Eye Care with Nutritional Aesthetics

At the NAA, we think that our eyes are more than a window to our soul. They are a mirror of our inner health, and even can tell us a few things about our age. So, what do your eyes say about you? And what products and techniques do you really need to keep them looking their best? These are just a few of the many questions we have about taking care of our eyes. This week, we are all about eyes— so you can make yours as eye-catching as possible.

Topical Eye Care

You’ve probably noticed a broad range of skincare products specific to the eye area. Do you really need them? Most of the time, yes, as the skin around the eye area has different needs from other parts of the face. The pores around your eyes are much smaller and fewer, and the skin in this area is thinner than in the rest of your face. When you choose a product to apply around your eyes, go against the instinct to look for heavy formulas, as any formula that’s too heavy won’t absorb, will likely cause irritation,  and could lead to the formation of milia (tiny, white, keratin-filled cysts) around the eyes. Instead, look for a formula that’s light, and perhaps even gently cooling for a firmer, tighter appearance. Mildly astringent herbal infusions and hydrosols (think rose, cucumber, chamomile, calendula, and some people may tolerate witch hazel) can be a good choice. Use as cool compress or as an ingredient in a finished product. In general, humectants like aloe or hyaluronic acid are not recommended in the eye area, since they can bind too much water and add to puffiness.

Keep in mind that anything you put around the eye area will wick into the eyes through the eyelashes and/or tear ducts. Avoid strong extracts, essential oils, and fragrances. When it comes to eye makeup remover, try plain jojoba oil or naturally preserved micellar waters instead of anything drying or foaming. Do not use unpreserved water-containing products in the eye area. Any product containing water and/or plant material is extremely prone to microbial contamination, and this can cause serious infection.

Before applying eye products or removing eye makeup, you should always wash your hands. Clean eye makeup brushes weekly, and discard all liquid or cream eye makeup after 3 months— without exception! Finally, despite the prevalence of multipurpose products that can be used on cheeks, lips, and eyelids, it may be best to avoid using products that you use on your mouth in your eye area to avoid infection.

For more info, check out the FDA’s eye cosmetic safety guidelines. 

Nutritional Eye Care

Taking great care of your eyes means nourishing them with your diet as well. Our favorite foods for eye health support the optimal function of the eye, as well as capillary health that helps prevent dark circles and puffiness. If persistent circles and puffiness are an issue for you, we also encourage you to see a qualified practitioner to explore possible food allergies or intolerances that could contribute to those issues.

For the health of your eyes, get plenty of these foods in your diet:

• Leafy greens. These veggies are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect your eyes from damage from light exposure.
• Orange foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, canteloupe, and squash. These foods are high in beta carotene, which supports eye health from the inside out.
• Omega 3-rich fatty fish. Omega 3s support the health of your retina and help prevent macular degeneration.
• Eggs. Make sure they’re high-quality, and be sure to eat the yolk, which contains vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin, and protein and health fat— all supportive of optimal eye health.

NAA Member Discount

NAA members: You can find a wide selection of eye care products—from natural eye creams to vision supplements—at LuckyVitamin.com. You’ll get 10% off anything you buy at LuckyVitamin.com when you use the special discount code located in your membership dashboard! Check the dashboard for all of the details.

Not an NAA member yet? Check out our other membership benefits here!

We want to hear from you!

How do you take care of your eyes?

What products or foods have helped your eyes to look their best?