How to Remove Wrinkles Under Eyes
Under-eye wrinkles can be annoying at best, and a real blow to your confidence at worst. Eye care is the most overlooked part of skincare. However, your eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging!
That’s why it’s essential to take good care of the skin under your eyes early (we’re talkin’ 25). But don’t fear if you’re coming to the party a bit late, there are plenty of things you can do to reverse under-eye wrinkles too - all without going under the needle (or knife).
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to reverse and prevent eye wrinkles effectively. We’ll also cover different ingredients and products you can use to make those peepers plump and smooth.
So, let's dive right in!
Why Wrinkles Occur Under the Eyes?
From frowning to UV radiation, many different factors can contribute to wrinkle-formation under your eyes. Before we delve into how to reverse wrinkles under the eyes, let's have a look at some common causes.
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Smoking or vaping is a common factor that causes under-eye wrinkles because nicotine hampers the blood flow to the skin. Due to this, collagen and elastin present in our skin become damaged. Another concern is that smoking/vaping reduces vitamins A and B leading to increased free radical exposure.
Thus, in a nutshell, tobacco smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals that cause deeper wrinkles because of cell damage. As per a research study that included 28 smokers and 24 nonsmokers, the researchers found that those who smoked had issues with their skin's biophysical parameters like thickness and density of the dermis and epidermis. From this study, it’s evident that smoking can worsen skin health and likely causes under-eye wrinkles.
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Sun exposure or UV radiation can impact collagen drastically and occurs when you stay exposed to sunlight for a long time. Due to this, you might get leathery skin and wrinkles at a younger age.
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Aging is a big reason for under-eye wrinkles because the skin under your eyes is 40% thinner than in other areas. Due to this, the under-eye skin will show the first signs of aging. The reasons include a decrease in elastin and collagen and a reduction in the subcutaneous layer.
- Diet, including sugary snacks, refined flour, and processed food can impact your skin. Junk food contains very few vitamins and minerals which are essential for protecting against environmental factors and keeping skin elastic. Similarly, they have lower levels of anti-oxidants, which provide further protection against under-eye wrinkles.
Although these are common, it’s important for you to be aware of them because prevention is the best remedy for wrinkles under your eyes.
Can Eye Wrinkles Go Away?
Unfortunately, eye wrinkles won’t just disappear if left to their own devices. However, they can be reversed with a little adjustment to your lifestyle and skincare routine.
How to Remove Wrinkles Under Eyes?
Removing wrinkles under your eyes requires some adjustments to your lifestyle such as cleaning up your diet, adding in supplements such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with products rich in hyperpigmentation-fighting ingredients also helps.
Improving Dietary Habits and Lifestyle
A balanced and nutritious diet is the building block of healthy, wrinkle-free skin. Adding different types of healthy food into your diet can help you prevent and even reduce under-eye wrinkles.
Look for food rich in vitamins A, B, and E with iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, almonds, and leafy green vegetables can play an integral role in improving your skin's health.
Similar to salmon, fruits like avocados and pomegranates, and vegetables like spinach, tomato and broccoli are good sources of skin-nourishing nutrients. Also, ensure that you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
Including soy in your diet can help heal skin damage caused by UV radiation and can make your skin firmer. You can also try soy-based supplements to improve your skin's structure and firmness.
Speaking of supplements, you’ve probably heard of powdered collagen which is great provided you opt for a lower molecular weight powder such as hydrolyzed collagen. Consider looking for a collagen supplement that contains vitamin c and hyaluronic acid for optimal results.
Having cocoa is advantageous as it contains higher levels of epicatechin and catechin (dietary flavanols) that can enhance hydration.
In addition, to reduce under-eye wrinkles, it is essential to have foods with minerals like zinc and selenium. Some foods that are rich in zinc are cheese, almonds, oatmeal, and beans, and those with selenium are spinach, yogurt, and banana.
Along with improving your diet, focus on your lifestyle practices to reduce wrinkles from forming under your eyes. Having a good night's sleep will initiate skin repair and lower the chances of deep wrinkles.
A Skin Care Routine Using the Right Moisturizer, Serum, and Sun Protection
Developing an anti-aging daytime and nighttime skincare routine can go a long way to improving your skin's health and removing wrinkles from under your eyes. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all routine that everyone can follow.
Each skin type is different, and the factors you get exposed to regularly also vary. Learning how to remove, and prevent, further wrinkles from forming under your eyes means curating a routine that works best for you!
We wrote an article about how to create the perfect skincare routine using the Japanese Skincare Ladder here. Below is a condensed version with recommended products specifically for under-eye wrinkles.
A basic anti-aging skincare routine for eye wrinkles should include cleansing, exfoliation, serum, moisturization, and sunscreen usage to protect your skin from damage. But, when it comes to under-eye care, you have to focus on using a high-quality moisturizer, serum, and sunscreen.
Moisturizers
Dermatologists say that you can use the same moisturizer you use for your face under your eyes.
If you’d rather keep your routine simple, we recommend looking for products that contain horse placenta, growth factors, hydrolyzed collagen, fullerene, and umbilical cord extracts such as the Esthe Pro Labo Thoroughbred Placenta U-Cord Cream Pro.
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Other key ingredients you should look for in your moisturizer are hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and squalane. These ingredients give your skin ample hydration and help to improve moisture retention for that plump look.
