Bright Eyes: How our eyes reveal signs of age!

Check out Dr. Evans interview with Women's Health Magazine! Grab your copy where magazines are sold!

Why are eyes the first place to show signs of aging? The skin around our eyes is the thinnest in the whole body and tends to show fine lines and wrinkles before other areas of the skin.  This is due to the skin being very thin in this area and the fact that we are constantly smiling or squinting allowing the muscle around the eye (orbicularis oculi) to contract which results in lines appearing around the eyes (crow’s feet).

Why is the skin around the eyes so delicate and sensitive? Because the skin around the eyes is so thin, it is more susceptible to irritation and inflammation and wrinkling then another areas of the skin. 

Skincare for the eyes used to be limited to eye creams, but now there are serums, balms, gels and creams designed for the eye area. What is the difference between them? How do you know which one is right for you? Should you layer them if you have dry eyes?

A cream is usually the most hydrating form of moisture for around the eyes with lotions and serums being thinner and less hydrating.  Gels, especially those that are water based are the least hydrating.  A balm which can be oil based competes with a cream for the most hydrating.

What are your favorite eye creams/gels/balms and what do you like about them? 

Hands down, lumiere firm and firm riche by Neocutis is both hydrating and has growth factors which help cells to stay plumper and more rejuvenated.

What is the best way to apply an eye cream? On clean skin, apply eye cream up to the lash line in a sweeping motion from the inner corner of the eye to the lateral canthus (outer portion of the eye). 

Why is it so important to remove your eye makeup every night and cleanse the area?  Dirt and oil that accumulate around the eyelids and clog the fine hair follicles (pores) around the eyelid making you more prone to milia (tiny cysts around the eye. 

What is the best way to remove eye makeup? My favorite way to remove eye makeup is using a Neutrogena gentle makeup wipe, which removes most of the makeup.  As a second cleanse applying an oil-based make-up remover can help to get rid of the residual eye makeup.

How do lash serums work? What is the best way to apply them? Do you have any favorites?

Latisse is an FDA approved medication that help to improve the length, color and thickness of lashes. Lash boost by Rodan and Fields also helps to add keratin and growth factors to the lashes.

How can using injectables to treat crow’s feet work? How do you know if this procedure is right for you? What should people know about it?

Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Juveau are neuromodulators that help to decrease the crow’s feet around the eye area.  It is a safe and efficient procedure, which will transform the lines around the eyes to improve your overall appearance by helping you look more rested and rejuvenated.

How does removing fat pads under the eyes work? How do you know if this procedure is right for you? What should people know about it?

This is a surgical procedure known as a lower blepharoplasty. It helps to  remove the fat pads that herniate under the lower eyelid and make the lower eyes appear puffy.

What are other common in-office procedures for the eyes? What should people know about them?

We can use filler under the eyes to help to improve the hollow look under the eyes.

What are common mistakes people make when it comes to caring for the delicate skin around their eyes?

Don’t overdue eye treatments. This area is very sensitive and more is not better.  Gentle hydration and creams intended for the eyes should be used. Be careful not to exfoliate this area as it can become irritated and itchy.  Eyelid dermatitis can be seen frequently with overuse and too many products around the eye.

What else can people do to pamper the eye area? Be gentle. Less is more in this delicate area. A good eye cream, Latisse or a lash boost serum such as the one from Rodan and Fields, neuromodulator for wrinkles and under eye filler for the right candidates and with the right provider can help this area look its best.

In regards to using neuromodulators around the eye area, is there a time when the wrinkles are too deep that neuromodulators wouldn’t help? Or will they always help “lessen” the look of the wrinkles—just by how much depends on where you’re starting?

Neuromodulators around the eye are or crows feet always improve this condition.  If the lines are too deep a filler containing hyaluronic acid can be added to soften this lines.

Should you clean/rinse your eyes off immediately after working out, since sweat can drip in/around the eyes?  Sweat is not a factor for aging around the eyes and is not a major irritant to the eyes

Why is it important to replace mascara and liquid eye makeup every three months?

Make up can harbor bacteria and should be replaced frequently especially mascara

Why is it bad to sleep with eye makeup on? Makeup and clog pores and can harbor bacterial and dirt.  I recommend removing it each night before bed and double cleansing the eye area with an oil based cleanser followed by a gel based cleanser to remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil