It’s a truth universally acknowledged by dermatologists that the skin around the eyes is the most delicate, and therefore one of the first areas on our face to betray signs of ageing.
But there are daily habits that many of us are making that are speeding up the process, and contributing to premature crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes.
Here, speaking to FEMAIL, dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook revealed the things we often do on a daily basis that are ageing our eyes.
While there is obviously a genetic component, if you fix some of these you can expect to have brighter and more youthful peepers.
Squinting and not wearing sunglasses
For many women, sunglasses are a godsend – as not only do they hide tired or hungover eyes, but they also look stylish.
But wearing your sunnies on a near-daily basis doesn’t only have major style benefits.
In fact, not wearing them and squinting whenever you go outside can cause the muscles in those areas to contract, which in turn makes the skin wrinkle and contributes to old-looking eyes.
‘Squinting repetitively creases the skin,’ Dr Cook added. ‘The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face – like tissue paper.
‘Repetitive movements build wrinkles over time.’
Try to avoid squinting or contracting your face whenever you can, and wear sunglasses when heading out into the sun – even for a short period.
‘You might not think it, but they’re hugely anti-ageing,’ Dr Cook explained.
Rubbing your eyes
For Dr Cook, rubbing your eyes is the worst daily habit for ageing your eyes.
‘This is the number one ageing habit,’ she explained. ‘It creases the skin repeatedly, causing wrinkles. Rubbing creates inflammation, discolouration and an ageing texture.’
Refrain from rubbing your eyes as much as possible, even when you’ve taken your makeup off and are at home in the evening.
Using waterproof mascara
You might not think that there’s much difference between regular mascara and the waterproof option.
But according to dermatologists, for the sake of your eyes you’re far better off going for the normal option.
‘Waterproof mascara is harder to remove, which often leads to over-cleansing and excessively rubbing at the skin,’ Dr Cook said.
Sleeping on your side
It’s not just to prevent back and neck pain and reduce acid reflux that doctors recommend sleeping on your back where possible.
Sleeping on our backs also helps to minimise facial wrinkles.
‘Sleeping due to pressure can cause creases around the eyes and facial skin in general, especially if you’re lying on your side,’ Dr Cook said.
It can also change the pattern of blood flow in that area, meaning your circulation might not be as good on the side that’s being pressed into the pillow.
Eating too much sugar
It’s the dietary demon that not only widens our waistline, but can also make us look much much older.
Doctors and dermatologists agree that sugar causes hormonal changes in the body, which damages your collagen and elastin fibres.
Limit your sugar consumption, cut back on fizzy drinks and biscuits and replace with healthier choices – your skin will thank you.
Using a harsh face scrub
Last but not least, while you might think that using a face scrub or grainy cleanser is good for getting all of the dirt and grime off your face, in fact such cleansers are far too harsh for our skin in general.
‘Harsh foaming cleansers and beaded scrubs irritate the skin,’ Dr Cook said.
‘Breaking down the barrier increases inflammation and leads to flaky, red sensitive skin. Over time, this can cause change in texture and discolouration.’
