This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.
Taking care of your skin is a daily ritual for many, but have you considered the needs of the delicate skin around your eyes? The periocular skin demands special attention and a unique, targeted set of products due to its distinct characteristics.
One key factor that sets periocular skin apart is its thickness. Unlike other areas of facial skin, the periocular skin is remarkably thin and delicate. This thinness makes it more susceptible to damage from external factors such as sun exposure, pollution and harsh weather conditions. To address this vulnerability, specialized eye serums, gels and creams are formulated with skin care concerns in mind to ensure that this delicate skin is treated with the care it deserves.
Another crucial aspect of periocular skin care is proximity to the ocular mucosa—the moist tissue lining the eyes. Products applied to this area must be formulated with non-irritating ingredients because they can migrate into the eyes. Just think of the last time you got sunscreen in your eyes and the burning and redness that ensued!
The potential for ocular irritancy also brings the role of preservatives into sharp focus. Preservatives are essential in skin care products to prevent bacterial contamination, but they must be chosen judiciously for products that target the periocular area. Eye creams often opt for preservative systems that are both effective and gentle on the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes. No one wants a painful, blinding eye infection from inadequately preserved products.
Other considerations include surfactants, or the ingredients that solubilize oils. Harsh surfactants (e.g., facial cleansers and acne washes) can overstrip the delicate eyelid skin oils and eyelid margin meibum if applied too closely, contributing to irritation, dryness and other reactions in the eyes. Therefore, we should use only eyelid-formulated products to remove make-up and clean the eyelids of dust, debris, allergens, bacteria and Demodex.
Given these concerns, ocular safety testing is paramount in the development of products designed for the periocular region. While traditional testing is done to assess allergenicity and ocular irritancy potential, these assays do not include actual ocular surface safety metrics that clinicians are used to seeing. This gap becomes the rub for clinicians: How do we recommend products without evidence that demonstrates product performance, safety and tolerability? Rigorous ocular safety testing in periocular skin care and cosmetics assures doctors and consumers that they can trust these products.
When shopping for eye care products, look for formulations that boast lightweight textures. They should also be free from harsh ingredients that might cause irritation. Seek out eye creams and serums with safe and effective preservatives that prioritize ocular safety. Remember, the skin around your eyes is a window to your overall health and well-being. By choosing products specifically designed for this delicate area, you not only enhance the effectiveness of your skin care routine, but you also prioritize the long-term health and vitality of your eyes and the surrounding skin. The next time you pamper your skin, give your eyes the extra care they deserve with products tailored to meet their distinct needs.
