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Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of getting older, but the real problem starts when these signs of aging start to appear prematurely. From having our eyes constantly riveted to our mobile or laptop screens to our erratic sleep schedules and lifestyle choices, all put tremendous pressure on our delicate peepers leading to problems like dark circles, puffiness and under-eye wrinkles.
So how to get rid of under eye wrinkles? Well with the right precautions, lifestyle changes, clinical treatments and skincare routines, you can definitely deal with this problem effectively. To help you understand better, we spoke to celebrity dermatologist and skin specialist, Dr. Soma Sarkar about everything from what causes under eye wrinkles to some simple everyday tips and tricks, to deal with under eye wrinkles effectively. By simply following the tips mentioned here, preventing and eliminating under eye wrinkles won’t pose such a big problem again.
1. Causes of undereye wrinkles
Under-eye wrinkles are primarily caused by the natural aging process, during which the skin loses collagen and elasticity, making it thinner and less able to renew itself. This delicate area is especially vulnerable to fine lines as collagen production decreases with age. Other significant contributors include repeated facial expressions like smiling or squinting, which create dynamic wrinkles, and environmental factors such as sun exposure, which accelerates collagen breakdown through UV radiation. Smoking, poor nutrition, and chronic exposure to pollution or harsh weather can further damage skin structure, while genetics and sleep deprivation may also play a role in early wrinkle formation.
- Ageing
This is an absolute no-brainer. As you age, your skin loses its natural elasticity and collagen production, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Soma Sarkar explains, “One first starts noticing wrinkles from the late 20s to early '30s. There are 2 types of wrinkles - static and dynamic. The latter is seen early due to extensive muscle activity like squinting, frowning, smiling and raising eyebrows all the time. The skin around the eyes is very thin compared to the rest of the face so the changes are seen early under the eyes. Static lines are noticeable while the face is resting.” This leads to under eye wrinkles and crow’s feet.
- Smoking
If you're wondering how to reduce under eye wrinkles, start by quitting smoking. Smoking is another common cause of undereye wrinkles. The reason behind this is the oxidative stress on the cells and the blood flow is constricted and so the supply of nutrients to the under eye area is less. This causes the lines and wrinkles to show up prematurely.”Regular squinting action while looking at things leads to wrinkles under the eyes. Additionally, nicotine is considered to be a major contributor to decreased natural collagen production, which further accelerates the signs of ageing.
- Sun damage
Unprotected exposure to the harmful rays of the sun is a major contributor to premature ageing. This is because UV rays affect the natural collagen levels in your skin by breaking them down. This causes the skin around your eyes to sag a lot faster than the rest of your body, making it appear leathery and wrinkled.
- Wrong sleeping habits
If you are someone who has the habit of always sleeping on your stomach, then, believe it or not, this could be why you’ve developed under eye wrinkles. Sleeping on your stomach leads to the accumulation of fluids in your under eye area, making them look puffy. Secondly, the constant friction between your pillow covers and skin leads to the crinkling of the skin. This accelerates the development of wrinkles.
- Unhealthy diet
Consuming large amounts of refined sugar and salt is another major cause of under eye wrinkles. “Having foods with a high glycemic index, salt intake and a lower water intake, can all cumulatively cause the appearance of premature lines and wrinkles around the eyes”, says Dr. Sarkar. This is because sugar breaks down the collagen in your skin, and makes it susceptible to environmental aggressors, which leads to ageing. Secondly, a diet that is rich in salt leads to water retention in your under eye area and also leads to wrinkles.
- Facial expressions
If you have the habit of squinting when looking at a screen, or need to squint your eyes to read or look at faraway objects, then this could be the reason behind the development of wrinkles. With age, your skin loses its elasticity and ability to spring back in place, leading to visible lines and wrinkles.
- Rubbing your eyes
A lot of us have the habit of vigorously rubbing our eyes several times a day, especially when we are tired and also upon waking up in the morning. If you are one of them, then please stop. Dr. Soma tells you why, “Extensive rubbing causes a lot of irritation around the eyes, especially in atopic and allergic conditions. This leads to the area becoming dry and scaly, which sometimes gives rise to lines and wrinkles” Additionally, the skin around your eyes is really thin and delicate, and putting pressure on it can stretch it out. Constantly doing this over and over again leads to the development of wrinkles over time.
