Women approaching menopause may notice changes around their eyes before other facial areas, but these common concerns can be tackled with the right interventions.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr Beth Goldstein and hormone scientist Amy Beckley explained how to address the changes without surgery.
Dr Goldstein told GB News: "The skin around the eyes alters earlier during pre- and peri-menopause, compared to other facial areas such as the forehead or neck."
This is primarily down to declining oestrogen levels from around age 30, resulting in lower collagen and elastin production, the expert explained.
Over time the tissue which supports the eyes weakens
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Hormone-linked losses are cumulative throughout life and become particularly powerful during the 12- to 16-year menopausal transition period.
"Over time, the tissue which supports the eyes weakens," Dr Golstein explained. "Natural fat deposits around the eyes may move around or altogether shrink, creating what we call eye bags or puffiness."
The result, for some individuals, may be an under-eye area that appears "hollow" or "sunken", as the tear trough - the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek - begins to reshape due to an oestrogen decline.
Blood vessels may also become visible through thinning of the skin, causing dark under-eye circles.
The most effective non-surgical solution, according to Dr Golstein, is multi-pronged; good sleep, increased hydration intake, and wearing sunscreen all the time.
SPF is consistently touted as the gold standard for youthful skin, as sun exposure significantly contributes to skin damage.
The product can be applied very close to the eyes and even on the eyelids using careful techniques to prevent irritation.
In addition to changes listed by Dr Goldstein, Amy Beckley notes that common eye-area changes during menopause may include bags under the eyes, dryness, and more lines, proposing additional steps to target these concerns.
Because these changes to a "decrease in hormones", Amy suggested applying hormones directly to facial skin.
Oestrogen facial creams and progesterone-containing balancing oils work particularly well together.
Scientific findings reported by the scientific journal Fertility and Sterility highlight positive effects from using these creams, noting that they are "beneficial in maintaining skin firmness and elasticity in post-menopausal women.
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Prevention is key to maintaining a youthful eye area
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The report states: "Topical oestrogen has been shown to increase the production of type III collagen and the overall collagen fibre count after six months of application.
"It also increased the acid mucopolysaccharide and hyaluronic acid levels in the skin, which are important for maintaining skin hydration and barrier function."
But while interventions exist, both Dr Golstein and Amy stress that prevention is key to maintaining a youthful eye area in your 60s, when a loss of bone mass from the skull begins showing around the eye sockets.
"It's not just a visual effect, we really are all developing bigger eye sockets over the years," noted Dr Goldstein.