Using a moisturizer that contains matcha antioxidants can rejuvenate skin cells to support healthy skin structure. It can also have a cooling effect on your eyes to reduce swelling. Try using products like KYOTO KOMACHI Matcha Beauty Moisture Lotion.
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If you’re looking for that extra level of under-eye skincare then consider using a day cream specifically for under the eyes such as AXXZIA Beauty Eyes Day Care Cream.
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Sunscreens (SPF)
Similar to moisturizers, you must use SPF to prevent wrinkles and under-eye discoloration. For eye wrinkles, look for gentle SPF moisturizers that block UV rays, near-infrared rays, and blue light such as the AXXZIA Beauty Force UV Alpha SPF 50+ PA ++++ Sunscreen.
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For those who like a bit of tint under their SPF, check out the Organic BB Cream Natural Beige UV Mama Butter.
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In addition to sunscreen, you can also try using hats with broad brims and sunglasses while stepping out in the sun to reduce your exposure to UV radiation.
Serums
A super-concentrated shot of anti-aging goodness, serums are your secret weapon for quickly reducing eye wrinkles. Look for serums specifically formulated for the eye area. For ingredients, you’re looking for retinol for cell renewal, vitamins E, C, K, and A, as well as EGF and FGF growth factors for epidermal cell regeneration. The HOMEO BEAU Eye Cream is a great option here.
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Ingredients to Help Remove Wrinkles Under the Eyes Naturally
If you’re just looking to add some anti-aging eye care to your current skincare routine or want to know what the MVP ingredients are, we’ve got you covered.
Below are some proven ingredients with suggested products to help you in your fight against eye wrinkles.
Topical Vitamin A
Topical Vitamin A includes retinol and retinaldehyde (retinal). While using any of them under your eyes, they convert to retinoic acid and increase collagen production. Retinol can help reduce sun damage, wrinkles, and pigmentation caused due to photoaging.
Can retinol make eye wrinkles worse?
It depends on your skin type and the percentage of retinol in the product, if it’s strong, it could cause skin irritation or burning.
But including retinol with a lower concentration in your nighttime skin routine won't usually be a problem. Ensure that you start using the product slowly, once or twice a week, and then increase usage gradually to avoid irritation.
Recommended products
- HOMEO BEAU Eye Cream helps with epidermal cell regeneration. It can assist in the production of collagen and elastin, preventing under-eye wrinkles.
- AVEAUTE Deep 2SC Serum can help reduce aging and dry skin and contains ingredients like retinol, fullerene and two types of stem cell extracts. By using this product regularly, you can rejuvenate your skin and resolve issues like eye wrinkles caused by aging.
- KYOTO KOMACHI Sakura Anti-Aging Serum is yet another product that contains retinol that can reduce signs of aging, especially under-eye wrinkles. This product helps your skin retain moisture efficiently and prevents photoaging.
Argireline
Like Botox, Argireline inhibits neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. This wonder ingredient achieves wrinkle reduction similar to Botox without the needles, making it a safer alternative.
Recommended products
- HITOYURAI + 30 Premium Clear Serum CDS encapsulation technology helps to deliver the Argireline even deeper for quick eye wrinkle reversal.
- Esthe Pro Labo Thoroughbred Placenta U-Cord Cream Pro contains both Argireline® and Pentapeptide-18 for a dramatic reduction in eye wrinkles.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant which means it attracts water. Thus, hyaluronic acid-based products can help your skin retain water and stay hydrated making your skin full and plump.
According to a research study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy in 2021, the researchers looked into the benefits of hyaluronic acid for aging skin. In this study, 40 females between 30 and 64 with photoaging concerns took part. They used hyaluronic acid facial cream for six weeks, and afterward, their skin became smooth, plump, and hydrated. They saw an overall reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Recommended products
- AXXZIA Beauty Eyes Essence Sheet prevents wrinkles and puffiness with high-end ingredients such as Acetyl hexapeptide-1, Euphrasia extract and of course Hyaluronic Acid.
- HYAKKASO Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a natural, herbal product influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine. This serum enhances the smoothness of your skin and improves moisture content too.
Botox & Fillers
A list about removing wrinkles under your eyes wouldn't be complete without botox and fillers. While we think natural remedies like diet and effective skin care should be your first port of call, there is a place for cosmetic procedures. Botox contains neurotoxins that relax the muscles around the eyes, resulting in softer wrinkles.
Dermal fillers usually contain a special type of hyaluronic acid that literally fills in wrinkles. Both procedures carry the risk of side effects, consult with a registered medical professional if you're thinking about cosmetic alterations.
Removing Under-Eye Wrinkles with Home Remedies
We thought we’d finish this article with some DIY masks which can be great to add once or twice per week to your current skincare routine. If you’re looking for a completely natural remedy for removing eye wrinkles at home, try these recipes!
- You can mix yogurt with rose water and honey to reduce wrinkles. Use these natural ingredients together and apply them as a face mask. Once the mask dries, wash it off with water.
- Using aloe vera gel or supplements can help remove under-eye wrinkles.
- You can use essential oils from lavender, rose, jojoba, frankincense, or sandalwood, with carrier oils like almond or fractionated coconut oil. You may start seeing results with time once you apply this remedy regularly.
- Prepare a papaya and honey face mask and apply it for 20 minutes to help with under-eye wrinkles. Try using this mask twice every week.
- Another excellent home remedy is to try using a cucumber face mask. You can prepare it by making a cucumber puree and mixing it with yogurt. You can apply this mask twice every week.
