How To Get Rid of Under Eye Wrinkles

Under eye wrinkles and dark circles are among the first signs of skin aging — the delicate skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to the effects of aging, environmental stressors, and lifestyle factors, which is why there are so many products and treatments specifically designed to rejuvenate this area. 

From topical eye creams and serums to advanced therapies like Red Light Therapy devices, the market offers a wide array of solutions aimed at reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Let's talk about what can cause and even worsen under eye wrinkles, as well as how available treatments can help you adopt a targeted approach to visibly smoothing and re-energizing the under eye area.

What Causes Under Eye Wrinkles?

Under eye wrinkles are primarily a result of the skin in this area being so thin, which makes it more susceptible to signs of skin aging. However, chronic sun exposure, dehydration, and the natural aging process can all contribute to the development of wrinkles under and around the eyes.

Thin Skin Under the Eyes

One of the main causes of under eye wrinkles centers around how thin the skin is around the eye area. The skin under the eyes is much thinner than the skin that makes up the rest of the face, making the eye area most susceptible to signs of skin aging. This delicate skin lacks the same amount of collagen found everywhere else, and with collagen being crucial for maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity, the thin skin under the eyes becomes more prone to developing wrinkles, especially as collagen production naturally decreases with age.

Sun Exposure

Exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This damage is particularly noticeable in the thin skin under the eyes, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Consistent use of high-quality sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can help protect this sensitive area from further damage. Make sure you're using a face-specific sunscreen to help prevent pore clogging, and avoid putting the sunscreen too close to your actual eye.

Lack of Hydration

Dehydrated skin lacks the necessary moisture to maintain its plumpness and elasticity, leading to a dull and lackluster appearance. Moreover, the lack of hydration can cause the skin's surface to become rough and flaky, which can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The under eye area, being particularly thin and delicate, is especially prone to dryness. Ensuring adequate hydration through the use of moisturizing skincare products and maintaining proper water intake can help to restore the skin's moisture balance, making it appear smoother while also reducing the visibility of wrinkles.

Smoking

Smoking is a significant contributor to the development of under eye wrinkles (and facial wrinkles as a whole). The harmful chemicals in cigarettes damage collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature skin aging and the formation of fine lines. Additionally, the repetitive facial movements associated with smoking, such as pursing the lips and squinting to avoid smoke, can deepen the wrinkles around the eyes and lips.

Natural Aging & Facial Expressions

Collagen is a vital protein that provides structure, firmness, and elasticity to the skin. It helps maintain a smooth and youthful appearance by supporting the skin's overall integrity and resilience. As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and firmness due to a decrease in collagen production. This process is inevitable and affects the entire face, including the under eye area.

Frequent facial expressions, such as squinting or smiling, can contribute to the development of under eye wrinkles over time. These repetitive movements cause the skin to fold and crease, eventually leading to permanent lines. Being mindful of these expressions and using skincare products that promote skin elasticity can help minimize their impact.

While you can't realistically just stop making facial expressions or stop skin aging as a whole, you can adopt a consistent skincare routine that includes products and treatments that specifically target skin aging to help keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.

(We have a full anti-aging skincare routine built here, or you can explore our Anti-Aging collection here!)

How Do I Get Rid of Under Eye Wrinkles?

From eye creams to at-home treatments like Red Light Therapy, there are a broad range of products and treatments that are specifically designed to help gently rejuvenate the thin skin underneath and around the eye area. While some methods are better than others, we'll list the full spectrum and talk about each in detail.

Topical Eye Creams

Topical eye creams are a popular choice for addressing signs of aging around the eyes, and are typically the first product most people go for when they start to notice eye wrinkles. Eye creams are specifically formulated to penetrate the delicate under eye skin, delivering concentrated active ingredients like hyaluronic acid for moisture retention and peptides to support collagen production.

Hydrating eye creams are ideal for replenishing moisture in dry, dehydrated skin, while anti-aging formulations often include retinol or peptides to enhance skin firmness. Brightening eye creams, containing ingredients like vitamin C, can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles and improve skin radiance.

While eye creams can be highly effective and easy to incorporate into a daily skincare routine, results can vary based on the formulation and individual skin type. Some products may cause irritation, particularly those with potent ingredients like retinol, which is why it's crucial to both select an eye cream that suits your skin's specific needs and to use it consistently for the best results.

