Brighten and Revitalize: Exploring Eye Area Rejuvenation
It’s often said that eyes are the window to the soul, and they’re typically the first thing we notice about someone. Since the COVID pandemic, with masks covering our faces, our eyes have become even more prominent. Eye area rejuvenation has a significant impact on how others perceive us—some eyes can convey youth and vibrancy, while others may appear tired or aged.
Why do you need eye area rejuvenation?
What makes a person look tired or old?
Fine lines and wrinkles
It is common for fine lines and wrinkles to reveal your age. Some individuals experience premature development of fine lines and wrinkles, making them appear older than their actual age. Intrinsic factors, which are beyond one’s control, encompass genetic and ethnic influences. Have you even noticed that individuals with darker skin tend to appear younger than their age? The extent of melanin (pigment that is responsible for skin coloration) in the skin contributes to this phenomenon.
Darker skin tones possess larger melanosomes, the pockets within skin cells containing melanin, whereas pale skin produces minimal melanin. In dark skinned, other than the size of melanosomes being larger, their melanin is also densely packed, providing enhanced absorption and scattering of light. This offers greater protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Excessive exposure to UV radiation elevates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, when present in higher concentrations, can harm the essential skin proteins, namely collagen and elastin.
Another element contributing to the development of wrinkles around the eyes, beyond our control, is muscle movement. The contraction of muscles during smiling, laughing or squinting can lead to the formation of wrinkles. This effect is exacerbated when we experience a loss of collagen and elastin fibers in skin due to reasons mentioned earlier.
Treatment
Botox
Botox, or Botulinum Toxin, is commonly used to address wrinkles around the eyes. Controlled doses of botox is injected into the muscles responsible for eye movements and expressions. This causes a temporary reduction in muscle activity. This, in turn, smoothens the overlying skin and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles. The effects typically last for 3 to 6 months, after which the treatment may need to be repeated to maintain the desired results.
Fractional laser
Fractional laser is a procedure that uses targeted laser beams to treat specific areas of the skin. It is known as “fractional” because it treats a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time, creating tiny, controlled zones of injury. This stimulates body’s natural healing processes and promotes collagen and elastin production, which in turn improves your skin quality with less fine lines and wrinkles.
RF Microneedling
Potenza is a radiofrequency microneedling machine. It is a machine with handpiece consisting of multiple ultrafine needles that gives off FDA-approved radiofrequency (RF) energy. This treatment also triggers your skin’s natural healing process and stimulate production of new collagen and elastin. It's versatile, capable of targeting not only the areas around your eyes but also your entire face or any desired area on your body to effectively enhance skin tightening.
Eyebags
Eyebags occur when there is inadequate support from the muscles and surrounding tissues that normally hold the fat pockets in place. Consequently, the fat protrudes, giving rise to the visible appearance of bags under the eyes. The bulge of fat is subject to variability of fluid in this area. So, allergy, sinus problem, salt intake or hormonal fluctuation have some degrees in affecting the severity of puffiness.
Since the main culprit is the fat, eye creams will not work.
Dark circles
Dark circles under the eyes can be a source of frustration for many, leading to a tired and aged appearance that can affect confidence levels.
Contrary to popular belief, dark circles are not solely caused by lack of sleep. While fatigue can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles, there are several other factors at play, for example genetics, skin tone, allergies, thinning skin due to aging, dehydration and sun exposure.
The type of dark circles can be divided into pigment type, vascular type and structural type. Sometimes, it can be mixed.
Pigment type
Pigment type dark circles, also known as hyperpigmentation under the eyes, occur when the skin produces an excess of melanin, resulting in dark patches or discoloration in the undereye area. Unlike other types of dark circles, pigment type dark circles are primarily due to melanin deposition that can be due to:
Sun exposure
Overexposure to UV rays can stimulate melanin production in the skin, leading to hyperpigmentation not only on the face but also in the delicate under-eye area.
Genetics
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to have more melanin in certain areas of the skin, including the under-eye region.
Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, can trigger melanin production and result in dark circles.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Skin trauma or inflammation caused by conditions, like eczema, allergic reactions, constant eyes rubbing habit can lead to hyperpigmentation as the skin heals.
Pigment type dark circles can be treated by treatments that deal with the pigment.
Skincare products containing depigmenting ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice extract, and retinoids can help lighten hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone over time. These ingredients work by inhibiting melanin production, promoting skin cell turnover, and thus reducing the appearance of dark spots.
Chemical peels containing AHA alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can help exfoliate the skin and fade hyperpigmentation.
Laser treatments can target pigmented cells in the skin and break up excess melanin. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.
Skin boosters can be injected to undereye areas to brighten the areas and help boost collagen production.
Preventing further sun damage is important in managing pigment type dark circles. Wear sunscreen with broad- spectrum protection (SPF 30 or higher) daily, and use sunglasses and hats to shield the delicate under-eye area from harmful UV rays.
