UNDER EYE CARE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES

THE UNDER-EYE AREA NEEDS SPECIALIZED CARE

The under-eye area is the thinnest and most delicate skin on the face, making it particularly susceptible to damage and visible aging.

With fewer oil glands than other facial areas, it's naturally predisposed to dryness. This can exacerbate pre-existing fine lines. Plus, all of the blinking, squinting and facial movement keep this area extra busy, accelerating the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.

Additionally, its delicate structure makes it more vulnerable to vascular concerns and pigmentation issues, such as dark circles, which can be tough to tackle without targeted under-eye treatments. Luckily, giving this area the attention it deserves can make a big difference!

COMMON UNDER-EYE CHALLENGES

As the skin ages, the under-eye area becomes increasingly prone to various concerns. The most common issues include:

• Dry skin around the eyes
• Dark circles
• Signs of aging
• Puffiness
• Dehydration

UNDERSTANDING DARK CIRCLES: APPEARANCE, TYPES, CAUSES

Dark circles, in particular, are one of the biggest client concerns. Some clients may have a bluish or purplish tint to their under-eye area, while others have a brown or gray discoloration. This is because dark circles can occur for various reasons. Identifying the cause for each client is key to reducing this condition effectively.

• Pigmented Dark Circles: These appear as brown or dark patches under the eyes, caused by excess melanin. They're more common in darker skin tones and can darken further with sun exposure. 
• Vascular Dark Circles: These appear as blue, purple or reddish discoloration under the eyes due to visible blood vessels. They often give a tired or puffy look and can worsen with a lack of sleep or allergies. 
• Structural or Hollowing Dark Circles: These create a shadowed or sunken appearance under the eyes due to the loss of fat and collagen. They're often associated with aging and give a hollowed-out look. 
• Temporary/Inflammatory Dark Circles: These look swollen or puffy with dark discoloration caused by inflammation. They're typically short-term and improve once the underlying issue, like allergies or diet, is addressed.

UNDER-EYE TREATMENTS & CARE BY SKIN TYPE

Not all skin concerns are the same—dark circles included! Every skin type has its own needs, especially when it comes to under-eye care. Here's a breakdown of which skin types require which under-eye treatments and the recommended care for each.

DRY SKIN 

Characteristics: Prone to flaking, fine lines, dehydration and dullness. May have a thin or delicate under-eye area.

Moisture is key for dry skin types. Gentle, hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Ceramides are the perfect ingredients to add the needed moisture and combat dryness. Avoid harsh exfoliants that may further dry out the under-eye area.

The best professional treatments include hydrating facials and microneedling to boost hydration levels in the skin. Peptide Cream is a great pharmaceutical-grade addition that can be applied directly under the eyes to lift, firm and moisturize the area while targeting fine lines and wrinkles.

OILY SKIN 

Characteristics: May tolerate more potent actives but also prone to milia: small white bumps that form under the eyes due to trapped oil and dead skin cells. 

Milia can be addressed with under-eye treatments and performing gentle extractions using a sterilized comedone extractor. Be careful not to over-extract as this can cause further irritation and potential scarring.

Oily skin can also benefit from oil-balancing products that contain highly pure forms of ingredients like Salicylic Acid or Retinol. These ingredients help to regulate oil production across the face and prevent clogged pores.

SENSITIVE SKIN 

Characteristics: Reactive to fragrances and some acids.

Sensitive skin requires a very gentle approach. Avoid harsh ingredients and techniques; instead, choose products with soothing botanicals like pure Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Green Tea.

Any professional treatment for this area should begin with a thorough consultation. Options like chemical peels or harsh exfoliation should be approached with caution. Instead, opt for gentle treatments like facials that don't cause inflammation. GlyMed Plus's Eye Calm is professionally formulated with natural botanicals and is a great finishing product for any treatment.

COMBINATION SKIN

Characteristics: Mixed needs with dehydrated under eyes and an oily T-zone.

The best ingredients for the under-eye area of combination skin are those that balance hydration without adding excess oil. Look for pharmaceutical-grade products with Hyaluronic Acid to provide lightweight hydration and Niacinamide to help regulate oil and improve skin texture, keeping the delicate under-eye area smooth and refreshed.

In the treatment room, customize your approach by targeting specific areas with different products. For example, a gentle exfoliation or enzyme peel can help remove excess oil and unclog pores in the T-zone while CBD Regenerative Eye Cream can be applied as an under-eye area treatment to replenish moisture.

MATURE SKIN 

Characteristics: Often thin, dry and marked by dark circles, fine lines and volume loss.

To care for the under-eye area in mature skin, choose products with powerful ingredients like Peptides, Retinol and Antioxidants. These help boost collagen production, minimize fine lines and wrinkles and protect the delicate skin from environmental damage.

For deeper rejuvenation, professional under-eye treatments such as microneedling, laser therapy or chemical peels can target the under-eye area to improve texture and firmness. Finish your routine with our Firming Eye Cream to further enhance collagen production and keep the under-eye area looking smooth.

HYPERPIGMENTED-PRONE SKIN

Characteristics: Requires brightening agents with low irritation potential.

Clients who are prone to hyperpigmentation may struggle with consistently dark under-eye circles. This can be due to genetics, sun exposure or hormonal changes. Look for products with Kojic Acid, Horse Chestnut, Sunflower or Vitamin C to help brighten the under-eye area and even out skin tone. Our Brilliant Tone is a great example; it’s formulated with pure Kojic Acid and Vitamin C and works extremely well on under-eye darkness.

If clients with this skin type want professional under-eye treatment, suggest chemical peels or laser therapy. These treatments can help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and improve overall skin texture.

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