Here are a few of the most common eye cream ingredients and how they can help:

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. By accelerating the shedding of old skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones, retinol can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. When applied to the skin, peptides can help to enhance skin firmness and elasticity. This helps to reduce the appearance of sagging and fine lines around the eyes.

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin, providing deep hydration and visibly plumping the skin's surface. This hydration helps to smooth out fine lines and create a more supple, youthful appearance.

Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy is an innovative skincare treatment that utilizes light wavelengths between 630 to 700 nanometers to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and support our body's natural collagen production. By stimulating the skin at the cellular level, this non-invasive treatment can help rejuvenate and energize the complexion, visibly smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing the appearance of redness caused by acne.

Even better, combining Red Light Therapy with other skincare treatments and forms of light therapy can increase the beneficial effects for targeting the skin around the eyes. Amber Light Therapy is particularly gentle, making it ideal for treating delicate skin, such as the area around the eyes, and can help reduce the appearance of redness while improving overall skin radiance. Facial Massages can help reduce the appearance of puffiness, while Therapeutic Warmth can soothe skin and help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

With a wealth of scientific backing and positive consumer experiences, at-home Red Light Therapy offers a promising solution for those seeking to improve their skin's overall look and feel without resorting to cosmetic surgery or costly in-clinic treatments.

Here are a few recommendations for Red Light Therapy devices that can help target eye wrinkles specifically:

• Red Light Therapy Eye Mask: Our Eye Recovery Pro With Red and Infrared Light Therapy Mask is an FDA-cleared, medical-grade eye mask designed to target the delicate skin around the eyes, helping to combat fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, 11s, dark circles, eye bags, eyelid drooping, uneven tone, and more. It uses Red Light, Deep Red Light, Near-Infrared Light, and Amber Light to support collagen production, depuff eye bags, visibly even tone, reduce the appearance of dark circles, and promote a lifted, firm look. With a treatment time of just 3 minutes, it's easy to make the Red Light Eye Mask a part of your regular skincare routine and get professional-grade results from the comfort and convenience of home!
• Red Light Therapy Face Mask: The Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Mask is a full-face mask that delivers Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This mask covers the entire face, ensuring even treatment for a firmer, healthier-looking complexion. It's made of soft, flexible, medical-grade silicone that's both comfortable on your skin and easy to clean and maintain. The treatment time for this mask is 10 minutes, and with its portability, you can use that time for some well-deserved self-care without being restricted by heavy battery attachments or wall cords you may find with other face masks.
• Red Light Therapy Skincare Wand: The Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy combines four leading skincare technologies to target multiple concerns around the eye area. This wand features Therapeutic Warmth, which can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles by increasing blood flow and promoting a more even skin tone, while the Facial Massage function helps to reduce the appearance of eye puffiness. The wand's Red Light Therapy component helps to rejuvenate skin, and the Galvanic Current feature helps with the absorption of your favorite serums and creams.

Red Light Therapy-Boosting Eye Cream

Eye cream and Red Light Therapy alone are each a powerful method, which is why we’ve combined them into one. Introducing our LightBoost Topical Eye Cream, a clean, vegan, fragrance and cruelty-free hydrating eye cream designed to work synergistically with Light Therapy to visibly reduce signs of skin aging. Made with vegan collagen, caffeine, and our proprietary blend of scientifically-backed Light-boosting compounds, you can use this as a daily eye cream for dewy, bright eyes, as well as with your Light Therapy devices to amplify the results of your sessions! 

Lifestyle Changes, Including Getting Better Sleep!

Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can make a notable difference when it comes to under eye wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.

Prioritizing quality sleep is crucial, as it allows the skin to repair and regenerate. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to support your skin's natural rejuvenation processes. If you find you're not quite getting either enough rest or quality rest, you may need to improve your sleep hygiene. Try creating a wind-down routine away from your phone, TV, and laptop about an hour before you want to go to bed, and ensure your sleeping area is dark and cool.

Incorporating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help support overall skin health. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts can help combat free radicals that contribute to skin aging, while vitamins like A, C, and E can help promote collagen production and skin repair. Including these nutrient-dense foods in your diet can enhance your skin's resilience and radiance, ultimately helping to reduce the appearance of under eye wrinkles.

