Skin Around Our Eyes

Let's start by looking at some of the characteristics of the eye area....

   Several muscles that contract with facial expressions surround the eye area. As we age, the thick collagen network that gives skin it's structural support, begins to lose its integrity. This means that the skin around the eyes becomes less resilient and begins losing elasticity. This is compounded by the fact that this area of the face is ten times thinner than other areas. Now, these simple facts are, in themselves, reason to explain why we get puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles around the eye area. While some of these results are also hereditary in nature, there are a number of external factors that can contribute to the degradation of the eye area. Sun exposure is one of the top reasons this degradation happens, due to a resulting break down in collagen levels and increase in melanin production (which darkens the skin). In addition to sun exposure, allergies, and unhealthy diet, smoke and/or smoking, and stress can lead to free radical damage, which results in thinning of the skin and even more loss of collagen. Physiologically, these factors can cause a buildup of pressure in the small capillaries of the skin, which can result in blood retention, and loss of blood flow. Cosmetically, this means that the area in and around the eyes can look dark and puffy.

     So, is there any way that we can save the skin around our eyes, and combat this aging onslaught? Thankfully, the answer is, "Yes!" A facial that emphasizes massage can be an excellent first step in treating the delicate eye area by draining the facial lymph tissues, resulting in a decrease in puffiness and dark circles. An anti-aging eye regimen that is gentle, yet strong enough to help combat all of these issues, is an important second step. It is fortunate that there are a number of natural skincare nutrients and products that can reduce dark circles and puffiness and help preserve collagen integrity in this delicate area. Amber’s Ultra Silk Eye Cream is a perfect way to treat and combat the aging process in the eye area. This is because it contains Shea Butter, Almond and Olive Oils all have been shown to be extremely effective eye treatments. We can make treatment even more effective by adding monthly Amber Paraffin Mask Facials. Grape seed extract, cucumber extract, and algae extract create a "triple threat" in this treatment. The grape seed extract is a potent antioxidant that can help reduce the signs of sun damage while decreasing puffiness and promoting wound healing. Additionally, the cucumber extract seems to have anti-inflammatory benefits as well as the benefit of calming and soothing the eye area. Algae extract is rich in iodine and believed to stimulate the metabolic processes, resulting in skin tightening and increased collagen production. So, take care of your peepers by following these simple suggestions, and when in doubt, enjoy a nice glass of wine (grape seed extract) and eat your veggies!

Seasons Change and So Does your Skin….

Why does our skin change as the seasons change?

We are currently winding down our summer which naturally brought us sunny days and sun exposure.  Our vitamin D hormone levels are still up and we have been eating more and storing less (yay!). We have been sleeping fewer hours, but in those hours our bodies have been working very efficiently. Fall is right around the corner and winter will be here before we know it.

With winter comes the loss of UVB light (the light that gives us Vitamin D) which means that our bodies will start to use up the Vitamin D that we have made over the summer. When this happens, our bodies basically start to hibernate. As our Vitamin D levels start to fall, so does our thyroid function. This can lead to many different illnesses such as autoimmune disease, dementia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. All of these changes in the body are determined to wreak havoc on your skin, but there are ways to combat this. We must get enough sleep, exercise, eat well, and take care of our skin on a daily basis. As fall arrives, it is important to rearrange our schedules and create a plan of attack. We need to take time out for ourselves and take care of our bodies. This is a perfect time to schedule a facial or get a relaxing massage. A Vitamin D supplement can be necessary to ensure proper levels, which can really benefit our skin. For example, acne can be minimized, elasticity can be boosted, collagen can be stimulated, and the appearance of hyperpigmentation can be lessened. If we increase the number of antioxidants internally as well as externally, we can help fight free radical damage.

Using ingredients with Peptides, Hyaluronic, and alpha Lipoic Acid will replace that lost moisture that starts to diminish during the cooler months. This is the time to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas. By avoiding caffeine and using Amber's Retinol cream at night and Unique-C serum in the morning we can help erase the damage the summer's sun has done. We also have to remember that as the seasons are changing, allergens in the air are increasing. When the body is going through an allergic reaction it is always best to stick to ingredients that are calming and soothing to the skin. The body is in a state of rejection and causing more inflammation will cause wrinkles, acne and rashes. By using products with essential oils of Rosehip, Chamomile and Calendula, irritated skin can be calmed. Rosacea is a skin condition that can worsen in extreme weather conditions and is very widespread. As fall and winter months approach, remember to gently exfoliate and add Amber's Rosa Calm Serum to your routine which will help increase hydration levels. Dry brushing and using coconut oil after a warm shower is very beneficial in the cooler months.

Another thing to remember is that Fall and Winter bring with them the Holiday season. Work deadlines before the New Year, holiday shopping and family gatherings can create a lot of stress. Schedule monthly facials, manicure/pedicures/ massages at the end of summer until the beginning of the New Year and don’t deviate from your schedule. Try to take a mini vacation to a Spa between the months of October and November for some peace and tranquility. Stay on track and listen to changes that your body is experiencing. From the east coast to the west coast, seasons are changing due to the tilt in the earth’s axis. Reflecting on the seasons past and the approaching months is a good way to honor the changes in ourselves as well as our Mother Earth.