Getting older is a natural part of life. But that doesn’t mean we can’t want to look our best! If you’re concerned about wrinkles under your eyes, a good skincare routine can help. The key is to be gentle with the delicate skin around your eyes.
The skin beneath the eyes is more delicate compared to the rest of the face, making it more prone to showing signs of aging due to external factors. As we enter our 20s, our collagen and elastin levels start to decrease, leading to the development of lines and wrinkles by the time we reach our 30s. Here’s a complete guide on how to care for the under-eye area.
Types of Wrinkles Around the Eyes
As we age, three different types of wrinkles can develop around our eyes:
- Crow’s Feet: These appear when you smile or squint. They form because of repeated muscle contractions under the skin’s surface.
- Static Wrinkles: Over time, crow’s feet and other dynamic wrinkles can deepen and become permanent. This can be caused by the natural aging process, sun exposure, and other environmental factors that break down the skin’s collagen and elastin. Static wrinkles are visible even when your face is relaxed.
- Wrinkle Folds: These deeper folds develop due to a loss of support and structure in the skin. As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, which can cause sagging and the formation of wrinkle folds. These are typically the most noticeable wrinkles.
How To Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
Use Retinol Regularly
Retinol, derived from vitamin A, is a popular anti-aging ingredient that reduces fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining firm, plump skin.
Under-eye wrinkles can be caused by sun exposure, repetitive facial movements like blinking and smiling, and the natural aging process, which all weaken collagen fibers and elasticity.
Using an eye cream with retinol can help keep the delicate skin under the eyes smoother and more youthful.
Exfoliate
Just like the rest of your skin, the area under your eyes can build up dead cells on the surface. This can block your creams and treatments from working their best. Gently getting rid of these dead cells, along with adding moisture, can make your under-eye area look smoother and brighter.
Be gentle! The skin under your eyes is very thin and delicate. So skip the harsh scrubs and choose an eye cream that has special ingredients to gently remove dead skin cells. These ingredients are often called “chemical exfoliants.”
Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid serums provide intense hydration to the skin. Keeping the area around the eyes well-moisturized helps to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Consider Microneedling
Microneedling is a professional treatment that encourages collagen production and revitalizes the skin. This process involves a device with numerous tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin, enhancing its texture and smoothness. Usually, this procedure is done by a dermatologist in their office.
Injectable Treatments
If you have deeper lines or wrinkles under your eyes, a dermatologist can talk to you about injectable treatments. These can be fillers or relaxing injections, depending on the wrinkles.
Fillers: Fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid, can plump up the area under your eyes, making them look smoother and brighter. This is a good option for wrinkles or folds that seem sunken.
Relaxing Injections: Relaxing injections, like Botox, can help prevent wrinkles from forming. These injections target specific muscles and limit their movement, softening lines caused by expressions like crow’s feet.
Preventing Under-Eye Wrinkles
If you want to avoid developing more under-eye wrinkles, taking preventive measures is key. Here are three effective steps you can take:
Shield Your Skin from the Sun
To keep under-eye wrinkles at bay, it’s essential to use sunscreen every day and reapply it regularly, including on your eyelids. Since the skin on your eyelids is thinner and more susceptible to UV damage, sunscreen helps protect the collagen in your skin.
Using a daily SPF moisturizer, wearing sunglasses, and donning wide-brimmed hats can significantly reduce UV exposure, preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Incorporate a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful skincare ingredient that boosts collagen production and defends against environmental damage. It helps reduce eye wrinkles by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules created by sun exposure that can harm skin structures. By using Vitamin C products, you can protect your skin’s proteins, lipids, and DNA from damage.