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Learn what causes wrinkles under eyes, along with tips on how to prevent signs of premature aging.
Undereye wrinkles are a natural part of aging, showing a life well-lived, filled with smiles and expressions.
Many women feel uncomfortable with impending “crow’s feet,” but they’re nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, we can celebrate all the moments that earned us these lines.
With this said, sometimes undereye wrinkles show up before their time!
In this post, I’m sharing all I know about one of the most frequently asked beauty questions, “What causes wrinkles under the eyes?”
I’m also including tips on preventative measures, with everything from home remedies to medical treatments to help you age gracefully and right on time.
Static Wrinkles vs. Dynamic Wrinkles
Before we dig into what causes wrinkles under the eyes, we need to understand the formation of wrinkles, both static and dynamic.
Static wrinkles are part of the aging process, as our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin. These proteins are what give our skin structure, and without them, our skin begins to sag and crease.
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repeated facial expressions. Every crinkle of the eye contributes to these wrinkles over time.
What Causes Wrinkles Under Eyes?
Beyond the basics, this is a complete overview of what causes wrinkles under the eyes. It’s important to know the source of your fine lines before you try and address them!
Sun Damage
Sun protection is big in the beauty world and for a good reason!
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause major sun damage to your skin, breaking down elastin and collagen fibers. This will cause new wrinkles to form while also worsening the appearance of current fine lines.
If there is one thing you take from this post on under eye wrinkles, please, please wear SPF!
Other environmental factors like pollution also cause free radical damage. These free radicals contribute to undereye wrinkles, cause skin to sag, and cause dark spots.
Natural Aging
Of course, many undereye wrinkles are caused by natural aging. These static wrinkles develop over time as our skin loses elasticity and firmness.
Facial Expression
On the opposite spectrum, dynamic wrinkles are caused by the frequent contraction of facial muscles as we smile, laugh, frown, and cry.
Genetics
Unfortunately, some undereye wrinkles are genetic.
You may be inclined to developing early undereye wrinkles if that is what your parents also experienced.
Poor Skin Care
Skincare is so important, and neglecting it can cause premature eye wrinkles.
Harsh products, inadequate cleaning, and poor hydration all contribute to failing skin health and can cause more wrinkles over time.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
An overall unhealthy lifestyle is one of the biggest contributors to premature undereye wrinkles.
For example, smoking accelerates the aging process by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow; this prohibits your skin from getting the nutrients and oxygen it needs to thrive!
Dehydration can also play a big role, as it leads to dry skin and dehydrated skin. A lack of hydration reduces the elasticity and plumpness in your skin, making it appear sunken, with worsened fine lines.
Finally, chronic fatigue can worsen the appearance of wrinkles. Our skin requires this time to repair and regenerate. Without enough sleep, your skin is left at risk.
How to Prevent Under-Eye Wrinkles: My Top Tips!
You can prevent premature under-eye wrinkles with a little knowledge and my quick skincare tips.
1. Use Sun Protection
One of the best ways to avoid under-eye wrinkles is to limit your sun exposure, avoiding direct sunlight without adequate protection.
Apply sunscreen every morning as the final step in your skincare routine, making sure to use at least SPF 30.
You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses on sunny days for added protection!
For more information on sunscreen, check out my post on “Does Sunscreen Clog Pores?”
Here are some of my favorite SPFs:
2. Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
When you take care of yourself, your skin shows it!
Making healthy lifestyle decisions like drinking plenty of water can help you prevent wrinkles, hydrate your skin, and contribute to overall skin health.
A nutritious diet filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can also fight oxidative stress, protecting your skin from premature aging.
Regular exercise promotes better blood circulation, improving your skin health.
Finally, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and prioritizing a good night’s sleep all serve your skin!
3. Perfect Your Skin Care Routine
A good skincare routine makes all the difference in maintaining your youthful glow.
First, a solid moisturizing ritual is a necessity, making sure to use hydrating products on the face, including under the eyes. This will keep your skin plump and elastic.
Next, prioritize gentle skincare products over harsh versions, taking care to avoid abrasive products that could irritate your skin.
Finally, adding retinoids like retinol is a beneficial step to your skincare routine. Retinol stimulates collagen production, which can fight early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It will also improve your skin’s overall texture!
For more information, check out some of my top posts on skincare tips:
- The Best Facial for Large Pores – Your 7-Step Routine!
