The skin is made of three components: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis consists of four layers and completely regenerates itself in a 30-day cycle known as skin turnover time.
The dermis is the main component of the skin and consists of collagen and elastin, which maintain the firmness and elasticity of skin, respectively, as well as of hyaluronic acid and water. Hyaluronic acid is a jelly-like substance filling gaps between collagen and elastin. Early changes in visco-elastic properties of the skin include sagging and increased extensibility. These changes are measurable in vivo, and represent quantitative parameters that can be markers for the efficacy of specific cosmetic products with anti-ageing properties. Primary and secondary lines, like a topographical map, with plateaus and valleys, intersect the surface of the skin. As the micro-relief is a good indicator of the ageing process of the skin, the primary lines are characteristic of each single individual, at every age and part of the body. They are influenced by external factors such as temperature, humidity, nutrition and pharmaceuticals. Modifications at the level of the micro-relief are due to the loss of elastic fibres in the dermis and are typical of the ageing process (Baumann, 2007; Callaghan and Wilhelm, 2008; Uitto, 2008).
The definition of skin care is ‘the care of the condition and appearance of the skin’, and usually encompasses most of the applications targeting the face. Within it, the eyes and their surrounding area deserve special care, as the skin is the thinnest of the body (around 0.5 mm thick compared with 2 mm in other areas), the circulation is superficial and visible and the endless movements of eyelids accelerate the development of wrinkles. The skin is exposed to a range of pollutants and harmful substances and chemicals on a daily basis but also the ultra violet rays of the sun play a role in skin weakening. In any case, the main factor that deteriorates skin is ageing, causing the loss of the ability to regenerate and maintain its youthful look.
All these factors combined lead to various negative skin conditions, for example dull complexion. In normal conditions, the skin needs moisture and oil to retain a smooth and bright condition. Skin damage reduces the ability of the skin to do this and thus it dulls, losing its liveliness and brightness.
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