For many of us, the delicate skin around the eyes is the first place to show signs of ageing – fine lines, crepey texture and sagging that can eventually lead to consideration of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). But what if the right eye cream could actually help prevent that loose, droopy skin from developing in the first place?
Why the eye area is so vulnerable
The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face – up to 10 times thinner, in fact – making it more susceptible to ageing and environmental damage. Over time, this leads to a loss of elasticity and firmness, resulting in hooded lids or under-eye bags that some choose to correct surgically.
Traditionally, once the skin starts to sag, options have been limited to injectables or going under the knife. But skincare science is evolving, and now experts believe that targeted topical treatments can support the skin’s structure early on to help delay or even reduce the need for surgery later.
The wound healing connection
It might sound surprising, but the process of skin ageing shares a lot in common with wound healing.
“As we age, our skin’s natural repair mechanisms slow down and become less efficient,” explains Professor Phan Toan Thang, an expert in epithelial stem cell science at the National University of Singapore. “Skin essentially becomes ‘wounded’ by daily factors like UV rays, pollution and poor nutrition.”
Stem cells, known for their powerful regenerative abilities, release growth factors that accelerate healing by signalling skin cells to produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid – key proteins that maintain skin’s thickness, strength and elasticity.
Enter PTT-6®: a game changer in stem cell skincare
One of the breakthrough ingredients gaining attention is PTT-6®, a patented complex derived from umbilical cord lining stem cells. This unique blend of proteins and growth factors has been shown in studies to stimulate skin cell turnover and boost collagen and elastin production, key to maintaining a firm, resilient eye area.
This ingredient is exclusive to CALECIM® products, which have been developed through cutting-edge regenerative medicine research.
Prevention isn’t the only benefit
It’s important to acknowledge that for many people, the early signs of ageing around the eyes have already set in – so true prevention might no longer be possible. However, that doesn’t mean topical skincare can’t help.
By strengthening the skin’s matrix, reducing inflammation and improving hydration, these advanced formulations can still make a visible difference in skin thickness and elasticity, improving the overall appearance and delaying further deterioration.
A landscape of options
While PTT-6® and CALECIM® have led the way in stem cell signalling skincare, other brands are exploring similar technologies – including exosomes, synthetic peptides and bio-retinoids – all designed to engage with the skin’s own repair systems.
The trend is clear: skincare is moving beyond surface-level fixes to biologically active products that work with your skin at the cellular level.
The expert’s choice
For those looking to support their eye area, many beauty professionals recommend layering an eye contour lifting cream with a serum that contains potent growth factors for maximum effect.
CALECIM® Eye Contour Lifting Cream has emerged as a go-to option for this approach, often used alongside CALECIM® Professional Serum to enhance elasticity and skin strength around the eyes.
Is surgery still the gold standard?
Absolutely. In cases of significant eyelid laxity or functional issues, blepharoplasty remains the definitive treatment.
But for early or moderate signs of ageing, these advances in skincare offer a promising alternative that many people are keen to explore before committing to invasive procedures.
In short: The right eye cream, packed with scientifically backed ingredients like PTT-6®, could help train your skin to stay stronger, thicker and more resilient, potentially keeping eyelid surgery on the horizon for longer – or even off the table entirely.
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