Is it safe to use exfoliator around the eye area?

While there's nothing more satisfying than a good scrub to flake-away dry skin and fine lines, you should approach exfoliators around the eyes with caution. Facialist Sarah Chapman warns: "As eye contour skin has virtually no oil glands, it's incredibly easy to damage and irritate. In fact, aggressive products such as the wrong exfoliator can actually cause more lines and wrinkles when used inappropriately."

Skin around the eye is five times thinner, so never be tempted to use a regular face exfoliator which is too harsh for this area. Instead, Sarah recommends eye products containing vitamin A, which encourages natural exfoliation without aggression.

"For best results, always use your ring finger (which is more gentle than the index finger) for treating the eye contour to avoid dragging and damaging the area's delicate tissue," Sarah advises.

Try Skinesis Eye Recovery, £37.19 (spacenk.co.uk).

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