There's no turning back the clock! Whether your mirror has brought in the undeniable moment of truth or whether you've yet to notice the signs of aging, it's time to face reality. Fact is women who practice good skin care and are habituated to sunscreens will definitely look younger than women who don't.
Your eyes and aging
It is said that aging begins around the eyes. The skin around the eyes is the most vulnerable part of our body's entire skin surface. This area is prone to early signs of premature aging, tiny dry lines and wrinkles. The reason being that this area has very little natural oil. Moreover the facial and eye skin are additionally stressed as our facial expressions are constantly changing in response to our environment and situations; this puts tremendous stress in the facial and eye area. These reactions involve complex biochemical changes, the result is that the skin looks dull and lifeless and wrinkles prematurely as the collagen structure is impaired. In addition to all this environmental factors such as pollution, passive smoking and smoke further damages the skin. The ultra violet rays from the sun too cause heavy damage to this area. While sunscreens and creams are widely used to protect facial skin, the eyes are neglected. What adds to the neglect is that these sunscreens cannot be used for the delicate eye skin.
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Available in abundance are specially formulated eye care products, the beauty market is choc-a-bloc with these. There are eye gels that are formulated to rebuild damaged skin that has lost tone and elasticity. Most of these contain natural plant extracts that nourish in addition to repairing. Hyaluronics are known to be the absolutely best ingredient used in skin care products for "ultra hydration" on the eye area. It is known to promote healing and revitalization. There are eye moisturizers that are known to have deep penetrating actions, and which create an invisible shield while smoothening out eye wrinkles. In western countries there are sophisticated eye care products containing SPF-15 with anti-sag, extra firming moisturizer cream, plus both UVA and UVB sunscreen protection, and has the latest in anti-oxidant and cancer resistance. But here's a list of what you could do at home itself to earn the Ms Beautiful Eyes title.
- For smooth and supple under eye skin dab a little almond oil every night.
- Night creams and moisturizers shouldn't be used too close to the eyes; it might cause eye tissues to swell while sleeping.
- Never rub vigorously or massage around the eyes, it is not only futile but extremely dangerous too.
- For swollen and puffy eyes, place chilled tea bags on the eyes for about 10 minutes every day. Cold cotton pads soaked in milk is another effective remedy, so are sliced cucumbers.
- Before retiring to bed, apply unscented castor oil around the eyes. It keeps the eye area smooth and also gives the additional bonus of promoting luxuriant lashes.
- Perform eye exercises. These calisthenics stretch and relax the muscles around the eye area and help eliminate sluggish fluids.
Eye Exercises Presented here are a series of eye exercises that promote eye relaxation, strengthen, condition and provide relief for tired eyes. Ready? Stop staring at your computer screen and start doing these exercises right away!
General tips to follow before exercising.
- Please take off your glasses or contact lenses; it will make you more comfortable and relaxed.
- Do it on a regular basis, ideally 3 times a day. The results will be better.
Clock Rotation
Pretend that you are looking at the center of a giant clock face straight ahead. Keeping your head still all the while, look up as far as possible towards the 12th O' clock position, hold for 2 seconds, then return to the original position. You must really feel the stretch on your eyeballs.
Next do it for the 1'O' clock position, then 2 O' clock and so on. Always return to the center before moving on to the next hour. When you have finished one clockwise cycle, do an anti clockwise cycle next.
This exercise will stretch your extra ocular muscles and will make them stronger and more flexible.
Eye Rolls
This is similar to the "clock rotation" exercise. Start from the 12 O'clock position and slowly roll to the 1O'clock, then 2 and so on, until one entire cycle is completed.
Remember to stretch as far out as possible all the time. Go slow.
Near/Far Focusing
Hold a pencil or your finger in front of you, about 6 inches away. Choose a salient object, a tree, a building post, anything. So these will be your near and far points respectively. Alternate between them, looking at each for about 2 seconds at a time. Repeat until you feel your eyes really working. Repeat.
The next two are not really exercises, they are more relaxation techniques. Do them whenever you feel tired, have dry eyes and suffer from blurred vision.
Blinking
This one is a real help if you suffer from dry eyes. The idea is to produce tears to moisten the eyes. Squeeze your eyes by shutting them really tight. Then blink normally a few times, and squeeze again. Repeat. Your eyes will feel more relaxed.
Palming
Gently cover your eyes so that you do not see the light. In the darkness, you might see flashes of light. This is nothing to worry about, it only indicates the spontaneous firing of the neurons in your eyes. But if the light flashes are too intense, they may indicate that you are too tensed! For that you need t loosen up! Relax! This is a wonderful relaxing technique for the eyes. The duration is your choice. But 30 minutes is ideal for results to show. While doing these exercises make sure your hands are clean and totally devoid of germs. And do not put pressure on the eyeballs directly, only gentle pressure around the eye socket. Follow these eye care tips and exercises and you will see that the next time someone's calling Ms Beautiful Eyes...it could be you they are addressing!
