Answer:
To answer this question properly, we first have to understand the basic physiological aspect of the eye contour of the face.

The orbicularis oculi consists of three parts:

1. Lacrimal Parts: Two oval - shaped strucutres, located on the upper outer side of the eye, that secrete tears that moisten the conjunctiva of the eye.

2. Palpebral Part: Moveable fold of skin over the eye.

3. Orbital Part: Strongly closes the eyelids (i.e. squinting); over time this muscle leads to the development of "crows feet".

The physiological structure of the face muscles also known as "muscle expression" are located at the anterior part of the face.  The contraction of these muscles moves the skin on the face to create lines and expressions, these muscles are under the direction of the nervous system.  As time goes by, expressions create scars in the dermis and create permanent lines or wrinkles.  The individuals that are most affected are people that use facial expression a great deal.  As aestheticians and therapists we have to be aware of this mechanism to know our limits.

The muscles that create the eye contour are called the orbicularis oculi; these muscles are different from other muscles (except for the lip area ~ orbicularis oris) because they are round and are more fragile due to this strucure.  Around the eyes aesthetican and therapists are challenged, due to the skin being so thin, and are required to perform specific treatments for this area.

For those reasons, the approach to eye care should be different from all other skin care treatments.  The eye area must be treated like a very sensitive area but must also be stimulated almost constantly to create an excellent irrigation of the blood and of the lymph's (vehicles of nutrients and drainer of toxins).

We also have to realize that for a lot of people, this area is covered with make-up and often is not always cleaned thoroughly.  There are deposits left of chemicals and pigments from the make-up which create dehydration and premature aging.

It is very important to treat the eye area daily so that it will maintain its integrity, elasticity & hydration.

Question:
What is the best way to treat the Eye Contour in the spa?

Answer:
It is always best to use natural products when treating the eye contour area.

1. The first step is to clean the eye area with an active but non-agressive ingredient.  Your active ingredients must be capable of dissolving impurities and make up.  The solution must be fragrance free.

2. The second step of an eye treatment is to insure that the level of hydration is at its highest by using a product that re-hydrates and prepares the area for the active ingredient to be absorbed.

3. The third step is to the application of the active ingredients that we usually find in massage cream, gels, and masks.

Definitely the methods of application for the eye area are specific to the eye and must be properly applied.  Methods such as Swedish, Caklifornian and Shiatsu are often utilised to achieve the desired results.

Question:
Are eye issues generally neglected in the salon?

Answer:
Yes, absolutely!  Very few aestheticians are sensitive to the fact that most clients need education on specific treatments (such as the eyes, lips, and neck area); these parts of the body are vulnerable and are exposed to premature aging more than any other part of the body.

The reason for this neglect might be because of a lack of knowledge, or that some aestheticans do not believe in certain applications, or that they just do not think about approaching the customer with new treatments.

Question:
Is treating the eye area, as its own focus, a good way for a spa or a salon to build business and perhaps encourage younger customers?

Answer:
Yes, it is a good way to build business, and will also bring credibility to the establishment.  An eye care treatment is a complement to all basic facials and also will allow a spa to increase the price of a basic facial.  You will not have to ask the customer for more time since it could be very easily incorporated into the time of a basic facial.

One very important point concerning eye and lip contour treatment is that the best results will be achieved through preventative treatment.  Most younger clients would not think of eye care and must be made aware of the prevention measure.

Both male and felae customers should start eye treatments BEFORE the liens, puffliness or lack of elasticity start showing.  Unfortunately, in North America, skin care preventative measures are difficult to sell since most Canadians and Americans must see the damage that aging does before reacting. 

Will it encourage yonger customers?

It should, if the aesthetician takes the time to explain the importance of prevention.

Question:
What are the most common problems of the eye area and what causes them?

Answer:
I would say that the most common eye problem would be wrinkles, then dark circles, and finally puffiness.  As for what causes them; the reasons are numerous, to have a good understanding lets look at each problem separately.

Wrinkles:
The lines or wrinkles are mostly created by dehydration.  For the epidermis to retain good suppleness, the percentage of water must remain higher than 13%.  If not, it will get its water from deeper strata ~ the dermis.  If this exercise is done ofte, the dermis in that particular area will diminish the water supply, and may create deeper dehydration that makes the tissues become more vulnerable to lines and dehydration.  It is very important to aply protection before aplying any type of makeup.  Anothe reason for the lines around the eyes, is if the dindividual needs to wear glasses and doesn't wear them, also fatigure, stress, pollution & againg are all reasons for the formation of wrinkles.

The best way from preventing the lines is to always clean the eye area very well and hydrate to keep it supple.  As mentioned in the introduction these ar lines of expression, stress and thoughts.  We can't stop this process but we can control it by informing our client of the importance of a good balance in their life, and by promotring positive thinking.  Constant sadness or negative thoughts in individuals will create lines around the eyes very easily and will create dark circles rapidly.

Dark Circles:
Dark circles are often caused by internal factors: general congestion, blood stagnation, liver problems, allergies, chronic fatigue or depression.  We have to be aware that dark circles are often hereditary or race orientated.  Other causes could be the person's life style (cigarateete smoke, use of recreational drugs and the amount of sleep that is obtained). The skin is very thin around the eyes making the blood vessels more visible.  A very pale individual may show dark circles because the skin is very transparent so at this time there is very little we can do; this observation is genetic.

Puffiness:
Puffiness around the eyes is often caused by an internal problem such as kidney problems...

Question:
Should you treat the eye area by incorporating it into a regular facial?

Answer:
You should alwyas incorporate a basic eye treatment in your regular facial, at least you should always suggest it to your client when getting a regular facial.