The benefits of macadamia oil for the eye contour.

The eye contour is the most delicate area of the face and is subject to numerous concerns.

• The skin around the eyes is very thin.

  The thickness of the skin in this area is approximately 0.35 mm, compared to an average of 1 mm on the rest of the face. This allows solar radiation to easily penetrate, stimulating the synthesis of melanin and promoting the appearance of brown circles. In addition to being very thin, the eye contour area is particularly stressed: smiling, talking, squinting are all movements contributing to the emergence of crow's feet wrinkles.

• The skin around the eyes is prone to dehydration.

  Furthermore, the area around the eyes is relatively deficient in sebaceous glands, which are responsible for sebum production. Consequently, this area is prone to dehydration, a phenomenon that promotes the appearance of dehydration fine lines.

• The production of collagen and elastin is low around the eye contour.

  The dermis around the eyes contains only a small amount of collagen and elastin, the support fibres. Moreover, over time, their synthesis by fibroblasts decreases. This has a dual effect: the accentuation of skin sagging and theappearance of wrinkles, and the slippage of fatty tissues into the lower eyelid, which leads to the formation of fatty pouches.

• The skin around the eyes is sensitive to microcirculation dysfunction.

  As we age, microcirculation becomes less efficient and the blood capillaries, structured by a few thin layers of collagen, become distended. Blood pigments then concentrate around the eye contour and bluish dark circles appear. Lymphatic circulation is also affected over time. Drainage becomes less efficient, leading to a build-up of water under the eyes, causing water-filled bags.

Macadamia oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, providing numerous benefits to the skin. Moreover, it is a gentle vegetable oil suitable for application around the eye area.

• Macadamia oil has moisturising properties.

  Macadamia oil can act in the prevention of dehydration fine lines. Indeed, it contains several hydrating actives, which are part of the composition of sebum, such as oleic acid, allowing it to partially compensate for the lack of sebaceous glands around the eyes. A recent study has highlighted that the daily topical application of a cream containing 10% macadamia oil significantly reduces insensible water loss (IWL).

• Macadamia oil has antioxidant effects.

  This vegetable oil has the ability to delay cellular ageing and protect the skin from photoaging, contributing to the brown appearance of pigmented dark circles. Indeed, macadamia oil contains tocopherols (vitamin E), which fight against the action of free radicals, reactive species generated in excess by the body when it is exposed to stress such as prolonged exposure to UV radiation, pollution or tobacco.

• Macadamia oil acts on skin sagging.

  Rich in essential fatty acids, macadamia oil nourishes the skin around the eyes and combats signs of ageing. It particularly has an effect on the synthesis of ceramides, lipids that ensure good cohesion between the cells of the stratum corneum. The same study that concluded on the moisturising power of macadamia oil measured a 25% reduction in wrinkles after four weeks of daily application of a cream containing 10% macadamia oil.

It is important to note that the study referenced was only conducted on 3 individuals, which is a very small sample size. Therefore, caution must be exercised when considering the various properties of macadamia oil on the eye contour.

Applying locally a treatment based on macadamia oil or pure macadamia oil has positive effects on the eye contour, particularly on dark circles, bags and wrinkles. Non-photosensitising, it can be used morning and evening and poses no risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Macadamia oil is suitable for all skin types. To reduce the appearance of signs of fatigue or skin sagging, a dab can be applied twice a day around the eyes. Then massage the area until the treatment is fully absorbed. This action also helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and to have a draining effect.

• NIWA K. & al. Safety data on single application of emu and macadamia nut oil on human skin. Data in Brief (2017).

• SYAHRINA E. & al. Macadamia nuts oil in nanocream and conventional cream as skin anti-aging: a comparative study. Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences (2019).