According to the Vision Council, there are 165.5 million adults in the United States who wear prescription eyeglasses, while an estimated 223.5 million Americans wear non-prescription sunglasses. Like everything else we cherish in our lives, it’s important to make sure we take care of our eyes and, of course, our skin! Because the skin around the eyes is one of the most delicate areas on our bodies, eye wrinkles are often one of the first signs of aging. I’ve always said that preventing signs of aging requires more than just a solid skincare routine—it’s also about lifestyle. Keep reading for some surprising ways maintaining proper eye health can also keep the skin around your eyes looking younger.
1. Get Your Eyes Checked Regularly
It’s best practice to get your eyes checked annually to make sure you get the most up-to-date prescription. Your eyesight can change from year-to-year, especially as you get older. Having a routine exam can help identify potential problems, and allow you to catch some common issues early, including cataracts or glaucoma, and treat them effectively.
Do you find yourself squinting when scrolling through your cell phone? What about when watching TV? This movement isn’t good for the skin around your eyes. Because it’s a repetitive movement, squinting contributes to fine lines and eye wrinkles. That’s why having up-to-date lenses can prevent unnecessary stress on the delicate skin around the eyes over time.
Another great way to keep fine lines at bay is to use an exfoliating under-eye serum one night a week. This will remove dry, crepe-y skin and allow the ingredients in your eye cream to penetrate more effectively.
2. Invest in High-Quality Sunglasses to Protect From UV Light
UV rays are the #1 cause of premature skin aging and can cause wrinkles and fine lines to form. The skin around and underneath your eyes is especially susceptible to this UV damage because it’s more sensitive and thin compared to the skin on the rest of your face. Because of this, it’s critical to double down on your efforts to preserve your skin health. Not only with generous amounts of sunscreen but also with a high-quality pair of sunglasses.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when looking for a pair of sunglasses to make sure you have the best protection:
- Remember, not all sunglasses are created equal. Make sure your pair has a label that says 100% UV protection. Some labels might say UV 400, which is 100% protection. (Cheaper sunglasses may not offer that complete UV protection promise.)
- Take your sunglasses to a local optical store where they can measure the level of UV protection with their photometers.
- If you have an older pair of sunglasses, check the lenses for scratches as that can provide a point of entry for UV rays to hit your face and eye area.
- Look for sunglasses that have polarized lenses; this can significantly reduce glare which causes occasional discomfort and squinting.
3. Minimize Blue Light Exposure to Prevent “Digital Aging”
I’ve written about blue light before, and its effects on our lives can’t be overemphasized. We’re all guilty of staring at our screens for hours on end, whether it’s for work or leisure. This can cause eye strain and fatigue, which can also lead to more unnecessary squinting. As far as skin is concerned, blue light has been shown to exacerbate under-eye darkness, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. If you want some added protection for your eyes, you can look into buying a blue light-blocking screen protector for your mobile device. This can help ease eye fatigue when staring at your phone and reduce the amount of blue light exposure you get on a daily basis.
It’s important to remember, however, that most of our blue light exposure comes from the sun. I suggest using an antioxidant eye cream (as well as a broad-spectrum sunscreen) to combat the potential onset of aging from blue light. This eye cream contains vitamin C, which can improve the look of “tired eyes” and other negative effects associated with blue light. Using it regularly will keep you looking refreshed and more awake, especially if your job has you in online meetings all day!
I believe that taking care of yourself is the best way to live life fully. By getting your eyes regularly checked out by professionals, you’re not only improving your sight but also taking essential preventative measures against premature skin aging. You only have one set of eyes, and your skin will always be along for the ride of life. I hope these insights help you understand why this small area of skin deserves a little extra tender love and care.
Up next, read this if you feel like your eye cream isn’t working.
Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”
