Is it any wonder that the eye is the first area of your body to show signs of aging? From the time you awaken until your head hits the pillow at night, your eyes are hard at work.

Our eyes protect us, inform us, and express us. Our eyes narrow in displeasure, squint in bright light, and crinkle with our smiles. In the meantime, they blink 10,000 times a day in an effort to rejuvenate and rehydrate themselves.

Unfortunately, the skin around our eyes doesn't benefit from all this eye exercise! Because of low blood and lymphatic circulation, the eye area is the first part of our bodies to show aging. Crows feet, dark circles, and eye puffiness present a distorted vision of our appearance to those whom we meet eye-to-eye!

Many factors may cause your lymph system to become stagnant or “stuck,” particularly in the facial area.  During the day, bad eating habits, a lack of exercise, shallow breathing, stress, headaches and overexposure to pollution will slow the drainage of the lymph and flow of blood.  At night, when the body is in a resting state, the lymph drainage of toxins slows down and the waste builds up.  An obvious sign of waste buildup in the morning is puffiness around the face, particularly the eye area, as well as a pale skin color.  When the lymph is not active, tone and elasticity are impacted, creating a loose, slack look.  Wrinkles are more prevalent, and the skin may lose its vibrant, healthy look.  Even blemishes and adult acne may be a result of a sluggish lymph system.

The lymph can be stimulated by frequent facial massage and can have a drastic impact on the look and feel of your skin.  When you press or massage any part of your body, circulation is increased in that area.  The face responds particularly well to touch, since it is packed with many small sensitive muscles. In addition to visible results, facial massage relieves tension, relaxes you, and restores energy to your body by stimulating the blood flow.

Anyone with sensitive skin or conditions such as rosacea or broken capillaries will also benefit from facial massage.  However, massage should be done gently and more lightly as the skin is more delicate under these circumstances.

When it comes to face care products and the lymph system, essential oils such as Bulgarian rose, lemongrass, ginger, ylang ylang and rosemary effectively help stimulate the lymph.  Look for skin care products that contain one or more of these oils.

The information contained herein is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found herein should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor.