Can You Use Retinol on Droopy Eyelids?
Retinol, one of the most potent anti-ageing ingredients available on the market. Whether you use products that can be brought over the counter, prescription, or medical grade, the benefits are all just as impressive. Having said that, there’s no denying that it is a difficult ingredient to introduce into your daily routine and carries a lot of misunderstanding of how it works on the skin and how it delivers results. If you are wanting to know more about retinol and how it works on the skin, check out this dedicated blog post.
With this in mind, today’s blog post will mainly focus on how you can use retinol around the eye are and whether you can use it on droop eyelids, so, let’s get stuck in and find out.
Can retinol help with droopy eyelids?
Yes, you can, retinol is able to work on the upper and lower eyelids and areas of skin. This is because it can penetrate the lower layers of the skin and boost collagen production. This will result in the skin around the eye will become tightened with signs of sagginess, fine lines, and wrinkles visibly reduced.
Due to the skin around the eyes being up to 40% thinner than the rest of the face the signs of ageing I’ve previously mentioned will appear quicker and more prominently. Therefore, it is considered beneficial to use an eye cream or serum that is enriched in retinol in your evening routine.
Can I put retinol on my eyelids?
There isn’t really much need for you to apply retinol directly onto your eyelids as there is a slight risk of you causing some irritation. You can instead apply your retinol product on the area around the eye, also known as the orbital bone. Dabbing your product onto the skin using your ring finger will ensure you naturally apply the gentlest amount of pressure. You’ll then find that the product makes its way to the areas of concern, such as under-eye bags, crow’s feet, and wrinkles.
If you are new to using retinol in your routine, or it is a new product formulation you are using, it is best first consult with a doctor and to then perform a patch test on the skin for 24 hours before applying it to the face.
How can I firm up my droopy eyelids?
Apart from using potent formulations to combat droopy eyelids, you’ll also find there are some effective exercises you can perform to ensure the strength of the skin around the eye area become stronger, lifted, and tighter. Start off by working the eyelid muscles by raising and lowering your eyebrows. You can do this by moving them or by placing a finger under them and holding them up for a few seconds then letting them drop.
These are two examples of what to do to combat droopy eyelids. There are of course procedures that you can consider depending on the severity of the problem, if you have any worries its best to consult with your doctor or medical professional to help you make the best decision on how to combat these concerns.
Is retinol good for eyes?
Yes, it is indeed! Retinol is certainly a dermatologist favourite when it comes to combating signs of ageing. It is also known for being highly beneficial for the eye area too due to the help in boosting collagen production, giving the eye area a more youthful appearance with fine lines and wrinkles notably reduced.
Applying retinol around the eye area will result in a smoother, tighter, and firmer look with dark under-eye circles becoming notably improved and less pigmentated. Just remember that retinol is sensitive to sunlight so always ensure you are applying it during your evening skincare routine. If you wanted to know more about using retinol eye cream on the under-eye area, check out our dedicated blog post.
How do I apply retinol to eyes?
Apply your eye cream containing retinol onto fully cleansed skin using your ring finger as this applies the least pressure and so prevents any tugging of the skin. Pat your product into the skin focusing on the under-eye area and around the orbital bone, this will ensure the retinol and other active ingredients in the formula will penetrate the skin without causing irritation.
Is retinol good for eye bags?
Absolutely! Retinol is a highly effective anti-ageing ingredient due to how effective it is at boosting collagen production in the skin. When there are concerns with eye bags, you’ll often find these are a result of lack of sleep, excess fluid, the position you sleep, your heritage, as well as the natural ageing factor.
If pigmentation is also a concern for the under-eye area you will also be happy to hear that retinol can combat this simultaneously. This is because the potent form of vitamin A is packed with antioxidant traits ensuring it can tackle any free radicals, such as pollution, UV exposure, and harsh climates resulting in damage on the skin, including the eye area. Retinol is also able counteract the overproduction of melanin causing the under-eye area to appear darker and more pigmented. With the correct and continuous use of a retinol eye cream, you’ll find that there’ll be notably improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, under-eye bags, and pigmentation of the under-eye area.
When do I apply retinol?
It is best to apply retinol during your evening routine. Exposure to sunlight can render the ingredient useless due to the UV light making it lose its potency and making it unable to deliver its best results.
If you are applying retinol to the entire face, once the morning arrives it is best to apply a daily SPF to keep the skin protected from any further skin damage and preventing any existing from getting worse.
So, I hope that today I have answered your questions about using retinol on droopy eyelids. Don’t forget to give us a follow on Instagram for more skincare tips, new product launches, and exclusive discounts, look forward to seeing you there!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
