but again more likely to be hereditary or racial. If this is the case no! However, tiredness and stress are additional factors as they modify the response from the lymphatic ducts. If there are problems with the lymphatic system the colour under the eye is more likely to be showing yellow than dark circles. There are also a number of medical conditions, that will cause the under eye area to darken. If you have never had a problem in the past it might pay to have a check up at your doctor.

How do I conceal the dark circles under my eyes?

There are many concealing creams to camouflage dark circles, but I find Dermablend the best. Its non comedogenic, does not cause millia and the colour range is excellent. 

Why can't I use my night or day cream?

Day creams are specifically made to hydrate or moisturize the tissue, and although they might feel light they will make the eye tissue puffy and spoil your eye makeup. Night creams are usually oil based and are worse than day creams, in addition they are more likely to cause millia. Nor are they designed for the problems that occur around the eye area. 

What's better an eye gel or an eye cream?

For a start it will determine the weight of product, and if you are prone to millia a gel might be a better choice. In addition if you wear a lot of eye make-up, a gel will give a lighter base. Some gels are designed to have a tightening effect (if only temporary) and are certainly better in the summer. Creams on the other hand can be better for the mature skin that is dryer. 

When is the best time to apply and eye cream?

Morning is the best time to wear eye creams or gels.  The reason for this is simple, the eyes have the greatest amount of use during the day. In addition they also receive the greatest exposure to UVR and pollution, therefore have the greatest need for protection during the day. At night the eyes are resting, and do not need an eye cream to protect them. The body temperature is also higher at night and eye creams may run into the eye by accident causing puffiness and irritation.

My sunscreen irritates my eyes, why?

Sunscreens are either physical or chemical. Chemical based eye creams are more likely to irritate the eyes, this is often because of the fumes the chemical based sun blocks create. Physical eye creams are micro-fine titanium dioxide based, similar to your foundation, and generally cause no reaction at all. 

Should I use a sun screen around my eyes?

Yes, but use a physical based sun block and one especially designed for the face with a anti free radical profile. I.E. contain Vitamins A C & E. These are all anti aging ingredients. 

What are crows feet?

These types of lines are a result of extrinsic aging. Caused by sun, wind, cold, lack of care. Called elastin loss because of the horizontal appearance. To delay them, start at the age of 20 with eye creams, sensible eye care and a sun screen. Wear good quality sun glasses.

My eyelashes fall out is this normal?

Yes, it is. Body hair is always falling out, we don't notice it because of its growth cycle, which is about six weeks and new hair is coming through all the time. Occasionally you might loose 2 or 3 eyelashes at once and this is not a good look, however new ones will be through in no time at all. This type of hair fall/growth pattern should not be confused with Alopecia, which is a medical condition, where the hair falls out and does not re grow, sometimes for many years. Eye lashes need care to remain thick & healthy, just like head hair. Taking your mascara off at the end of every day with a good quality eye cleanser will keep the lashes supple & healthy. Do not leave your mascara on for days at a time, your asking for trouble. One can now buy eyelash cream conditioners  for a special once a week home care treatment. 

What is a lash tint?

A lash tint is an excellent alternative to mascara. The lashes are tinted using a vegetable based dye, and lasts about 4 to 6 weeks. Brilliant for blondes and red heads, but also for those who have very short lashes and don't like mascara. Contact lens wearers, faded lashes or women who find putting on eye make-up difficult. Lash tinting is for every one, male or female, "Instant eyes" I always used to say to my clients. 

I have lost my eye lashes through illness what can I do?

Micropigmentation is an excellent option here. It's a form of tattooing but not so deep or permanent (about 3 years). A fine line is implanted at what would be the lash line, giving the appearance of lashes. Excellent service, and very suitable for women who what a more permanent eye liner look.

Does this type of tattooing hurt?

The technician who does this type of treatment will have had many hours of training and experience. A local cream anaesthetic is used although the discomfort is minor, it is worth the result. 

Some eye shadows make my eyes itch, is this an allergy?

Skin reactions are always possible, this does not mean your cosmetic product is of bad quality. A true reaction or allergy will show as redness, swelling, itching, burning and dry skin. If you show this type of reaction stop using the product immediately.

What is in an eye shadow that causes this type of reaction?

Most often it is the sparkles in the eye shadow that will cause a reaction. They can be very irritating, avoid these types of eye shadow. (use mat shades) Other times it may be the pigments used to make the colour. A cheaper eye shadow brand, often use cheap quality pigments that could be irritating. I always suggest that if you have a history of allergic reactions to use a higher priced cosmetic, to avoid cheap pigments and remember, no sparkles. 

You keep talking about millia, what's that?

Millia is a minor disorder of the epidermal lipid secretor action of the skin, and appears when the lipids become trapped between the layers of transforming cells. The fluid becomes keratinised, and forms a soft fibrous substance appearing as small pearly, rounded lumps under the skin; or, depending upon size; extending above the surface. The condition is most common on dry and sensitive skin, and appears frequently around the eyes and cheek bones.

What causes millia?

Too heavy or too rich a cream I.E. night cream are the usual culprits. Too much eye cream applied at night. Oil based creams or cleansers. If you have a problem with millia, look at what you are using around your eye area on a daily basis. Chances are the problem is there. Stop using creams in the affected area and they will often fade away.

My millia have not faded away, what else can  be done?

Millia can be lanced, but only by an experience therapist or doctor. There is a skill in doing this, I do not recommend the hack & slash method as I call it. Do not pick them or try to remove them yourself, they can not be squeezed out. If you do this scarring will be the only result. High Frequency by a skilled electrologist is another method. 

What makes a good eye cream?

Weight for a start, heavy or oil based creams are a no no!  Eye creams should be designed to be light textured with ingredients like ruscus, chamomile, mallow, arnica, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, algae, Spirulina, Vitamins A C E just to name a few.

What about eye treatments, are they worth while?

Absolutely, the range of eye treatments now available is huge.     (and they work) Your beauty therapist will have at least one or two for you to try. I personally recommend you include an eye treatment with your monthly maintenance facial treatment, and a course once a year.