Adopting a Comprehensive Skincare Routine

A consistent and thorough skincare routine is essential for maintaining youthful-looking eyes. This includes using a gentle cleanser, nourishing moisturizer, and restoring eye cream specifically designed for the delicate eye area. Incorporating antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help protect the skin from environmental damage, while regular exfoliation can remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. A well-rounded skincare routine also supports overall skin health and can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

When applying product to the eye area, take extra care to be gentle with the delicate skin in the area. Using the tip of your ring finger is generally recommended because it exerts the least amount of pressure, minimizing the risk of damaging the thin skin around the eyes.

Using facial massage techniques during your skincare routine can also help improve circulation and reduce puffiness around the eyes (that's why we include it in our 4-in-1 Skincare Wand we mentioned above!). Gentle massage helps to stimulate blood flow, which can enhance the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Using a jade roller or performing lymphatic drainage massage can help to depuff the eye area and promote a more refreshed appearance.

Finally, protecting the skin around your eyes from UV damage is crucial for preventing further signs of aging. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wearing sunglasses can shield the delicate eye area from harmful UV rays. UV exposure can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

In-Office Cosmetic Procedures

In-office cosmetic procedures like Botox®, dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, and microdermabrasion can offer dramatic results for those looking to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness around the eyes. Each procedure has its unique approach, benefits, and drawbacks.

Botox®: Botox® is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles, such as crow’s feet around the eyes. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of Botox® into targeted muscles, which smooths out the skin and reduces the appearance of lines. It's typically a quick procedure with minimal discomfort, noticeable results within a few days, and no significant downtime. However, the effects are temporary at only 3-6 months before another treatment is needed to maintain results, and there's potential for minor bruising or swelling at the injection site.

Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injectables often made of hyaluronic acid that add volume to hollow areas of the face while also smoothing out wrinkles. For the eye area, fillers can be used to address under-eye hollows and tear troughs. Results are immediate, effects can last from 6 months to 2 years depending on the type of filler, and there's typically minimal downtime compared to other in-clinic procedures. However, there's a notable potential for bruising, swelling, or lumps at the injection site, risk of allergic reactions, and a high cost for professional administration.

Laser Treatments: Laser treatments use focused light energy (different wavelengths from Red Light) to exfoliate the skin, promote collagen production, and improve skin texture. Common types include fractional lasers and non-ablative lasers. They're fairly effective for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues, can stimulate collagen production for long-term benefits, and improve overall skin tone and texture. That said, laser treatment typically comes with a high price tag, especially when you take into account that most individuals need multiple sessions. There's also potential for redness, swelling, and downtime, as well as not being suitable for all skin types.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the outer layer and promotes the growth of new, smoother skin. Peels can vary in strength from superficial to deep. Chemical peels can be effective for the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues, and can also improve skin texture and radiance with relatively long-lasting results. As with other in-clinic procedures, there's a risk for redness, peeling, and prolonged downtime, a risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring if not performed correctly, and a high price point.

Microneedling: Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing process and promoting collagen production. It's known for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and increasing firmness with minimal downtime. It's also known to cause redness and swelling immediately after the procedure, and it usually takes multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates the outer layer of the skin using a device with a diamond tip or fine crystals, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, more radiant skin. As with microneedling, most people see improved skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines, and minimal downtime. Also as with microneedling, there's the potential for temporary redness and sensitivity, the need for multiple sessions for best results, and the requirement for professional administration to avoid skin damage.

While these in-office procedures can provide significant and often immediate improvements, they all come with considerations and barriers such as cost, side effects, recovery time, and the need for professional administration. Additionally, the invasive nature of some treatments may not be suitable for everyone.

Conclusion

Achieving healthier-looking, glowing skin under the eyes requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both internal and external factors. Targeted treatments like Red Light Therapy, hydrating eye creams, and protective measures against sun damage can help improve the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. Additionally, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, such as prioritizing quality sleep and maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins, further support overall skin health.

With consistent care and the right strategies, you can rejuvenate not just the delicate skin around your eyes, but throughout your entire face for an overall refreshed, glowing look!

Ready to dive into Light Therapy? Take our Skin Quiz here to get personalized recommendations on how to rejuvenate your skin!

Sources:

1. The impact of ultraviolet radiation on skin photoaging — review of in vitro studies - PMC 
2. Cigarettes Smoking and Skin: A Comparison Study of the Biophysical Properties of Skin in Smokers and Non-Smokers - PMC 
3. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation 
4. Do retinoids really reduce wrinkles? - Harvard Health
5. Get Enough Sleep - MyHealthfinder | health.gov

Disclaimer: Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan.