The eye contour is often the first area of the face to show signs of fatigue and ageing: fine lines, dark circles, puffiness… No surprise there: this ultra-thin skin, three to five times more fragile than the rest of the face, accumulates every vulnerability.
The good news? With targeted actions and eye-specific skincare, it’s possible to maintain a bright, refreshed-looking gaze for longer.
Eyes contour, a skin three to five times thinner
Measuring only 0.3 to 0.5 mm in thickness (compared with 1 to 1.5 mm for the rest of the face), the skin around the eyes contains very few sebaceous glands and has a weak hydrolipidic film.
As a result, it dehydrates more quickly, marks more easily, and reacts strongly to external aggressors.
Dark circles and puffiness: what causes them?
Contrary to popular belief, dark circles are not simply caused by lack of sleep.
Because the skin here is so transparent, it reveals a dense network of blood vessels, leading to blue or purplish tones. Slower blood and lymphatic circulation also encourages stagnation and congestion.
Puffiness under the eyes appears when water or fat accumulates, often made worse by:
genetics
fatigue
ageing
loss of muscle tone
A muscle in action… 20,000 times per day!
The eye contour is one of the most expressive areas of the face. The orbicular muscles blink 10,000 to 20,000 times a day—an incessant movement that contributes to expression lines, including the well-known crow’s feet.
Eyes contour, a ultra-reactive area
The eye contour contains around three times more mast cells (inflammatory cells) than the rest of the face. This is why the area reacts so easily: contact allergies, eyelid eczema, irritation from make-up or unsuitable skincare products.
Choosing gentle, ophthalmologically tested formulas is therefore essential.
How to care for the eye contour
A dedicated routine is key. Opt for skincare specifically formulated for this delicate area: lightweight textures, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, repairing peptides, and always a suitable pH to avoid irritation and redness.
And never forget sun protection—an essential anti-ageing step.
To go further, aesthetic medicine now offers targeted, gentle treatments: light chemical peels to improve skin density, IPL to revive radiance, or carboxytherapy (micro-injections of CO₂) to reduce blue dark circles and brighten the gaze. These can be valuable options when traditional skincare isn’t enough.
In summary
The eye contour reveals so much: our age, our lifestyle, even our level of fatigue. Its thinness and sensitivity make it a unique area that deserves special attention. With the right care and gentle habits, you can maintain a luminous, youthful-looking gaze for longer.
FAQ
Why do we get dark circles?
Dark circles appear when the blood vessels beneath the thin skin of the eye contour become visible or when pigmentation increases.
How can I reduce puffiness under the eyes?
Cold applications, lymphatic drainage, decongesting treatments, using a massage with our Roll-On, and certain aesthetic techniques can help improve their appearance.
What type of eye cream should I use?
Choose a product specifically formulated for the eye area, containing hydrating and fatigue-reducing ingredients, and tested under ophthalmological control.