2. Cosmetic procedures to get rid of under eye wrinkles
i. Derma fillers –
If you're looking for under eye wrinkles treatment, dermal fillers are a very common cosmetic treatment, in which temporary fillers are injected into the under eye area to keep the skin looking taut and youthful. Depending on the intensity of the fillers, the effect could last anywhere from six months to two years.
ii. Microdermabrasion –
For those of you who are looking for a non-invasive treatment to deal with under eye wrinkles, microdermabrasion is the answer. In this treatment, the doctor uses a diamond-tipped instrument to move over the under-eye area to get rid of dead skin cells and enhance blood circulation. This goes a long way in improving the appearance of wrinkles.
iii. Botox –
If you're wondering how to get rid of wrinkles under eyes, then botox is an easy option. It is also one of the most common cosmetic treatments to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles and flaunt a younger-looking appearance. This treatment uses injections to cause the muscles under your eyes to relax and make the signs of ageing disappear altogether.
iv. Chemical peels –
A major cause of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is an accumulation of dead skin cells. And an amazing way to get rid of it is with chemical peels. While this treatment may not help in making the undereye wrinkles disappear completely, by eliminating dead skin it definitely helps reveal fresher-looking skin that does not emphasize skin imperfections so much.
3. Tips to prevent under eye wrinkles
According to Dr. Soma Sarkar, it is indeed possible to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the under eye area with some solid skincare tips as well as a few lifestyle changes. She says, “One has to use some skincare products in their routine without fail. These products include sunscreen and an under eye serum which contains vitamin C, B3 and E. Additionally, use a mild retinol-based serum, followed by hyaluronic acid and then moisturising cream at night. Try not to overuse your expressions and wear glasses while working on a computer or looking at your mobile phones. Lastly, visit a dermatologist to perform routine procedures mentioned above.”
If you're wondering how to fix under eye wrinkles, following this expert-recommended routine along with maintaining a healthy diet and proper hydration can significantly improve the appearance of fine lines.
i. Wear sunscreen –
Since UV rays are touted to be one of the most potent reasons behind premature ageing, we recommend you to wear sunscreen every single day.
ii. Apply Eye cream –
The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate, therefore it is prone to drying out and dry skin develops fine lines and wrinkles a lot more easily. To avoid this issue, we recommend you apply eye cream twice a day. This will not only keep your under eye area hydrated but will also delay premature ageing to a great extent.
iii. Switch to a silk pillowcase –
Cotton pillowcases are a lot harsher on your skin and cause too much friction. This leads to folds in your skin, which eventually give rise to lines and wrinkles. The easiest solution to this problem is switching to a silk pillowcase as it is extremely gentle on the skin and reduces friction.
iv. Stop smoking –
If you have the habit of smoking regularly, then we recommend that you stop or cut down on the number immediately.
4. Frequently asked questions about under eye wrinkles
Q. Can you reverse under eye wrinkles?
A. You’d be surprised to know the answer, but it is indeed possible to get rid of undereye wrinkles completely. Dr. Soma Sarker says, “Yes, it is indeed possible to completely reverse fine lines and wrinkles, but it can happen only for short periods of time. Additionally, one has to repeat the in-office treatments and use a good night serum.” From derma fillers, chemical peels and botox to simpler things like applying anti-ageing eye creams and cutting down on cigarettes, these are the simplest ways to reduce the appearance of undereye wrinkles.
Q. At what age do under eye wrinkles appear?
A. Signs of premature ageing can develop at almost any age. But roughly, under eye wrinkles start to develop first in the late 20s and early 30s. But this is just a rough estimate, and in a lot of cases, people have complained about the development of fine lines and wrinkles, especially in the undereye area in their early 20s as well.
Q. How can I tighten the skin under my eyes?
A. There are several home remedies that help tighten the skin in your under eye area. But the best remedy is simply placing a slice of cucumber on each eye several times a week. The cooling properties of cucumber help in calming the skin, reducing inflammation and making your under eye area appear plump and nourished.
Q. What causes under eye wrinkles?
A. Under eye wrinkles are mainly caused by aging, as the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time. Other factors include sun exposure, repetitive facial expressions, smoking, and genetics.
Q. Can under eye wrinkles be treated or reduced?
A. Yes, under eye wrinkles can be improved with lifestyle changes, topical treatments, non-invasive procedures, or surgery. Options include moisturizing, using retinol or vitamin C creams, sun protection, and cosmetic treatments like fillers or laser therapy.
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