Tips On How To Get Rid Of Under-Eye Wrinkles
You know what we’re talking about -- you might call them by another name, like crow’s feet, but whatever name you use to address this issue, you know that under-eye wrinkles are a persistent issue in beauty and skincare. These are easily acquired, and contrary to popular belief, you can get them even when you’re still in your 20s. If you have a naturally “expressive” face, you can notice a few lines and wrinkles forming around the eye area when you squint, laugh, or furrow your brow.
We admit it’s not humanity’s biggest problem and most of us won’t lose sleep over it, but it’s no secret that they can make you look older than you actually are. So let’s ask the question we’re all thinking: Can we prevent under-eye wrinkles from forming, and is it possible to get rid of them if they are already there?
How To Fight Under-Eye Wrinkles
Science has not given us a definitive cure for this problem, but there are a handful of steps that you can take to prevent them from forming and minimize the appearance of existing ones.
The Key Is Retinol
As of now, the single best ingredient to fight wrinkles is Retinol. It’s not surprising why it has been such a hit in the skincare market lately. Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, has the ability to promote healthy skin cell metabolism and also stimulates collagen production. Collagen, as we know, is essential in keeping your skin young-looking and smooth.
Wrinkles are more likely to form if you have less collagen in your skin. The skin absorbs Retinol. Once it is combined with some natural enzymes, it transforms into Vitamin A in acid form: Retinoic Acid, also known as Tretinoin.
It’s recommended to go for skincare products that have been formulated with Retinol. Using these can visibly reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles, as well as brown spots, lines, enlarged pores, sun damage, and signs of aging in general. Retinol can also aid in creating smoother and even-toned skin.
CAUTION: Retinol can irritate sensitive skin, such as the area around the eyes. We recommend not to use too much product on that area. Daily use in most cases is not necessary. Retinol products should only be used 3 times a week to avoid unwanted dryness, irritation, and (worse) wrinkles. Applying more than necessary will not improve the effect that you want.
Lock In Moisture With Oils
Just like any skin area, it is important to keep the part under and around the eyes properly hydrated. We know that dehydrated and dry skin is more at risk for premature aging. On the other hand, if the eye area is well-hydrated, it can look younger and healthier.
How do you hydrate it? After applying your eye or face cream, seal the moisture using oils. Oils prevent the water from evaporating, so you get to lock in moisture. You can use argan oil, sunflower oil, marula oil, and more. Because it maintains hydration, using oils can help prevent the formation of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Oils help keep existing wrinkles from worsening but this isn’t all they do. Oils are holistic products that are just generally great for your skin and health. They aren’t chemical-based and do no harm to the body.
TIP: Apply a thin layer of oil on top of your usual night cream or moisturizer to create added radiance and bounce in your skin’s appearance when you wake up in the morning.
Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Another factor that contributes to skin aging is sun damage, and since prevention is better than cure, we’d recommend to protect yourself, your skin included, from sun damage. This, together with a healthy lifestyle and an effective and consistent skincare routine, will help prevent dark spots and wrinkles from forming.
No matter what time of year it is, never head out the door without applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30. If you need more motivation, then you’ll love the fact that unprotected sun exposure not only causes dark spots and skin discoloration, it also speeds up the loss of collagen. Protect your eye area a bit more by wearing a good pair of sunglasses, too. It not only shields the eye area from UV rays, but it also prevents you from excessive squinting throughout the day.
Treat The Eye Area Gently
You’ll notice a theme here so far: we’re protecting the skin around the eye area. So it only makes sense to be gentle to the area when touching it and applying products. Avoid pulling on the skin. The ring finger is a good way to pat products in without causing too much strain. Avoid rubbing and scratching on the eyes, too.
Consult Your Dermatologist
When all else fails, nothing will beat following a skincare routine that has been prescribed by a professional dermatologist. If you have been following all the tips we suggested above, using good skincare products, and still notice a lack of improvement -- or worse, if you notice more wrinkles and lines showing up -- then it’s time to schedule a clinic appointment.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/lines-under-eyes
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/retinoid-gel-and-cream-treatments