6 Spa Treatments to Refresh Tired Looking Eyes

Of the many ways 2020 impacted us, it hasn’t been very kind to our eyes. 2021 isn’t shaping out to be much better with the new variants out and the added stress of schools closing and reopening left and right. Think: Sleepless nights, unprecedentedly stressful circumstances, and a serious spike in screen time. Lack of sleep is terrible for your body overall, as it throws off your normal circadian rhythms, which throws off your hormones, your melatonin, and decreases your ability to heal wounds and suppress inflammation. While we sleep, the body repairs damage to important proteins such as collagen and elastic tissue.

 A recent study was done to determine the effects of sleep and eye skin, and it showed better and more efficient skin repair of DNA damage in good sleepers, and a better response in the skin to ultraviolet-induced inflammation or redness. The sleep-deprived had more water loss from the skin, which led to dry skin and was attributed to poor skin barrier integrity.

Science says stress messes with us too. Emotional stress increases the level of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body and the skin. inflammation. A rise in cortisol has been proven to lead to skin prematurely aging by decreasing important cells called fibroblasts, which are responsible for collagen production in the skin. 

And finally, there’s the screens. With so many people now working from home and on screens 8-18 hours a day, blue light has become a more important factor. It has been found that blue light contributes to skin aging similar to UVA by producing reactive oxygen species — and contributes to premature skin photoaging.

Plus, the masks that protect us from COVID-19 hide everything but our eyes—so we can’t even use our old favorites as means of distraction (i.e. the red lip we haven’t worn since this whole thing started). Luckily, cosmetic dermatologists and spas are offering a range of solutions to help soothe, refresh, and brighten things up. We broke down everything you need to know about the facials, acupuncture, injectables, and more spa treatments that target and invigorate the eye area—plus options to try at home!

6 Spa Treatments for Tired Looking Eyes

1. Micro Current Facial

What it is: A facial that uses mild electrical current to stimulate the skin and facial muscles, promoting healing, and collagen and elastin production. The facial consists of cleansing, light exfoliation, LED light therapy, application of serum and moisturizer customized for your skin, and a massage. It’s one of the most effective, non-invasive anti-aging treatments—no needles, fillers, or downtime involved. And clients always notice the most dramatic result around the eye area!

The results: The treatment will lift and open up the eye area, giving the whole face a more youthful, refreshed, well-rested look. You’ll notice improved skin quality, like a more even tone, smoother texture, and a healthy glow. 

The experience: It’s relaxing and completely painless. Microcurrent is sub-sensory and mimics your own body’s current, so you hardly feel anything. Many clients fall asleep during the facial treatment. At most, you may feel a slight tingle or buzz during the treatment since microcurrent employs a mild electrical current to stimulate facial skin & muscles. There’s no downtime at all. Many clients come the afternoon of a big event because you’ll see dramatic results immediately after just one facial, which will last for about a week to 10 days. To see sustainable results, we recommend a series of three to five microcurrent facials, followed by regular maintenance. 

2. Botox for Crow’s Feet and Frown Lines

What it is: Botulinum toxin is injected in the forehead and crow’s feet area to pause muscle movement that causes fine lines. This helps prevent those lines from becoming etched in and more permanent.

The results: Aside from diminishing fine lines, it can help open up the eyes to make you look more awake and refreshed. 

The experience: The treatment does not require any numbing cream and is very well tolerated. There is a low risk of bruising and swelling, so for most people, there’s no downtime at all. The results take full effect in about 10 to 14 days and last for about 3 to 4 months. 

The at-home alternatives: Nothing will pause movement the way that Botox does, but to reduce fine lines in these areas, retinol eye creams can help stimulate collagen and fight skin aging. Never forget the eye cream morning and night!

3. Cloud Facial

One of the best facials for plumping dry, tired looking eyes and all over your face! Ideal for dehydrated skin as aforementioned occurs when we’re stressed, this cloud facial offers a targeted lifting massage to bring blood flow back to the face, as well as infusing your skin with hyaluronic acid and oxygen. Be prepared for amazing before and after photos to show how bright, lifted, tighter, and glowing skin you have from forehead to chin!

4. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

What it is: Hyaluronic acid fillers are placed in the under eye area or in the cheeks with a needle or cannula to smooth and replenish the loss of fat and structural volume (a normal occurrence as we age).

The results: This smooths out the area, reduces shadowing, and creates a rejuvenated, more youthful look. Using hyaluronic acid fillers around the eyes is a great way to replace under eye and mid-cheek volume loss, and tear through fillers to smooth out under eye hollowing and shadows.

The experience: On the day of the treatment, your provider may apply numbing cream to the treatment area to help with comfort. The treatment is typically quick and well-tolerated. A pinch and some crackling sensation are what most patients expect. The most common side effects? Redness, soreness, bruising, and swelling, which can take up to 2 weeks to subside. Fillers can last around 12 months, but the duration varies depending on the type of filler and the patient. 

The at-home alternatives: Daily eye creams are an easy at-home way to prevent and improve under-eye hydration and bounce. Eye creams with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, repair and plump the skin around the eyes. Antioxidants can help repair, brighten, and stimulate collagen around the eyes. Caffeine can help reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes.

5. Vitamin Facial

Your parents always told you to take your vitamins as a kid, but we really should’ve been listening to them! Well, now there’s the Vitamin Facial by Botanica Day Spa to nourish your dry, tired looking eyes and face with vitamin A and E, plus essential oils to increase circulation. Plus, you might even fall asleep during the service and that’s even more shuteye to boost your collagen production!

6. Eyelash Extensions

What it is: Various lengths, curvatures, and widths of lashes are carefully selected and applied with FDA-approved, medical-grade adhesive.

The results: Your lashes will appear fuller, longer, curled, and your eyes can be ‘contoured’ to your desired shape. By adding a bolder and dark lash, your eyes appear wider, brighter, and more awake—even when you don’t have the time (or energy) to apply makeup. 

The experience: It’s quite relaxing. Clients lay comfortably on our plush customized beds while the service is performed. You might even fall asleep, which is very common!

The at-home alternatives: Try a conditioning serum, like RevitaLash. It contains a unique blend of natural and botanical ingredients to help your lashes reach their full potential, creating both density and length. 

Where to Refresh Tired Looking Eyes

Whether you’re here for vacation or live around the area, Clearwater, FL is the ultimate getaway! Botanica Day Spa is located right before Clearwater Beach, ideal for pop-ins and to book a day of pampering to give you that vacation glow! Call 727-441-1711 to book any of these 5 spa treatments and be the envy of all of your zoom meetings with how glowing and refreshed you look!

Love,

Gen