The eyes are often called the "windows to the soul," and for good reason. Emotions deeply affect facial expressions, particularly around the eyes, as this area is highly sensitive and expressive. From joy to sadness, surprise to anger, the subtle changes in the muscles around the eyes reflect what we’re feeling inside. Understanding how emotions affect these expressions can provide valuable insight into human interaction and communication.
Joy and Happiness
When we experience happiness, our eyes light up in a way that’s hard to miss. The corners of the eyes crinkle, and the orbicularis oculi muscle contracts, creating what are known as "crow’s feet" or smile lines. This is part of a genuine smile, often referred to as the Duchenne smile, named after the French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne, who studied the muscle movements involved in emotional expression. A true expression of joy engages the muscles around the eyes, distinguishing it from a forced or polite smile, which only involves the muscles of the mouth.
Sadness and Grief
On the flip side, sadness causes noticeable tension around the eyes. The inner corners of the eyebrows are drawn upward, creating a slight furrowing of the brow. The eyelids may droop, and the overall appearance becomes more downcast. People experiencing grief or deep sorrow may also blink more frequently or avoid eye contact, as if to protect themselves emotionally from their surroundings. Tears, of course, often accompany these emotions, causing the eyes to redden and swell, further amplifying the expression of sadness.
Anger and Frustration
Anger manifests clearly in the eyes. The brows are drawn together and downward, creating vertical lines between the eyebrows. The corrugator and procerus muscles are involved in this action. The upper eyelids may lift slightly, exposing more of the sclera (the white of the eye), giving an intense, almost glaring look. The muscles around the eyes tighten, giving a hard, focused expression. This “eye narrowing” is a primal response, as it helps to sharpen focus on the perceived threat or cause of frustration.
Surprise and Fear
Surprise opens the eyes wide. The muscles around the eyes, particularly the frontalis muscle in the forehead, lift the eyebrows dramatically. This creates a look of wide-eyed astonishment, signaling attention and awareness. Fear produces a similar expression, but with more tension, as the eyes widen in a fight-or-flight response, helping to take in as much visual information as possible. The subtle yet powerful expressions around the eyes communicate volumes without a single word. Whether reflecting joy, sadness, or fear, the eyes and the muscles around them are crucial in expressing our innermost emotions.
Treatment Protocol and Homecare Advice
Educating clients on remaining mindful of how their emotions affect the muscles around their eyes, as repeatedly creating certain expressions can lead to premature wrinkles and tension in the face is as important as recommending a targeted eye cream. I'm not suggesting clients stop smiling but staying aware of when they are frowning and consciously release that expression can surely help. Stress and negative emotions, in particular, often result in unconscious tightening of the eye area, contributing to fine lines over time.
We know relaxation techniques, such as facial massage or more specifically, focused eye massage such as the Enhanced Touch Revitalizing Eye Massage can help clients release tension and prevent the formation of deep-set wrinkles. Being aware of these expressions is key to maintaining a youthful, relaxed appearance.
If you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new please share with fellow estheticians and leave a comment below.