Dark circles and puffiness around the eye are common issues that can make us appear older and more tired than we are. But don't fret… there are ways to fight these aesthetic nuisances and achieve a more youthful and rested appearance.
The best course of action? Understand why wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness occur, and then follow Anne Semonin's 3-step routine for a fresh and youthful look around the eyes that lasts!
Wrinkles around the eyes: what causes them?
The skin around the eyes and lips is the most delicate on the face. This skin is very thin —it measures only 0.5 mm— and is low in collagen and elastin, and virtually devoid of the hydrolipidic film (composed of water and sebum), all substances that plump and protect the skin. As such, the eye contour is vulnerable to external and internal damaging factors, like sun exposure, dry air, sleep deprivation, smoking, dehydration, blinking (did you know we blink an average of 10,000 times a day?!), and facial expressions. Over time, repeated muscle movements can cause fine lines to form around the eyes, the so-called expression lines. With age, the skin loses its collagen and elastin, weakening the skin and causing wrinkles to deepen.
Puffiness and dark circles: what's the difference?
The accumulation of water and fat mainly causes bags under the eyes. Poor lymphatic drainage can be hereditary but also triggered by age, sagging skin, or an unhealthy lifestyle. Lack of sleep, dehydration due to excessive alcohol consumption, or a poor diet can all wreak havoc on the skin. However, these factors alone have little to do with the development of those pesky dark circles.
The skin under the eyes is fragile, which makes the blood vessels more visible. As we age, the skin becomes thinner, and the blood and lymphatic microcirculation slow down.If the lymphatic system is disrupted, it can no longer appropriately eliminate pigments in the blood. If not treated, dark circles will get even more pronounced.
1. Anne Semonin's daily beauty routine Here's a simple daily routine to maintain a youthful and luminous look around the eyes.
In the morning: start by cleansing the face with Oligo Cleansing Gel. Next, apply Super Active Contour Serum to tone the eye contour. The serum's formula includes marine spring water to moisturize and revitalize the skin. It also contains wild indigo extract to de-stress the skin and pumpkin extract and lysine to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The product combats dark circles, puffiness, and other visible signs of aging like no other.
In the evening: After cleansing the eye contour with Botanical Milk and Botanical Toner, apply Miracle Eye Contour Anti-Wrinkle Cream. The lightweight yet effective anti-wrinkle cream certainly lives up to its name! Rich in marine retinol, vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Provitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and plumps the skin, restructures collagen, and boosts micro-circulation. The formula addresses the eye contour's problems: wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. Use the miracle cream, and the eye area will look youthful and radiant in the blink of an eye.
Our beauty tip: For even better results, use Anne Semonin Mixology. Add a few drops of Tissue Serum to the Mineral Mask, then leave it on the eye contour for a few minutes. Use twice a week or more as needed.
2. The Anne Semonin finishing touch for a sparkling look
There's nothing quite like the Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes for a boost after a night of little sleep or before a night out.
The effective single-dose ice cubes combine cryotherapy (cold treatment) and plant and marine ingredients to hydrate and improve skin elasticity (marine spring water), activate micro-circulation (ginkgo biloba), and soothe tired eyes (pumpkin extract). The cubes also contain hyaluronic acid and bioflavonoids: both do wonders for dark circles.
Instructions: Place the Ice Cubes in the freezer for at least 3 hours before use. Once frozen, put the Ice Cube in its little pouch and move it over the eye contour in circular motions. Then, move down to the area between the eye and the nose. Repeat on the other side. Finally, apply the Super Active Contour Serum or the Miracle Eye Contour Anti-Wrinkle Cream. The result? A notable reduction of dark circles and under-eye bags.
Our SOS beauty tip: If you don't have an Ice Cube, you can use the back of a cold spoon. The coolness of the metal and the circular movements will reactivate blood circulation and reduce dark circles.
3.Facial yoga for a toned appearance
A daily beauty routine is essential to keep your skin firm and radiant. But it is also important to stimulate the facial muscles and prevent them from relaxing!
Here are two easy exercises to tone and drain the eye area. Just a few minutes a day in front of the mirror is all it takes. Perform exercises to the rhythm of your breathing, and avoid exaggerated expressions that deepen expression lines. Perform the exercises regularly to bid adieu to dark circles, puffiness, and drooping eyelids!
a. Toning of the upper eyelid: Place the index fingers on closed eyelids, and press gently. Take a deep breath and hold it. Exhale slowly through the mouth as if trying to open the eyes under the index fingers. It is normal to feel the eyes and eyelids twitch and to experience a little resistance. Repeat 5 times.
b. Toning of the lower eyelid: Keep the eyes open. Then, spread each hand's index and middle fingers and place the middle finger under the inner corner of the eye and the index finger on the outer corner. Take a deep breath and hold it. Exhale slowly through the mouth while squinting with the area between the eyebrows. Repeat 5 times.