Make your eyes a priority after a post pandemic year

By Davina C.

In a post lockdown year, in which our 'connection' has largely been limited to digital screen grabs or Zoom time, and our own image has continuously been refracted back to us through an often unflattering lens, this year is seeing an ever increasing demand for eye treatments or products that will restore eyes back to pre-pandemic health.

So, how has this 'Zoom boom' been a catalyst for eye strain? And how does an accumulative effect lead towards eye fatigue and even cosmetic defects?

According to research we should blink 10-15 times per minute to maintain the 'tear film': a microscopic layer, consisting of mucus, water and oil, which protect and moisturize the eye. Blinking also clears stagnant fluid and sharpens your vision by keeping the surface eye layer moist - whilst when we read from a screen, we blink less and the upper and lower eyelids don't fully connect, causing a cycle of dryness, blurred vision, weakened eye muscles and sometimes infection.

Increased stress over this past year has also impacted the delicate skin around the eye area - one of the first places to show signs of aging through fine lines and wrinkles.

From dry eyes, hooded eyelids, under eye wrinkles to dark circles, 2021 has become the year of the eye concern. Don't fear though, you are not alone: fine lines around the eyes are also a natural part of the aging process as people get older, the skin loses its ability to renew itself.

Healthy lifestyle adjustments and skincare can be a first step to giving the eye area a natural boost; from increasing water to using cucumber on the eyes, whilst research proves that polyphenols, a chemical compound found in green tea and pomegranates, can help prevent wrinkles. Also medical studies show that Vitamin C is helpful in reducing lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

Other ways to prevent lines and protect the eye are include switching to retinol in your daily skincare - retinoids work by prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die quickly, making way for new, healthy fresh skin underneath.

We recommend making eyes a long term investment by making these targeted products part of your every day routine.

Balade en Provence Solid Eye Contour Serum Bar

French organic skin and beauty balm specialists, Balade en Provence, have created this powerfully effective, easy to use, eye contour bar to brighten the eye area. Containing serum derived from essential oils from the immortelle flower, known for healing and regenerative properties, this beauty balm bar contains a balance of restorative omega 6, cocoa butter, recognised for its anti-oxidant and soothing effects.

Avalon Organics Intense Defence Eye Cream

From screen time to environmental aggressors such as UV Rays and pollution, which create free radicals on the skin, that cause premature signs of ageing, the eye area needs 'Intense Defence.' This antioxidant intensive formula fuses Vitamin C, white tea, and lemon bioflavonoids to defend skin and support skin regeneration: expect to see results after regular use, including moistured delicate skin around the eyes and a refreshed appearance free from dark shadows and softened fine lines.