Most of us would like to look a lot younger than we really are.
However, even when you do everything right — sunscreen, diet, skincare, and so on — there are some body parts that seem determined to give away your age. For example, your eyelids.
As you probably know, your eyelids can begin to sag as you age. That’s because the muscles supporting your eyelids get weaker, causing skin to droop.
To make matters worse, your body is also producing less collagen, so it loses its elasticity. This weakens your skin tissue, making it unable to support the weight of your eyelid skin.
The good news is that there is something you can do about droopy eyelids. In fact, there are a few things you can do.
One solution is to try eyelid exercises. I know it sounds odd ... exercising your eyelids?
However, research has shown that using any muscle more often leads to greater muscular strength and a lifted appearance in the target area. So if eyelid muscles are getting weaker, it makes sense to strengthen them.
So how do you do that for eyelids?
Well, after cleansing your skin, use your hands to gently rub your eyelids, warming them up.
Then, raise your eyebrows, place a finger underneath each, and hold your eyebrows up. While you’re holding your eyebrows up, try to close your eyes. Do this for several seconds at a time.
This routine creates resistance similar to weight lifting, strengthening the muscles that support your eyelids.
Then apply an eye cream with Ceramide NG. Here’s why...
Basically, the more ceramides you have, the more youthful your skin appears. Unfortunately, ceramide levels begin to decrease in your early 30s (right around when you notice your first wrinkle). And they continue to decrease as you age.
However, scientists found a way to replenish the natural supply of ceramides: Ceramide NG. It works by mimicking the natural ceramides in your body.
In one study, volunteers applied a cream containing Ceramide NG to their skin twice a day for 8 days. Then, scientists took a series of MRIs to measure the amount of moisture contained in the skin.
The scientists were surprised to find that Ceramide NG increased skin moisture and suppleness by an incredible 300%! It also helped skin look smoother, too.
Ceramide NG is one of the most effective compounds I’ve seen to give you firmer skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles. So I highly recommend it for sagging and drooping eyelids.
Finally, if your eyelids really bother you or you just want to see a bigger difference, you could go the surgical route.
An upper eyelid blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-roe-plas-tee) is a popular plastic surgery technique that tightens and raises the eyelids. Blepharoplasty can also be used to remove the excess skin and fat deposits that create bags under the eyes.
It’s an outpatient surgery, and usually not covered by insurance.
Many people are happy with the results, though, feeling like they look more rested and youthful. For some, the results will be permanent. For others, droopy eyelids may come back.
Finally, whether you go the surgical route or not, make sure you’re taking care to reduce sun exposure to your eyelids. That means wearing a hat when you’re out in the sun, and wearing sunscreen every day.
Since the eye area is so delicate, use a sunscreen that’s free of alcohol and parabens. And use one that contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc. This type of sunscreen not only blocks the sun, but causes less irritation.