Eyes - the window of your inner health

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul – and also to our inner health. Iridology, dating back to the 1600s, is still used today to assess overall wellbeing.

The skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner than the rest of the face and contains no oil glands, so it requires extra care and attention. Common concerns include puffiness, loss of firmness, fine lines and dark circles, all of which can be managed with the right treatments and routines.

Under-eye puffiness can result from a combination of heredity, diet and skincare. Adequate sleep is essential, but salt is also a major contributor. In Chinese medicine, puffiness under the eyes can indicate a kidney deficiency. Reducing salt intake and drinking plenty of water supports kidney health.

Herbs such as Schisandra, dandelion, artichoke and barberry can help – a typical recommendation is 15 drops twice daily when puffiness occurs. Topical treatments, gentle massage, at least six glasses of water a day, and a reduced-salt diet can further help diminish under-eye swelling.

Gentle care around the eyes is essential – no pulling or tugging. A mild eye make-up remover that easily dissolves makeup without irritation is key; my favourite is Carrot Butter Cleanser, which melts make-up on contact.

Once make-up is removed, proper hydration helps keep the area plump and smooth. My preferred eye treatment is Expression Treatment, which contains sodium hyaluronate and Acmella Oleracea, a Peruvian herb that relaxes muscles, temporarily smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

Before applying treatments, gentle exfoliation where lines are visible is important. Our Enzyme Peel Mask is ideal for this, followed by the Expression Treatment to maximise results.

To support skin density and capillary repair, apply a light gel cream with your ring finger. My favourite is The Organic Pharmacy's Lifting Eye Gel, which contains bilberry and arnica.

Lots of our wellness retreats offer therapies targeting eye health, whether that's a soothing under-eye mask or aesthetic treatment. Get in touch with our expert team via the link below for more information.