Your skin is definitely not created equally. While the soles of your feet tend to be pretty tough, allowing you to walk barefoot over to the mailbox, the skin on the back of your neck tends to burn easily. So you always slather on extra sunscreen. Then there’s the skin around your eyes. If you have always thought that this part of your face is extra delicate, you are correct.

Because your skin varies depending on which part of your body it is covering, it is a good idea to know how to clean and care for its many types. For instance, to make sure the skin around your eyes is as healthy as possible, it is important to know why it is so different. Then think about how it should be treated:

What Makes it Different

The skin around your eyes is very thin. As a result it is much more sensitive than other parts of your body. In addition, it also contains very few oil glands. This means it is more likely to dry out and become wrinkled or develop crow’s feet. Because it is so delicate, you must take special care when cleaning your eyes. For instance, if you wear eye shadow, liner and/or mascara, look for a makeup remover that is fragrance-free. Then be patient when using the product. Apply it gingerly and let it work for a few minutes as opposed to scrubbing it off. For everyday cleaning, use a gentle cleanser on a washcloth and oh-so-carefully apply it to your eyes, with them closed of course. Then rinse with lukewarm water.

Buy a Moisturizer Especially for the Eye Area

While you may think you can use your regular moisturizer on your entire face, please invest in an anti-wrinkle cream that is designed specifically for the delicate skin around your eyes. For example, the Redefine Multi-Function Eye Cream from Rodan + Fields would be a great addition to your anti-aging skincare routine. The anti-aging serum is made with natural ingredients that have been found to help the skin around the eyes look younger and healthier and free of fine lines and wrinkles. This includes vitamin C and vitamin F, as well as botanical extracts and antioxidants. When applying this or any other skincare product around the eyes, pat it onto the skin gently with the tip of a finger.

Treating Other Common Eye Area Issues

As you get a bit older, you may start to develop some common issues around the eyes. For example, getting bags under your eyes is more likely to happen as you age. The tissues and muscles around your eyes will weaken and fluids can accumulate, leading to puffy-looking bags. To help lessen their appearance, use cool compresses and try to cut back on the amount of salt that you eat. Also, if you have seasonal allergies, try to get the symptoms under control. Otherwise they can lead to puffy and dark circles under the eyes.

Beautiful Eyes Deserve Special Care

The skin around your eyes may be thinner and more delicate, but caring for it does not have to take a lot of extra time and money. By using a gentle cleanser and anti-aging products, the skin around your eyes will stay as healthy and hydrated as possible, causing you to look more awake and youthful.