How to Treat and Prevent Under-Eye Wrinkles
Wrinkles under the eyes are something everyone will experience at some point in their life. Whether it bothers you or not, there are ways to combat them, and we found 4 to share with you. These options vary in price and pain level, so it really depends on what you plan to do to treat and prevent under-eye wrinkles.
Why do I have wrinkles under my eyes?
The skin around our eyes is 30% thinner than the rest of our face, which means they are often the first area to show signs of aging. Our eyes are subject to a lot of movement and disturbance throughout the day, from laughing, rubbing, applying makeup, to removing makeup at night, which can all contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.
Environmental influences such as pollution and UV rays must also be considered, as skin-damaging free radicals can easily damage the thin skin under the eyes. In everyday life, keeping your eyes well-hydrated is just as important as using sunscreen every day. There are so many options out there, and choosing the best one can be overwhelming. In the next section, we’ll go into more detail about the different treatments to make the decision easier for you and your eyes.
How to Treat Wrinkles Under Eyes
Before we get into the good stuff, the first thing that must be addressed is that early prevention is the most successful way to delay and reduce the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes. Although it feels silly to worry about aging in your 20s, you can use anti-aging products to prevent wrinkles from appearing for as long as possible. You are never too young for a complete skin care routine. If you are over 25, don’t panic because you can still treat eye wrinkles and prevent further wrinkle formation.
1. Topical Products for Eye Wrinkles
Quick Info:
Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, Retinol, and Hyaluronic Acid in any serum or moisturizer you plan to apply under your eyes. Topical products are the cheapest option and can provide long-term results.
Important Ingredients to Look for in Eye Creams
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid provides a lot of moisture to the skin. Its formula acts like a sponge and absorbs trace amounts of moisture from the surrounding air. You will find that all the fine lines around the eye area are smoothed out and the skin looks plumper and rejuvenated almost instantly. Keep in mind that the results are not permanent and you will need to reapply daily to see results.
Retinol
This ingredient is very effective but there are some warnings due to its strength and the effects it has on the skin. If you have never used retinol before, go for the lowest percentage and introduce it slowly into your routine as it can cause skin irritation. It is recommended to use it once a week and then gradually increase until you can use it every night. Once you have determined the right amount for your skin, use the product consistently for three months. You will see how much of an impact retinol has on your complexion.
Its clever ingredients speed up cell and collagen production and smooth out all wrinkles and fine lines. As potent as this ingredient may be, it does not like the sun’s UV rays and has no effect on the skin when used during the day, but it may cause some skin sensitivity. Be sure to wear sunscreen every day to prevent irritation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C works wonders for the face, restoring skin radiance and providing powerful anti-aging benefits to your skincare routine. The reason it is beneficial for treating wrinkles around the eyes is because it is able to stimulate collagen production, which prevents further fine lines and smooths out existing ones. The downside is that the effects of vitamin C don’t become apparent until a few months later, so you have to be patient.
2. Botox
Quick Facts
Botox injections can make all wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes disappear completely, and the effects can last for about 3-4 months.
For those who don’t know what Botox is, it is a series of injections that temporarily paralyze the muscles and movements around the eyes, such as squinting, which can cause a lot of fine lines and wrinkles. 3-4 days after the injections, you will notice a flawless, wrinkle-free effect in the eye area.
Although the results of Botox are impressive, there are some downsides:
You need to take the time to find a fully qualified and experienced dermatologist to perform the procedure, especially for the sensitive eye area. You will also find that the results you get from a certified professional will look more natural, and you won’t have that obvious frozen facial expression.
The results are only temporary. You won’t have wrinkles under your eyes for about 3-4 months until the effects of Botox wear off.
Botox prices vary widely but can often cost upwards of £300, which isn’t for everyone.
3. Microneedling
Quick Facts
Also known as dermarolling, this procedure can smooth out wrinkles with little to no pain. If you have weekly treatments, you can expect to see results within a few months.
While microneedling may sound a little scary, it’s very unique and clever and can help the skin on your face and under your eyes look younger. By rolling a microneedling tool over the affected area, you poke tiny holes in the skin, making it look damaged, which then starts to produce collagen. The results are very impressive and the procedure is quick and only slightly uncomfortable. The downside is that it takes 4-6 weeks to see full results.
There are a number of home kits for microneedling treatments, but due to the nature of the tool, it’s best not to use it near your eyes. If you want to try microneedling, seek professional help. For people with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, it’s best to find another treatment as microneedling can be too damaging to the skin.
4. Laser
Quick Facts
The most effective way to treat under-eye wrinkles, but definitely the most painful.
There is no point sugarcoating this, the Fraxel laser treatment is painful. Very painful. The procedure is done by shining a red hot laser into the skin to reshape the skin surface to create a simulated trauma response and boost collagen production. Yes, it feels weird to hurt your skin to make it look better, but many people swear by Fraxel to see results. People have seen incredible differences with laser treatments, but there are some side effects. Your skin will be rough and feel badly sunburned for a week or two after treatment, so be sure to protect your skin from UV rays and other environmental influences. Once these side effects subside, your face and eye area will look 10 years younger!
So here you can learn more about what you need to know about treating and preventing eye wrinkles. Which option you choose is entirely up to you and your budget, but remember to remove your makeup every night (preferably without makeup wipes), wear sunscreen every day, even if it rains, and wrinkles to accept them as they are the most important. Laugh and smile for results, you can never have enough smiles in life.
