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Huile d'avocat et contour des yeux.

Avocado oil, a treatment for the eye contour?

The area around the eyes is a particularly delicate part of the face, prone to a variety of concerns: dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, and fine lines... To care for it, the daily application of pure avocado oil or its incorporation into a skincare routine is among the recommended tips.

Summary
Published March 24, 2023, updated on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication — 6 min read
Avocado oil

Dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles: the issues surrounding the eye contour.

The eye contour is the most delicate area of the face and is subject to multiple concerns.

  • The skin around the eyes is very thin.

    The thickness of the skin in this area is approximately 0.35 mm compared to an average of 1 mm on the rest of the face. This makes it particularly transparent to solar radiation. Therefore, the synthesis of melanin is significantly stimulated in this area, which promotes the appearance of brown circles. In addition to being very thin, the eye contour area is particularly stressed : speaking, smiling, squinting are all movements that contribute to the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles.

  • The skin around the eyes is prone to dehydration.

    Furthermore, the area around the eyes is relatively poor in sebaceous glands, which are responsible for the production of sebum. Consequently, this area is prone to dehydration, a phenomenon that promotes the appearance of dehydration fine lines.

  • The production of collagen and elastin is low around the eye contour.

    The dermis around the eyes contains only a small amount of collagen and elastin, the supportive fibers. Moreover, over time, their synthesis by fibroblasts decreases. This has a dual effect: the accentuation of skin sagging and theappearance of wrinkles, and the slippage of fatty tissues into the lower eyelid, which leads to the formation of fatty pouches under the eyes.

  • The skin around the eyes is sensitive to microcirculation dysfunction.

    As we age, microcirculation becomes less efficient and the blood capillaries, structured by a few thin layers of collagen, become distended. Blood pigments then concentrate around the eye contour and bluish dark circles appear. Lymphatic circulation is also affected over time. Drainage becomes less efficient, leading to a buildup of water under the eyes, causing water-filled bags.

Avocado oil for the eye contour: what are its benefits?

Avocado oil, extracted through cold pressing from the fruit of the avocado tree, is a natural ingredient suitable for application to the sensitive eye contour area. It can indeed provide numerous benefits to this area.

  • Avocado oil has a moisturizing effect.

    Avocado oil has the ability to act in preventing dehydration fine lines. Indeed, it contains several hydrating active ingredients, which are part of the composition of sebum, such as oleic acid, allowing it to partially compensate for the lack of sebaceous glands around the eyes. A recent study has highlighted that the topical application of avocado oil significantly reduces insensible water loss (IWL).

  • Avocado oil has antioxidant properties.

    This botanical extract is capable of delaying cellular aging and protecting the skin from photoaging, contributing to the brown appearance of pigmented dark circles. Avocado oil indeed contains vitamin E and carotenoids, which are capable of neutralizing the action of free radicals, reactive species generated in excess by the body when it is exposed to stressors such as prolonged UV radiation, pollution, or tobacco.

  • Avocado oil has tensing properties.

    Avocado oil also has benefits for established wrinkles around the eyes. Indeed, its application allows to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, thanks to its formula rich in omega-3. A study has even shown that the daily application of a cream based on avocado oil on the face for 12 weeks was beneficial for skin sagging. Indeed, researchers measured a decrease in the depth of crow's feet wrinkles and a global increase in skin elasticity and firmness. In doing so, avocado oil also delays the appearance of hollow dark circles and bags under the eyes.

Apart from its tightening effect, it is important to note that the other properties of avocado oil have not been demonstrated on the eye contour, but on other areas of the face or body.

How is avocado oil applied?

Applying locally a treatment based on avocado oil or pure avocado oil can help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles, and allows you to enjoy all its benefits on the eye contour. Non-photosensitizing, it can be used morning and evening and poses no risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Avocado oil is suitable for all skin types. To reduce the appearance of signs of fatigue or skin sagging, a dab can be applied twice a day around the eyes. Then massage the area until the treatment is fully absorbed. This action also helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and has a draining effect.

Sources

  • HAUSER M. & al. In vivo investigations on the penetration of various oils and their influence on the skin barrier. Skin Research and Technology (2012).

  • FIROOZ A. & al. Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020).

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