If you notice lines around your eyes, you are not alone. Aging is an inevitable process; your skin loses elasticity as you age. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and genetics also play a role in causing wrinkles and fine lines.
The thin, delicate skin under the eyes is very susceptible to damage and can begin wrinkling at a very early age. In fact, many women start to see wrinkles in their mid-twenties even though the average age for wrinkles to appear was mid-thirties.
What Causes Under-Eye Wrinkles?
So why do you have fine lines or deep wrinkles under your eyes? These are the most common reasons:
- Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, especially around the eyes. If you often find yourself outside during peak sunlight hours without proper protection from UVA rays, sun damage will ultimately begin to accumulate in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Facial Expressions
Repetitive facial expressions can also lead to lines and wrinkles in the eye area. Each time you squint — say, if you smile or try to see something more clearly — a groove develops underneath the skin. Since collagen production slows as we age, the skin around the eyes eventually loses the ability to spring back into place. Thus, creases begin to form.
- Smoking
Several studies indicate that apart from advancing age, one of the influential triggers for the early appearance of wrinkles in men and women is smoking. The smoke emitted from burning tobacco makes your skin susceptible to excessive oxidative stress, deteriorating its elastin and collagen. Additionally, smoking narrows down the blood capillaries in your face, blocking the normal blood circulation and depriving essential vitamins in your skin.
- Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is a temporary condition that’s due to a lack of water. Along with flakiness and a feeling of tightness, another common symptom of dehydrated skin is more pronounced lines, particularly around the eyes.
- Genetics
Your genes can determine the onset and severity of physical aging. However, it's important to note that in many cases, skin that is commonly exposed to the outside world (such as your face) is more influenced by extrinsic and environmental factors.
- Sleeping positions
Weirdly enough, the way you position your body while you sleep can contribute to you developing under-eye wrinkles. Sleeping on your belly is seemingly very convenient for you. But while you do this, you will likely press down the side of your face on your pillow. This causes crackling of the skin under and around the eyes close to the bed. Furthermore, because it is just one side of the bed, the wrinkling also happens on one side.
- Habitual rubbing
Some people are in the habit of frequently rubbing their eyes and the skin around them. The effect of this is similar to moving the muscles around. This action stretches the skin there considerably. Because the skin in that area is thin, the structural proteins there may get easily worn down, creating folds where they did not previously exist. The result is prominent under-eye wrinkles.
Another primary reason that may result in rubbing your eyes is if you have allergies. Skin irritation, as well as inflammation in the chosen area, can dry out the skin.
Remedies for Under Eye Wrinkles
Sunscreen
Sunlight is the leading cause of skin aging, so it would make sense to use sunscreen to fight against under eye wrinkles. Add sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to your skincare routine and be sure to pat it (not rub) into your skin daily — yes, even when it’s cloudy! This will protect your skin from sun damage, and keep it from suffering further collagen degradation.
Moisturizer
One of the best ways to minimize under eye wrinkles is by using a moisturizer. Anti-aging products with ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, and peptides are great at promoting cell growth
Exfoliant
The best way to get rid of under eye wrinkles caused by dead skin cells is by exfoliating. Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to exfoliate the under eye region — as long as you’re gentle, of course. Your under eye area is delicate, so you shouldn’t apply the same amount of pressure that you’d usually apply to the rest of your face. Make sure to use products that are meant for the delicate skin around your eyes.
Retinol
This go-to anti-aging ingredient increases the rate of collagen production. Collagen is the key to keeping your skin looking plump. As a bonus, retinol can also be used to treat other skin concerns such as sun spots, uneven skin tone, and clogged pores.
Eye cream
Regular use of a good anti-aging eye cream can significantly reduce the appearance of under eye lines. It not only hydrates the under eye skin but also aids in promoting reduction of fine lines.
Illuminate eye serum is a botanically-rich lightweight blend with hydrating prickly pear and hyaluronic acid to combat puffy under eyes. The potent combination of licorice extracts and rosehip oil effectively brighten the under eye skin by reducing dark circles, wrinkles and promoting a youthful appearance.
Rest Your Eyes
If you find yourself looking at a screen for long periods of time, make sure to give yourself a break for your eyes' sake. This can be as simple as taking short breaks throughout the day away from the computer, television, or smartphone. For added comfort, pamper yourself with cooling eye masks that will reduce puffiness and irritation from eye strain.
Dermatological Treatments
- Microdermabrasion
This is a non-invasive procedure that involves removing the topmost layer of the skin. While it can’t get rid of deep wrinkles, it can reduce the appearance of superficial under eye lines.
- Microneedling
This procedure uses tiny needles to puncture the skin to make it go into collagen production mode. It can be used to battle fine lines on the face, and treat other skin concerns such as large pores, acne scars, and spots.
- Fillers
This cosmetic treatment involves inserting derma fillers into the under eye area to plump it up. However, do note that derma fillers are only temporary and will typically last a couple of years, depending on the kind of filler used. This procedure can and should only be done by a board-certified surgeon.
- Botox
One of the best ways to get rid of under eye wrinkles is with botox, a common fix for facial imperfections. Botox uses the botulinum toxin to relax the muscles so that they can’t contract. It helps in reduction of under eye wrinkles for up to 4 months or longer.
Depending on the cause of your under-eye wrinkles, you can take adequate steps to reduce the effects. There are also easy methods to prevent under-eye wrinkles from surfacing. If all else fails, you are not without effective treatment options to retain your youthful look.
