Under Eye Wrinkles
Those small lines and creases around the eyes that make us look older, tired, or stressed are medically known as periorbital wrinkles. They are one of the most common cosmetic concerns we see, and for good reason: the under eye area lacks oil glands, making it particularly prone to early wrinkling, and the skin here is thinner and more delicate than virtually anywhere else on the face.
It is worth noting that not all wrinkles around the eyes are the same. Crow's feet refer specifically to the fine lines that radiate outward from the outer corners of the eyes, while under eye wrinkles refer to the creases that form below the eyes themselves.
When Do Under Eye Wrinkles Appear?
Under eye wrinkles typically begin to form in the late twenties or early thirties. As we age and collagen production gradually declines, the skin under and around the eyes becomes thinner and loses elasticity, leading to small creases and lines even with minimal facial movement. As we continue aging, sun exposure, genetics, lifestyle habits, and gravity all contribute to deeper, more established creases in this area. People with fair skin or those who smoke tend to develop more pronounced under eye wrinkles at an earlier age.
What Causes Under Eye Wrinkles?
Several factors contribute to the development of wrinkles under the eyes:
Ultraviolet Light Exposure: UV exposure from the sun breaks down collagen and thins the delicate skin around the eyes, allowing wrinkles to form and deepen over time. Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the most effective preventive measures available.
Repeated Muscle Movement: Smiling, squinting, and other facial expressions repeatedly fold the skin beneath the eyes into the same creases over years, eventually etching permanent lines into the skin.
Loss of Volume: With age, we lose fat in the under eye area, creating a hollow appearance that makes wrinkles more noticeable and pronounced.
Gravity: Over time, the skin around the eyes begins to droop downward, pulling at the thin under eye skin and contributing to the formation of wrinkles and laxity.
Smoking: The chemicals in cigarette smoke degrade collagen and accelerate the aging process, leading to earlier and more pronounced wrinkling around the eyes.
Genetics: Our inherited genes influence how quickly we develop wrinkles, as do our ethnicity and natural skin type.
Under Eye Wrinkle Treatments
A range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments can effectively soften wrinkles under the eyes, depending on their cause and severity.
Retinol: Derived from Vitamin A, retinol boosts collagen production and accelerates skin cell turnover, gradually revealing newer and plumper skin layers beneath. Consistent use of a prescription-strength retinol cream can produce a noticeable reduction in under eye wrinkles after approximately three months of use. Mild redness or peeling may occur during the initial adjustment period.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Hyaluronic acid has exceptional water-retention abilities that help plump the skin and lift fine lines. When applied topically around the eyes, it hydrates the thin under eye skin and eases the appearance of creases. Improvement is gradual over two to four weeks of consistent use and this ingredient is suitable for all skin types.
Injectable Wrinkle Relaxers: Wrinkle relaxers such as Botox are injections of botulinum toxin that work by relaxing the underlying eye muscles to smooth lines caused by repeated facial expressions. By blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction, they soften dynamic wrinkles under and around the eyes. Results typically last three to four months, after which repeat treatment is recommended to maintain the effect.
Injectable Fillers: Injectable dermal fillers add lost volume beneath the eyes to lift sunken skin, minimize hollowing, and reduce the appearance of shadows and fine lines. Options such as Restylane and Juvederm involve small, strategically placed injections around the under eye area. Some mild swelling may persist for a day or two following treatment. Results typically last around a year, with repeat treatments helping to maintain the effect over time.
Laser Resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing removes the outer damaged layers of skin to reveal newer, healthier cells while stimulating collagen production, refining wrinkles and crepey texture around the eyes. An erbium laser can be precisely applied to the thin skin beneath the eyes for targeted improvement. Annual touch-up treatments are ideal for maintaining results over the long term.
Microneedling: Microneedling creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin to stimulate collagen growth and improve skin quality progressively over several months. When focused beneath the eyes and combined with hyaluronic acid, it is particularly effective for smoothing stubborn fine lines in this area. Mild redness and minor scabbing typically subside within two to three days, and the treatment is safe for all skin tones and types.
How to Prevent Under Eye Wrinkles
While wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, their progression can be meaningfully slowed with consistent preventive habits:
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors consistently to protect the delicate under eye skin from further UV damage, choosing wraparound styles for maximum coverage
- Beginning a nightly retinol cream after the age of 25 to maintain collagen levels and fortify the thin skin around the eyes before wrinkles become established
- Applying a hydrating eye cream morning and night that contains peptides and growth factors to keep the under eye area plump and supported
- Getting at least seven hours of sleep per night to allow the body adequate time to repair and regenerate skin cells
- Staying well hydrated throughout the day to keep skin plump and minimize the appearance of existing creases
- Avoiding smoking to prevent collagen breakdown and the premature wrinkling it causes around the eye area
Solutions
Injectable Fillers
Injectable dermal fillers add lost volume beneath the eyes to lift sunken skin, minimize hollowing, and reduce the appearance of shadows and fine lines.
Injectable Wrinkle Relaxers
Wrinkle relaxers such as Botox are injections of botulinum toxin that work by relaxing the underlying eye muscles to smooth lines caused by repeated facial expressions. By blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction, they soften dynamic wrinkles under and around the eyes. Results typically last three to four months, after which repeat treatment is recommended to maintain the effect.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin to stimulate collagen growth and improve skin quality progressively over several months. When focused beneath the eyes and combined with hyaluronic acid, it is particularly effective for smoothing stubborn fine lines in this area.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing removes the outer damaged layers of skin to reveal newer, healthier cells while stimulating collagen production, refining wrinkles and crepey texture around the eyes
