Eye Contour Care

Eye contour care is a regular routine of cleansing, moisturising and protection for the skin around the eyes, the thinnest and most delicate skin on the face; it also includes professional care sessions carried out in the clinic. It aims to ease dryness, fine lines, a tired look and puffiness. It can be started early as prevention, and it matters even more once age, lack of sleep and fatigue begin to show.

Why does the eye area need extra care?

Because the skin around the eyes is much thinner than on the rest of the face and has fewer oil glands, so it dries out and creases more easily. We blink thousands of times a day, and facial expressions put constant strain on this fine skin. As collagen and elastin decline with age, fine lines, crow's feet and hollowing under the eyes become more visible. Genetic tendency, too little sleep, fatigue, sunlight, smoking and lifestyle can all speed up the process. That is why the eye area calls for a gentler care plan of its own, separate from the rest of the face.

How do you care for the eye area at home?

Home care rests on gentle cleansing, regular moisturising and sun protection.

• Cleansing: Remove make-up and the day's grime with a non-irritating cleanser made for the eye area and a cotton pad, without pressing. Sleeping in make-up can cause redness and irritation.
• Moisturising: Apply a light moisturiser suited to the eye area morning and evening, patting it in gently with your ring finger. Dryness tends to increase in cold, windy weather.
• Sun protection: Sunlight is one of the main external causes of skin ageing. Use a sunscreen suitable for the eye area and sunglasses with UV protection.
• No rubbing: Rubbing your eyes irritates the thin skin and can make dark circles more noticeable.

Do not apply products whose ingredients you do not know, or creams made for the body, around your eyes. Try any new product on a small area first, and stop using it if it stings, reddens or itches.

What does professional eye contour care in the clinic involve?

Professional eye contour care is a care session of about 30 minutes, planned around what your skin needs. At our clinic in Etiler, the session begins with an assessment of the eye area: dryness, fine lines, puffiness, discolouration and volume loss are each looked at separately. The care usually involves gentle cleansing, applying moisture-supporting products suited to the eye area and, where appropriate, a light massage. The products used and how often you come are tailored to the condition of your skin. Home care helps maintain the effect of these sessions; the two complement each other rather than replace one another.

Which concerns may need other treatments?

Care supports the skin's moisture and appearance, but on its own it does not correct structural changes such as volume loss, deep lines or drooping eyelids.

• Dark circles: These can have different causes, such as inherited pigmentation, thin skin or allergies; our article on dark circles under the eyes explains them in detail.
• Under-eye hollows: Where volume loss is marked, under-eye filler may be considered.
• Crow's feet: For expression lines, botulinum toxin is one of the options.
• Thin, dehydrated skin: Treatments that support skin quality, such as Profhilo, may be considered.
• Drooping eyelids: If excess skin affects your vision or there are pronounced bags, surgical eyelid surgery may come into question.

Your doctor will decide which approach suits you after the examination.

How do diet and sleep affect the eye area?

Enough sleep, a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake help the eye area look fresher. Lack of sleep and irregular sleep can make puffiness and darkness under the eyes more visible, so the face looks more tired than it is. In daily life it helps to:

• Drink enough water throughout the day.
• Follow a balanced diet with fresh vegetables, fruit and enough protein.
• Cut down on processed food, fast food and, especially in the evening, salty food; too much salt can increase morning puffiness under the eyes.
• Limit alcohol and stop smoking; both contribute to skin looking more tired and older.
• Avoid heavy meals late at night.

What should you avoid in eye contour care?

The most common mistakes are using harsh products, sleeping in make-up and rubbing the area.

• Do not apply unfamiliar products or body creams around your eyes.
• Do not take facial products containing exfoliants or high levels of active ingredients right up to the eye area.
• Never go to bed without removing your make-up completely.
• Do not try homemade mixtures you see online around your eyes; they carry a risk of irritation and allergy.
• Have treatments done only by qualified specialists.

Who is it not suitable for, and when should you see a doctor?

Professional care should be postponed if there is an active infection or an eczema flare around the eyes, or if you have recently had eye surgery.

• Active infections such as conjunctivitis, a stye or cold sores
• Eczema, dermatitis or an open wound around the eyes
• Recent eye or eyelid surgery
• A known allergy to ingredients in the care products

If you have swelling on one side or swelling that appears suddenly, eye pain, redness, any change in your vision, or puffiness and itching that last for several weeks, see a doctor rather than trying a new product. Persistent puffiness under the eyes can sometimes point to an underlying condition such as an allergy or a thyroid or kidney problem.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need an eye cream?

It is not essential, but products developed for this area are usually lighter and less irritating. If you use your face cream instead, make sure it does not sting around the eyes.

At what age should eye contour care start?

Cleansing, moisturising and sun protection are recommended at any age. Whether you need professional care depends on the condition of your skin rather than your age.

How long does a professional care session take?

A session takes about 30 minutes. How often you come is planned at the consultation according to your skin's needs and varies from person to person.

Will care get rid of dark circles?

Care can help reduce dryness and a tired look. But if the circles are caused by inherited pigmentation or volume loss, care alone may not be enough; an examination is needed to find the cause.

Can professional care replace home care?

No. Professional sessions and home care complement each other; daily cleansing, moisturising and sun protection should continue to maintain the effect of the sessions.

This content is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. To plan the right care for your eye area together, get in touch with us.