- What are the Different Types of Cleansers?
- Top 20 Tips for Hydrated, Healthy & Glowing Skin
- How to Use Cleanser for Your Face
- Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Review
4. Protect Your Eyes
When applying any product to the face, always be mindful of your delicate skin under the eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and be extra gentle when applying products.
When removing makeup, I recommend skipping the makeup wipes and using a cleansing balm for a gentler approach.
I love the Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm as a gentle makeup remover. You can find more recommendations in my post, Top 5 Cleansing Balms.
5. Try Facial Exercises
Many women swear by facial exercises and self-massage as their secret weapons against wrinkles.
Incorporate gentle, lymphatic drainage massage into your skincare routine using a high-quality facial oil and face roller.
6. Turn to Cosmetic Procedures
If you’re unhappy with your undereye wrinkles and are looking for a more permanent solution, cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers are possible.
For a gentler alternative, chemical peels can be the best treatment for reducing early signs of aging, revitalizing your skin, and contributing to overall skin health.
I personally have had no cosmetic procedures and have seen a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles with the steps outlined in this blog post.
Best Products for Preventing Under-Eye Wrinkles
Good skin care products contribute to good skin health – it’s that simple!
Here are some of my must-haves for protecting my skin from premature eye wrinkles.
Under Eye Creams
A well-formulated eye cream provides a much-appreciated moisture boost to your sensitive under-eyes. An eye cream is an essential product that should be applied both morning and night. Here are some of my favorite eye creams:
- TATCHA | The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream
- GLOW RECIPE | Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream
- ORIGINS | Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff
Moisturizer
My favorite moisturizers are gentle on the skin, deeply hydrating, and contain powerhouse ingredients that help prevent early signs of aging. Here are some of my favorite moisturizers:
Also, be sure to check out my post on The Best Clinique Moisturizer for Older Skin.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is essential! My favorite sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, and have a minimum of SPF 30 to protect against sun damage.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a clever way to give your skin some extra hydration. They provide a gentle treatment with nourishing ingredients that won’t irritate the skin.
Best Skin Care Ingredients for Preventing Under-Eye Wrinkles
When applying products to the sensitive skin on your under-eye area, quality products are a must. Here are some of my top skincare ingredients for preventing wrinkles:
- Retinol – Stimulates collagen production and firms the skin.
- Vitamin C – Antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals, brightens, improves texture, and supports collagen synthesis.
- Vitamin E – Antioxidant protecting skin from free radicals, moisturizing, and smoothing.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrates, plums, and moisturizes the skin.
- Caffeine – Reduces puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.
- Niacinamide – Anti-inflammatory, supports the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and improves the skin’s barrier function.
- Glycolic Acid – Exfoliates and promotes skin turnover.
- Green Tea Extract – Rich in antioxidants and protects from free radicals.
- Peptides – Amino acids that support elastin and collagen production.
Read up on some of my favorite skincare ingredients:
- Easy Guide: Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Hyaluronic Acid?
- Can I Use Lactic Acid with Retinol? + My Top Skincare Products
- Everything You Need to Know about Salicylic Acid
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions I get the most about general skincare and, “What causes wrinkles under the eyes?”
What is the best eye cream for preventing under-eye wrinkles?
The best way to give your lower eyelid skin extra moisture is with a great under-eye cream.
I love this Kiehls eye cream because it’s a clean, anti-aging eye cream with niacinamide and collagen peptide that targets all four eye zones: the browbone area, eyelid, crow’s feet, and under-eye.
Find all of my favorite eye creams here.
Do facials help with eye wrinkles?
Definitely! Facials targeting hydration, blood circulation, and exfoliation can all be useful in preventing under-eye wrinkles.
What is the biggest cause of undereye wrinkles?
In short – life!
There are many causes of undereye wrinkles, some of them breaking down to simple aging. Luckily, if we make healthy choices along the way, we can prevent wrinkles before our time.
With that, you have a good understanding of “What causes wrinkles under eyes?” and how you can make steps to address under eye wrinkles.
In the beauty world, knowledge is power! Understanding how undereye wrinkles come to be is your first defense against them. I hope you find this post useful in updating your skincare routine with wrinkle-preventing techniques.
If you have any further questions about under-eye wrinkles or anything skincare-related, please reach out via email or Instagram. I’d love to help!
