As we can't refrain from blinking or frowning, facial expressions have a lasting impact around peepers -- the first place where wrinkles appear.
"Each time we blink, smile, frown, laugh or cry there is repetitive skin movement. With every movement, the skin around the eye contours, also known as the periorbital skin, experiences micro-motion," said Nadine Pernodet, vice-president of Estee Lauder Companies' R&D on skin biology and bioactives.
The American cosmetic giant conducted research on micro-movements in order to gain a deeper understanding of ageing around the eyes, and to roll out the new Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix to counteract mechanical-motion ageing.
The micro-movements are driven by muscles closely attached to the skin that stretches with each expression. The delicate skin there is also thinner, drier with very few oil glands, making it more prone to irritation and wrinkling.
"If your eyes feel tired at the end of the day, you can understand why, because based on the blink rate alone of more than 10,000 times per day, if compared to walking, the micro-movements would be like the equivalent of the number of steps it takes to walk five miles a day," Pernodet explained. "That multiplied out to seven days, eyes are marching in micro-movements, a full marathon every single week."
Using a biomechanical eye model, Estee Lauder's researchers studied the effect of blinking on periorbital skin cells and found that younger skin responded differently from older skin.
"Younger cells naturally reorient themselves perpendicularly to the linear force in order to help disperse and minimise the impact of mechanical stress," she said. "However, ageing cells are not able to re-orient as well, making them much more susceptible to the damage caused by micro-movements. We call this mechanical-motion ageing."
The research inspired 360° Matrix Technology featured in Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix formulated to deliver deep hydration and structural support to the fragile area.
"This technology features an invisible visco-elastic network to strengthen and support the eye area's delicate skin, acting as a cushion against the impact of micro-movements," she said.
The new formula additionally contains a moisturising blend of two types of hyaluronic acid and a technology supporting the skin's nighttime revitalisation.
The accompanying teardrop-shaped applicator has been designed to give tired eyes a soothing massage while enhancing natural microcirculation.
