The eyes are one of the first spots to show age-related changes, and although prevention in the form of skincare can help maintain a youthful appearance, there are two contributing factors to eye-area aging that are out of our hands. According to Coral Gables, Florida plastic surgeon Dr. Jhonny Salomon, “The first is genetics, as some patients have a predisposition to aging at an earlier stage of life.” The second is related to the strength of the eye septum, which is the supportive tissue surrounding the eyes. “If the eye septum is weak, the fat around the eyes can bulge and cause what we commonly refer to as ‘bags,’” he explains. In addition, discoloration and a thinning of the skin over time contribute to an aged appearance as well. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to delay eye-area aging—and reverse the visible symptoms.

Skincare
It’s never too early to begin taking steps that can help prevent signs of eye aging, and avoiding overexposure to UV rays goes a long way. Dr. Salomon explains, “By using a good sunblock and moisturizer daily, you are inevitably delaying the aging process.” Product to try: With nourishing ceramides and a high level of broad-spectrum sun protection, SkinCeuticals Physical UV Eye Defense SPF 50 hydrates and protects delicate skin as its universal tint helps improve uneven skin tone—and it doubles as a primer that helps eye makeup stay in place.

Injectables
Botox and Dysport are sure-fire ways to smooth crow’s feet, and relaxing these wrinkles can help prevent them from becoming etched into the skin. Injectable fillers play an anti-aging role in the eye area as well, and Dr. Salomon finds them especially useful for patients in their thirties and forties to address early signs of aging. “Injecting a hyaluronic acid filler where the lower eyelid and upper cheek meet creates a more youthful appearance by minimizing the demarcation between these two areas,” he explains.

Skin resurfacing
Fine lines and discoloration add years to the eye area. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing can restore a more youthful appearance by improving skin quality, but Dr. Salomon emphasizes, “These treatments are not intended to address bags or deep nasojugal fold lines beneath the eyes.”

Blepharoplasty
“Blepharoplasty is the only treatment that addresses all signs of aging around the eyes,” says Dr. Salomon. This surgical procedure removes excess fat and bags, tightens the muscles and improves sagging skin. If you’re thinking about eye surgery, Dr. Salomon warns, “It’s important that surgeons be conservative in their approach for upper and lower blepharoplasty so there is no extreme tightness of the skin surrounding the eyes. The goal is to provide patients with a younger version of themselves while also delivering a natural, elegant look.”