What if the secret to reducing dark circles was not found in an expensive moisturizer, but in a targeted treatment? This facialist shares her self-massage protocol around the eyes to smooth the skin, stimulate circulation and awaken the eyes, while respecting the fragility of this key area.
This is a recurring problem for many people: stubborn dark circles. They settle before the eyes, betraying the slightest night that is too short but also the passing of time. Bad news: skincare creams can’t do much about it. It must be said that the eye contour is an extremely fragile area, devoid of sebaceous glands and subject to more than 10,000 blinks per day. “The skin marks very easily because it is very thin. It is prone to aging more quickly than the rest of the face“, even explains Alix Saint Georges, facialist and founder of the Paume Institute in Paris. If genetics obviously plays a role (notably the position of the eyes), lifestyle is also determining: sleep, diet and alcohol consumption can further mark our dark circles. “The lack of sun protection also plays a role. UVA and UVB significantly affect the area“, adds the professional. In order to prevent fatigue from permanently setting in on our features, the expert revealed to us her self-massage protocol, practiced for a few minutes each morning. It smoothes wrinkles and fine lines, drains the area and restarts blood and lymphatic circulation.
For an awakened look, two pressure gestures are enough according to Alix Saint Georges. “We position the thumb in the hollow of the eyebrow arch, and we apply pressure following not the eyebrow but the bone. We close our eyes and press to a quick count of three. Then, with your thumb and index finger, smooth the eyebrow from the inside to the outside.“, explains the facialist. This first sequence of movements, repeated a few times, helps stimulate and detoxify the area. An important process, especially when the eyelids become heavy over time.
For below the eye, hold the temple with the opposite hand, “the idea is for the area to be as tense as possible.“And with the ring finger of the other hand, we smooth the dark circles in an extremely light manner, passing as close to the eye as possible. According to the professional, this gesture can be done morning and evening, and helps to unclog the cavity.”You can apply your eye contour this way. And then, tap with the pads of the fingers.“
The good news? The results are seen quite quickly. Alix Saint Georges assures us: after a week of daily practice, the difference is already noticeable. The importance? Re-gu-la-ri-ty. But also and above all, not to touch your eyes for the rest of the day. “Otherwise, these micro-movements crease and wrinkle the skin.“You have been warned.
