Droopy eyelids, medically known as ptosis, can make a person look older and tired or even interfere with vision in severe cases. Many people seek non-surgical ways to lift their eyelids, and one common question is whether facial exercises can help. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of droopy eyelids, the potential benefits of exercises, and other non-surgical treatments available.
What Causes Droopy Eyelids?
Droopy eyelids can be caused by several factors, including:
- Age – With age, the skin loses its elasticity, and the muscles around the eyes become weak, which causes drooping.
- Genetics – Some people are born with naturally low or hooded eyelids.
- Muscle Weakness – The levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid, can weaken with time.
- Nerve Damage – Conditions such as stroke or nerve disorders can affect the movement of the eyelid.
- Lifestyle Factors – Poor sleep, smoking, dehydration, and too much sun can all contribute to earlier droopy eyelids.
Can Exercises Lift Droopy Eyelids?
One of the most publicised natural approaches to toning and strengthening the muscles of the face, particularly those around the eyes, is facial exercises. Though there is limited scientific proof of their efficacy, many people feel they help create a more aesthetic look to sagging eyelids.
Here are some exercises that could help:
1. Eyelid Strengthening Exercise
- You lift your fingers right under your eyebrows lightly while closing your eyes.
- Hold for 5 seconds and repeat this 10 times.
- This engages the levator muscle, which lifts your eyelid.
2. Resistance Blink Exercise
- Close your eyes tight, putting your index fingers at the outer edge of your eyes.
- Gently pull the skin outward while trying to blink.
- Do this 10 times to firm up the eyelid muscles.
3. Eyelid Lift
- Go ahead and lift your brows as high as possible, holding them for a couple of seconds.
- Then, slowly lower your brows and repeat 10-15 times.
- This facilitates the elasticity of the eyelids.
4. Eye-Firming Massage
- Using your ring fingers, lightly tap them along your brow bone and eyelids to stimulate circulation.
- Massage in an upward motion to cultivate blood flow and less puffiness.
While these exercises may help slightly tone the eyelids, they are not a surefire solution for severe drooping.
Other Non-Surgical Remedies for Droopy Eyelids
If exercises don’t provide the desired results, there are other non-invasive treatments to consider:
- Skin-Firming Creams and Serums
Using eye creams with retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can tighten up the skin in the eyes. They will not be able to significantly lift the eyelids but could enhance the skin’s texture and firmness as a whole.
- Eye Patches and Masks
Caffeine and collagen hydrogel eye patches are said to give the impression of lifted eyelids by minimising puffiness under the eyes for a short time.
- Facial Yoga and Massage
Regular facial massages and yoga techniques could improve blood flow and make muscles around the eye stronger.
- Makeup techniques
The eyelids could create an illusion if one used enough eye makeup: a light tone on the centre of the lid and a shade darker on the outer corner make the eyes open.
- Botox and Fillers
For those who want a more effective but non-surgical solution, Botox injections can help lift the brows and reduce eyelid drooping. Dermal fillers in the upper cheek area can also provide a slight lifting effect.
- Radiofrequency and Ultrasound Therapy
Advanced skincare treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening and ultrasound therapy (such as Therapy) can stimulate collagen production and lift sagging skin over time.
When to Consider Surgery?
If droopy eyelids significantly impact your vision or appearance, a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty may be the best option. This procedure removes excess skin and tightens the eyelid muscles for a permanent lifting effect. It’s a common and safe procedure with long-lasting results.
How to Reduce Dark Circles Along with Droopy Eyelids?
Most of the individuals who have droopy eyelids are also subject to dark circles that may make them appear even sleepier. Applying the Best Dark Circle Corrector with active ingredients such as vitamin C, caffeine, or peptides helps to illuminate and firm the skin under the eyes. The refreshing of eyes can also be brought about through the use of cold compresses, proper hydration, and sufficient sleep.
Also Read: What Causes Dry Eye Symptoms and How Are They Treated?
Conclusion
Though facial exercises could be helpful to slightly improve the droopy eyelids by building the muscles of the eyes, they are certainly not a permanent solution for moderately or severely drooping eyelids. Combining it with skincare, non-surgical treatments, or makeup techniques could improve the overall look of the eyes. When the drooping is severe enough to affect the vision, consulting with a doctor to explore surgical options might be in order.
If you are looking for ways to brighten and rejuvenate your eyes, consider using the Best Dark Circle Corrector to improve the under-eye area along with these eyelid exercises. And if you’re wondering what are hooded eyes, knowing the difference between natural eye shapes and actual eyelid sagging can help you choose the right treatments.
