Wrinkles in general, and under-eye wrinkles in particular, are a mistress for most women. Under-eye wrinkles make your eyes look puffy and might give you an unhealthy appearance. In this article from The Dermo Lab and in collaboration with the dermatologist Dr. Ghada Abdelkader, we will dive into the causes of under-eye wrinkles and the best ways to get rid of them. This way, you’ll have better chances of staying younger for longer. Let’s get started!
Understanding under-eye wrinkles
There are different forms of under-eye wrinkles:
1- Static wrinkles under the eye
These are wrinkles that develop independently of the movement of the area under the eyes. In the case of static wrinkles, you see them even when your facial muscles are at rest. Very often, static wrinkles are due to environmental factors, habits, or aging.
2- Wrinkle folds
These appear when certain facial features begin to sag. During this sagging, one part of the face folds over another, which causes the folds. They usually appear between the nose and mouth and under the eyes.
3- Dynamic wrinkles under the eyes
These wrinkles are the direct opposite of the static type. They appear when the muscles of the face are used. Dynamic wrinkles caused by a smile, for example, can eventually become static.
Typical places to observe dynamic wrinkles are the forehead and the glabellar region (between the eyebrows). Wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet) are also part of dynamic wrinkles.
What causes eye wrinkles?
Aging is the most visible cause of wrinkles. Collagen and elastin are protein substances that are essential to the architecture of your skin. As you age, the production of these proteins in your body gradually decreases. These substances are responsible for the structural integrity of the skin. Without them, some wrinkles are inevitable.
Dr. Ghada Abdelkader notes that sun exposure, facial expressions, smoking, dehydration, and genetics are the causes of under-eye wrinkles.
1- Sun exposure
Several effects can be observed in case of excessive exposure to the sun. One of them is photosensitivity. Another effect of sun exposure is sunburn, which is simply an irritation of the skin. If severe, sunburn can cause the skin to peel and blister. Essentially, the sun’s energy causes your skin cells to die.
2- Facial expressions
Dr. Ghada Abdelkader notes that repetitive facial expressions can also lead to wrinkles and fine lines in the eye area.
When you smile or frown, you move the muscles in your face. As you do this, wrinkles and folds will form. If this happens repeatedly, a pattern of folds forms on your face.
3- Smoking
Smokers often see fine lines develop around their lips because of their habit. This effect is due to the fact that the nicotine in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels. This constriction reduces the flow of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients to the dermis. These body substances are necessary to build and strengthen the firm structure of the skin.
4- Dehydration
The lack of proper hydration is terrible for your skin. Adequate amounts of fluids keep your skin plump and youthful. On the other hand, without enough water in your body, lines quickly form and the result is a wrinkled appearance.
5- Genetics
This factor determines many things that happen to your body. So, it’s not surprising that it can also cause the appearance of wrinkles under your eyes.
Keep reading if you want to find out what to do for under eye wrinkles.
How to reduce eye wrinkles?
There are simple ways to treat wrinkles as soon as they appear.
- Anti-aging creams
Topical products containing vitamin A (like retinoids) can promote cell turnover and gently exfoliate the area. You’ll also need vitamin B to tone and smooth the skin, vitamin C for collagen production, beta-carotene for healing, and anthocyanin for puffiness.
Dr. Ghada Abdelkader adds that retinol is beneficial for under-eye bags because it makes your skin tone more even, smoothes its texture, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Thus, it leaves your skin visibly smoother and more radiant.
You’ll need ingredients that help increase elasticity and firmness, eliminate puffiness, and are rich in antioxidants and moisturizing fatty acids.
Whether you’re looking to reverse lines, wrinkles, or crow’s feet that have already appeared, or you want to take preventative measures, check out the below under-eye wrinkle cream with clinically proven efficacy.
Eau Thermale Avène A-Oxitive Eyes Smoothing Eye Contour Cream
2- Fillers
There are fillers made from naturally occurring substances that can be injected under your eyes. This treatment has proven to be effective in helping many people get rid of their under-eye wrinkles.
3- Chemical peels
It is applied to the face to remove dead skin cells. During this process, the growth of new cells is stimulated which helps reduce wrinkles around the eyes.
4- Botox
Dr. Ghada Abdelkader insists that botox is an incredible anti-aging treatment. In many cases, it is possible to reduce wrinkles under the eyes with this injectable. It works by relaxing the muscles.
5- Microdermabrasion
This treatment is a new and increasingly popular method of exfoliation. Dead skin cells are removed and blood circulation in the under-eye area is improved.
6- Microneedling
This method involves using tiny needles to make holes in the skin, after which serum is applied. The idea is to stimulate collagen production while the skin heals. The result is a smooth face and improved texture!
7- Laser resurfacing
Laser for under-eye wrinkles removes old layers of skin. In doing so, a fresh new layer of skin emerges. Lasers also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, giving your skin a firm, smooth texture.
8- Work the muscles
To avoid further damage, you can try some facial exercises to help firm up the under-eye area. “Press with your fingers, and look up at the sky while lifting your lower eyelids by squinting. After squinting, relax and repeat the exercise six times. Close your eyes tightly for a total of 10 seconds. This exercise can correct drooping eyelids, crow’s feet, and puffiness,” notes Dr. Ghada Abdelkader.
Massaging under-eye wrinkles can also be helpful. Lightly tap with your index and middle fingers and draw a circle around your eyes. Tapping gets the blood flowing in this area.
Preventive measures for wrinkles under the eyes
Prevention is better than cure. Without a doubt, there are treatments for under-eye wrinkles that can dramatically improve your appearance. Prevention means starting early and paying attention to the causes of under-eye wrinkles that are unique to you. While some wrinkles are unavoidable with age, you may be able to reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles.
1- Use sunscreen regularly
You shouldn’t limit the use of your sunscreen to just summer days. The sun’s UV rays are easily accessible all year round, even on cloudy days. Using a sunscreen with a high SPF will help protect you from the sun’s harmful effects. For this reason, we recommend the following sunscreen from Eau Thermale Avène.
Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection Fluid SPF 50+
2- Dress appropriately
Using sunscreen can be useless if you don’t complement it with appropriate clothing. You should invest in a good pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes from the sun. Add to that a wide-brimmed hat for complete protection.
3- Reduce smoking
Smoking contributes significantly to the formation of wrinkles under the eyes.
4- Change your sleeping position
Like any habit, this one can be a little difficult. But with constant effort, you will get the results you want. The ideal position you should adopt is on your back. When you sleep on your back, you prevent the skin on your face from wrinkling, which essentially reduces wrinkles.
5- Avoid pollution
If you live in an area where there is a lot of air pollution, you should consider moving to a less polluted area. This will make you look younger and fresher.
6- Hydrate and moisturize
Dr. Ghada Abdelkader indicates that moisturizing under-eye wrinkles reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturizers will keep your skin hydrated and improve its appearance. You can choose skin care products that are rich in retinol. These products are extremely beneficial for skin health and help reduce wrinkles.
7- Don’t overuse cosmetics
Yes, cosmetic products have their benefits on the skin. But using too many of them can have adverse effects on your skin.
8- Avoid stress
Stress is one of the main causes of under-eye wrinkles. When you are stressed, your body engages in oxidative processes. These processes reduce the production of collagen and elastin while facilitating their breakdown.
By avoiding stress as much as possible, your skin will be better off. You’ll also feel good and have a natural glow that makes you look good.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
