6 Ways to Age-Proof Your Eyes
Wrinkled, baggy, or dark skin around your eyes can make you look years older than you are. So save them now. We asked dermatologists Joel Schlessinger, M.D., and Ariel Ostad, M.D., for DIY solutions. Here's their advice.
Use Your Ring Finger
Why: It's weaker than your pointer finger. Touching your eyes with your stronger finger tends to stretch the skin.
Do this: To stop an itch or apply cream, lightly tap your eye area with your ring finger.
Eat Healthy Meals
Why: The more salt and booze you consume, the more fluids you retain, puffing your eyes.
Do this: Cut back on both—and sugar, too. A high-sugar diet can generate harmful molecules that damage collagen, leading to wrinkles.
Why: Green, black, and chamomile teas have astringents that constrict blood vessels and pull skin taut.
Do this: Steep two bags, let them cool, wrap each in a clean dishcloth, lie down, and place a bag over each closed eye for 5 to 15 minutes.
Peel a Potato
Why: Potato starch has anti-inflammatory properties, so it's good for soothing redness and irritation.
Do this: Peel and grate a raw potato, and then mash it and wrap it in a clean dishcloth. Lie down and place the pouch on your eyes for 15 minutes.
Sleep On Your Back
Why: If you're on your side or stomach, the pressure of your head pressed against the pillow for hours can cause permanent creases around your eyes.
Do this: Try sleeping faceup, and add an extra pillow to prevent fluid from pooling in your face.
Why: The skin around your eyes is up to one-thirtieth the thickness of the skin on your palms. Habitual squinting can forge deep crevices.
Do this: Wear shades outdoors. If you wear regular glasses, keep your prescription up to date.