Vascular type
Vascular type dark circles are characterised by the visibility of blood vessels beneath the thin skin in the undereye area. This type of dark circles typically appears as bluish or purplish discoloration and is often caused by various factors related to blood circulation and skin structure such as thin skin, genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration and excessive alcohol consumption.
Allergic shiners are often triggered by nasal congestion or a stuffy nose, which occurs when the tissue and blood vessels in the nasal passages become inflamed and swollen due to an accumulation of excess fluid. This fluid buildup, commonly associated with allergies, collects in the tiny veins beneath the eyes. As a result, blood pools in these veins, causing them to dilate and darken, ultimately leading to the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. These manifestations typically manifest as blue-gray or purple circles beneath the eyelids, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "Allergic Shiners”. Any disorder that leads to frequent or ongoing nasal congestion can result in this including recurrent colds or chronic sinus infections.
For this type of dark circles, adopting healthy lifestyle such as getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, managing allergies can help prevent further exacerbation of dark circles.
Does applying cold compresses or chilled cucumber slices to the under-eye area help with dark circles?
Cold temperatures prompt the constriction or narrowing of blood vessels. This leads to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the area, which then alleviate swelling, puffiness, and inflammation around the eyes, particularly following a night of inadequate sleep or due to allergies. Blood vessels gradually return to their normal state once the cold treatment ceases, thereby restoring regular blood flow. Therefore, cold compress temporarily reduce puffiness and may not be effective in addressing persistent dark circles.
Some lasers can target and coagulate blood vessels beneath the skin, leading to improvement in the appearance of vascular dark circles. Treatment that can stimulate collagen production like platelet rich plasma (PRP) and Rejuran-I injection can also be done to improve skin quality at the under-eye areas.
Structural type
Structural type dark circles are characterized by shadows and hollows under the eyes, resulting from changes in the underlying bone structure, fat distribution, and skin thickness. Unlike other types of dark circles that may primarily involve pigmentation or vascular issues, structural dark circles are often related to the anatomy of the face and aging process.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected into the under-eye area to volumize and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of hollows.
Droopy eyelids
Droopy eyelids, or ptosis in medical term, may be present either at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired), often associated with factors like prolonged contact lens use, trauma, or after eye surgeries such as cataract procedures. Natural aging process is a common cause of ptosis, as over time, the skin and muscles of eyelids undergo stretching and weakening. Less common causes of droopy eyelids involve medical conditions that affect nerves or muscles such as third nerve palsy, myasthenia gravis, myotonic dystrophy and more.
The approach to addressing droopy eyelids varies depending on the underlying cause. When muscle involvement is a factor, corrective measures involve ptosis surgery to tighten the muscles responsible for elevating the eyelids. In cases where droopiness results primarily from excess skin, an upper lid blepharoplasty can be undertaken. In certain cases, combination of both procedures is necessary.
Sunken eyes
Sunken eyes, or the appearance of hollows around the eyes, can be caused by various factors. Some common reasons include:
Genetic
Genetic factors play a role in determining facial structure and can influence the development of sunken eyes.
Aging
Loss of bone density that occurs in aging causes an exaggeration of brows and tear troughs as well as smaller, rounder-looking eyes. Fat loss, decline in the supporting structures, and loss of collagen makes the skin thinner and more translucent, resulting in the hollow appearance of the eyes.
Dehydration
Insufficient water intake can cause the skin to lose moisture and appear sunken.
Lack of sleep
Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to tired-looking eyes and exacerbate the appearance of sunken eyes.
Underlying health conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as sinus infection, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases, can impact the appearance of the eyes and contribute to a sunken look.
The treatment of sunken eyes can involve the use of dermal fillers, but not every filler is appropriate for this particular area.
Tyndall effect
The skin in the eye area is exceptionally thin and transparent. Depending on the type and depth of filler administered, there is a potential for the appearance of noticeable lumps or the Tyndall effect, which is characterized by a bluish discoloration due to light scattering of the particles in the filler employed.
Cohesive polydensified matrix (CPM®) technology hyaluronic acid gel (Belotero Balance), is an ideal agent for treating the tear trough area. The CPM technology produces this gel that combines high levels of crosslinked HA with lighter levels of crosslinked HA in the same product, to give the Belotero Balance properties suited for delicate areas, such as tear troughs. Belotero Balance is soft, smooth, “thin” and is able to integrate well with the surrounding tissues. So, it will not cause Tyndall effect, and is less likely to cause edema due to less compression of the lymphatics.
In conclusion, achieving a more youthful appearance around your eyes is within reach with the right treatments. Whether you opt for non-invasive procedures like laser therapy or injectables, or prefer an immediate transformation by surgical means, there are numerous options available to address your concerns. Personalized treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and desired outcomes. Remember, investing in the health and appearance of your skin is an investment in your confidence and well-being.
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