Under-eye wrinkles are typically the first signs of aging we detect on our faces. In fact, the appearance of fine lines around our eyes can develop as soon as we enter our twenties. There are several reasons why under-eye wrinkles develop, some of which we can directly control without even realizing it.
Wrinkles are an inevitable part of growing older, but there are things we can do to push back the aging process. Understanding the possible causes of wrinkles and fine lines under your eyes will help you discover the best ways to treat them while preventing further damage.
What Causes Under-Eye Wrinkles?
Before we explore the reasons why under-eye wrinkles and fine lines appear, let's first take a look at the structure of under-eye skin.
The skin under your eyes is extremely thin. As you get older, your skin loses collagen. This is a natural occurrence. However, that effect is especially prominent on the delicate skin surrounding your eyes, resulting in the first appearance of fine lines or wrinkles you may spot on your face. Loss of elasticity in the skin surrounding the eyes can also contribute to other unwanted features like puffiness and dark circles.
So why do you have fine lines or deep wrinkles under your eyes? These are the most common reasons:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Smoking and Vaping
"Smoker's lips" is a term that describes the fine lines that develop around the mouth of someone who vapes or smokes. However, this habit also contributes to wrinkles under the eyes. In addition to nicotine obstructing blood flow to the skin, the squinting you may do to keep smoke out of your eyes can also produce signs of aging. (See the previous point.)
4. Rubbing Your Eyes
If you're prone to rubbing your eyes when you're tired, make a conscious effort to stop. Remember that under-eye skin is thin and delicate. Habitually rubbing the area around your eyes can stretch the skin too much, leading to a breakdown of elastin and the formation of lines.
5. Not Sleeping on Your Back
For those of you who sleep on your side or stomach, you may be introducing wrinkles to your skin sooner than you'd like. A 2012 study in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that sleeping with your face against the pillow can lead to facial imperfections such as crow's feet.
6. 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.
7. 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.
The Best Ingredients for Treating Under-Eye Wrinkles
There are several ingredients that are effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles under your eyes. Look for products that contain a combination of other actives for effective, complete treatment.
1. Retinol
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is one of the most coveted skincare ingredients for treating wrinkles due to its ability to accelerate the turnover of dead skin cells, resulting in a smoother complexion. Retinol is not as strong as pure vitamin A (also known as Retin-A), but that makes it more suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
If you incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, make sure to wear sunscreen regularly when venturing outside to avoid possible pigmentation and further sun damage, as this ingredient can make skin photosensitive.
YORA's Defence Face Concentrate is infused with retinol plus lipochroman® to reduce the signs of visible fine lines and protect the skin from various environmental elements.
2. ARGIRELINE®
ARGIRELINE® is a short-chain peptide that functions similarly to the popular Botox® but is deemed a safer alternative, per an article in the August 2018 edition of Scientific Reports. According to Lipotec SAU, the company that created the ARGIRELINE® peptide, studies revealed that it can reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles in only one week.
YORA's Dynamic Eye Concentrate contains ARGIRELINE® for a smoother, younger-looking eye contour. It also includes EYESERYL® for added moisture and elasticity.
3. CoQ-10
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) is a nutrient that is also common in anti-aging skincare products. It’s commonly taken as a dietary supplement but can also be found in fish, meat, and green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Studies such as this one from 2017 by the Nutrition Institute in Slovenia show that CoQ-10 can reduce obvious signs of aging — in particular, wrinkles and microrelief lines.
A combination of CoQ-10 and vitamin C makes up YORA's Conditioning Face Balm. Together with Suberlift™, this formula can firm the top layer of skin while also brightening your complexion.
4. Seaweed
Seaweed is rich in bioactive compounds that promote good health. This isn't limited to inside the body. These bioactive compounds can also yield positive results on the skin. A 2018 study featured in Marine Drugs explored the potential for marine algae like seaweed to provide sufficient anti-aging and antioxidant properties.
Seaweed extract is one of the key ingredients in YORA's Define Eye Contour. Combined with YORA's own hyaluronic acid blend of PRIMALHYAL 50 and PrimalHyal™ 300, this formula hydrates the delicate under-eye area and smooths away fine lines and wrinkles. It also reduces the appearance of dark circles.
How to Prevent Wrinkles and Fine Lines Under Eyes
If you don't want to increase the number of under-eye wrinkles and fine lines, take the following precautions to keep the delicate skin in that area smooth and supple.
1. Protect Yourself With Sunscreen and Other Accessories
Sunscreen is arguably the most effective anti-aging skincare product you can wear every day. Don't reserve it for hot summer days on the beach. UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen gently on and around your eyelids, avoiding direct contact with your eyes. Remember to reapply SPF every two to three hours. On especially sunny days, supplement your efforts with a pair of UV protection sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
2. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Use a proper moisturizer, especially in the area around your eyes, to avoid dryness and fine lines associated with dehydrated skin. A separate eye cream can provide added hydration, but for some people, a well-formulated moisturizer with ceramides can work just as well in keeping fine lines and wrinkles away.
3. 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.
4. Adopt Good Habits
Whether your smoke or rub your eyes constantly, be mindful of the effects these habits can have on your eyes and the rest of your skin. Sometimes, small changes can lead to significant results over time.
Under-Eye Wrinkles Are Manageable
While you may not be able to completely erase fine lines and wrinkles under your eyes after a certain point, you can soften them with the right combination of active ingredients. Meanwhile, you can manage and prevent more unwanted lines from forming by being mindful of your daily habits and approaching skincare in a complete, wholistic manner. Proper treatment and preventive measures will allow you to age naturally with grace.
