The skin around your eyes is delicate, so it’s often one of the first places to show fine lines. While wrinkles are a natural part of life, the team at Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care wants you to know you have options to help soften their appearance.
You can improve the appearance of under-eye wrinkles through a combination of at-home care and professional treatments. These various steps can help you achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin. And understanding what causes these lines is the first step toward effective care. From there, you can build a routine that works for you.
What Causes Wrinkles Under Your Eyes?
Several factors contribute to the fine lines that appear around your eyes. Understanding them is a key part of your skincare journey. These are some of the most common causes.
Natural Aging and Collagen Loss
As you get older, your skin produces less collagen, which is the protein that keeps it plump and firm. This natural process can lead to thinner skin, an issue we can monitor during adult and senior eye exams. Over time, this can lead to the formation of wrinkles.
Sun Exposure
The sun’s damaging UV rays can break down the collagen and elastin in your skin. This damage often shows up as fine lines. This extensive damage can be especially true in the sensitive under-eye area.
Repeated Facial Expressions
Every time you smile, squint, or frown, your facial muscles contract. Over the years, these repeated movements can create permanent lines. These are often called expression lines or crow’s feet.
At-Home Care & Prevention Tips
You can support the health of your skin with a few simple habits at home. A consistent routine is a great way to care for the delicate skin around your eyes. Prevention is an integral part of any skincare plan.
Hydrate Your Skin Daily
Moisturized skin appears more plump and can make fine lines less noticeable. Use a gentle eye cream twice a day to keep the area hydrated. You can even apply a face oil over your moisturizer to help lock in hydration.
Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
Sunscreen is vital for preventing new wrinkles. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher around your eyes every day. A pair of quality sunglasses that offer UV protection is also a great way to protect your skin and prevent squinting when you’re outdoors.
Be Gentle with Your Skin
The skin under your eyes is thin and sensitive. When applying or removing makeup or creams, use your ring finger. Gently tap the product into the skin instead of rubbing or pulling.
Look for Key Skincare Ingredients
Certain ingredients are known for their ability to support skin health. You can look for products that contain:
- Retinol: Helps support collagen production and skin renewal
- Hyaluronic acid: Attracts and holds onto moisture for a plumping effect
- Peptides: Can help improve skin firmness and texture
Combining a good skincare routine with regular health checks, such as comprehensive eye exams, helps you maintain both your vision and the health of the skin around your eyes.
When to See Your Eye Doctor for Under-Eye Care
If at-home treatments aren’t giving you the results you want, it may be time to discuss professional options. Your eye doctor can assess the skin around your eyes and discuss treatments that align with your goals.
Professional Treatments for Under-Eye Skin
For more noticeable results, your doctor may suggest a professional treatment tailored to your specific needs. These procedures are designed to smooth skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Your doctor can help you decide on an approach that feels right for you.
Botox & Fillers
Botox can relax the muscles that cause expression lines, such as crow’s feet. Fillers can add volume to the under-eye area and smooth out wrinkles that are present even when your face is at rest.
Microneedling
This procedure uses fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This process stimulates your body’s natural healing response. It also encourages the production of new collagen and elastin.
OptiLift by Lumenis
OptiLift is a treatment option that uses gentle energy to stimulate the skin around your eyes. It’s designed to help improve skin texture. It can promote a refreshed appearance by supporting your skin’s natural renewal process.
What to Expect from Your Treatment
It’s helpful to have clear expectations when you decide to pursue treatment for under-eye wrinkles. A conversation with your doctor can help you understand what is possible for your skin. This consultation ensures your goals align with the potential outcomes.
A Focus on Softer, Smoother Skin
The goal of most treatments is not to completely erase every line but to soften its appearance. For example, treatments like IPL can help with wrinkles by stimulating collagen for a smoother, more refreshed, and more youthful look.
Results Can Vary
How your skin responds to treatment depends on factors like your age, skin type, and lifestyle. Your doctor can help you choose an option that fits your individual situation. This personalized approach helps support your desired results.
The Importance of Maintenance
Some treatments require follow-up sessions to maintain the results. Continuing a good at-home skincare routine, especially with sun protection, is also key to preserving the benefits of any professional procedure.
Taking care of the skin around your eyes is an essential part of your overall wellness. Whether you start with a new at-home routine or explore professional treatments, you have many options. A supportive care team can help you navigate them.
The team at Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care is here to provide personalized attention and unique optical solutions. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your skincare goals with our team.
