
Why the skin of eye area is more fragile than other?
The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate due to several anatomical factors.
1. Thin Skin:
The periocular region has the thinnest skin on the body, about 0.5 mm, compared to 2 mm on other parts of the face. —making it more vulnerable to damage from environmental factors and aging. This thinness also allows underlying structures, like blood vessels, to be more visible, which can lead to the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
2. Minimal Oil Glands:
The eye area has minimal sebaceous (oil) glands and a limited hydrolipidic barrier, which normally helps keep skin moisturized and protected. This absence leaves the eye contour more prone to dryness and less protected from environmental stressors.
3. Low Collagen and Elastin:
The lack of supportive collagen and elastin fibers in this area further contributes to its fragility, as these fibers provide elasticity and strength to the skin. The high vascularity and limited subcutaneous fat also increase susceptibility to swelling and dark circles from fluid retention and poor blood circulation.
4. Increased Vascularity and Susceptibility to Fluid Retention:
Due to the rich network of blood vessels in this area, fluid can easily accumulate, leading to puffiness, especially if circulation is impaired. This is often worsened by factors like lack of sleep, allergies, and dehydration.
5. Constant movement:
The eye area’s constant movement—due to blinking and facial expressions—exacerbates these challenges. This repetitive motion gradually weakens the skin’s elasticity, contributing to fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the outer corners where "crow’s feet" typically form.
References:
Steven Liew, Simone Doreian, Wachira Kunathathorn, Stephanie Lam, Alvin Jorge, Lam Bee Lan, Ellen Selkon, Sean Arendse, Jodie Silleri, Tara Telfer; Lower Eyelid Dark Circles (Tear Trough and Lid-Cheek Junction): A Stepwise Assessment Framework; Aesthetic Surgery Journal;2024.
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