It's a fact! Wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable.
That's right, it's not just you, everyone gets wrinkles as the skin ages. And while there's no way to stop them completely (yet), there are several things you can do to make the process easier on your skin, and help make the wrinkles that develop less noticeable. The key is knowing what causes different under-eye wrinkles, so you can target those areas with an eye cream or serum designed for that specific purpose.
This article will explain some common under-eye wrinkles, their types, causes and treatments, so you know what you're up against.
Types of Under-Eye Wrinkles
You're not alone if you've noticed wrinkles under your eyes. It's normal to have one or more of these types of wrinkles, which can develop for different reasons.
Dynamic wrinkles:
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of muscles underneath the skin. As a result, dynamic wrinkles tend to show up when the muscles are in use — for example, when you smile or frown. Dynamic wrinkles typically develop between the eyebrows and forehead, as well as around the outer corners of the eyes (known as crow’s feet).
Static wrinkles:
Static wrinkles are caused by the skin's elasticity and collagen breakdown. These wrinkles are visible even when you're at rest. Over time, dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles. Exposure to the sun, smoking, and poor nutrition can all contribute to static wrinkles.
Wrinkle folds:
Wrinkle folds are wrinkles that develop in the grooves between your nose and mouth. These wrinkles typically develop as you age, but they can also be caused by smoking, sun damage, and many other factors. Wrinkle folds are usually noticed when they occur underneath the eyes, but they may also appear in the grooves between your nose and mouth.
Causes of Under-Eye Wrinkles:
Ever wonder why the skin around your eyes looks so different from the skin on the rest of your face? It's because of its unique structure. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than other areas, which makes it more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles.
The most common cause of fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes is ageing. But other common contributing factors may be possible to avoid, like UV radiation, smoking and repetitive movements and expressions.
UV radiation:
Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays break down the collagen in your skin. Collagen is the main protein in your skin tissue, and it’s key to your facial structure holding up over time. Ultraviolet rays can come from unprotected sun exposure and sunbeds. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source, unprotected UV rays lead to an earlier appearance of leathery skin and wrinkles.
Smoking:
Smoking exposes your skin to oxidative stress, damaging collagen and elastin. This leads to wrinkles. Smoking also constricts the blood vessels in your face, obstructing circulation to your blood vessels and depriving your skin of vitamin A.
Repetitive facial expressions:
Repetitive facial expressions are the most common cause of lines and wrinkles under the eyes. Frowning, smiling, and furrowing your brow can cause fine lines to develop over time. Your skin loses its ability to bounce back to its original place as you grow older. Research indicates that sleeping with your face buried in your pillow can contribute to lines under your eyes.
Treatments:
Facial Exercises:
If you want to tighten the skin under your eyes and get rid of wrinkles, try facial exercises. Specific facial exercises have been shown anecdotally to be effective at tightening the skin under your eyes. There’s no reason to believe these exercises are harmful, but the research available about “face yoga,” as some call it, is still minimal.
Treat your allergies:
Allergies cause inflammation around your eyes. Rubbing or scratching your eyes due to allergy symptoms can contribute to red eyes and make your skin feel dry. Treating allergy symptoms can relax your face and protect the skin under your eyes.
Exfoliate:
You can gently exfoliate dry skin that forms under your eyes to promote new cell growth. Only use products specifically made to exfoliate and massage the area underneath your eyes.
Moisturise:
We know that sometimes it's hard to get enough moisture in your skin, especially around the eyes. If you're looking for ways to fight fine lines, try moisturising with an eye cream. Look for moisturisers rich in ingredients that promote circulation and new cell growth—retinol (a vitamin A derivative), peptides, and hyaluronic acid are all backed by research and aestheticians.
Under-eye products like cooling gels and serums work best to fight fine lines. Lashfactor's Under Eye Gel serum is a unique gel serum, based on an innovative professional strength bio cellular formula containing only carefully curated, safety tested, and scientifically proven plant-based natural ingredients, that are thoroughly tested for safety on the skin around the eyes; it has anti-ageing antioxidants, skin brightening agents and naturally occurring ultra-moisturising ingredients including vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C, Aquaxyl, 3D Hydration Complex, Glutathione, Ginseng, Niacinamide & vitamin E that are rapidly absorbed into the skin around the eyes giving prominent results. The formula works by stimulating cell renewal around the eye area, while stimulating collagen production and improving elasticity to reduce visible lines and wrinkles caused by ageing. This helps to give your younger-looking eyes a firmer appearance in as little as 30 days of use.
Protection from UV rays:
Protecting from UV rays is the best way to prevent fine lines from forming. Always wear an SPF of 30 when venturing outside, even if it’s not sunny. When you’re in direct sunlight for several hours, consider shielding your eyes with a hat and sunglasses. Brimmed hats, visors, and sunglasses serve an added benefit: They keep you squinting, an expression that can create wrinkles.
Have a balanced diet:
Vitamins C, A, and E are all frequently used in skin care products. By incorporating foods rich in these vitamins into your diet, you’ll help your skin (and the rest of your body) form healthy new cells. Consider colourful citrus fruits, carrots, and pumpkins to beef up the amount of these vitamins in your diet. Research has indicated, there’s a strong link between a balanced diet and firmer skin.
Summary:
If you're concerned about fine lines and wrinkles appearing in the skin around your eyes, you're not alone. It's typical for people to get some wrinkles and fine lines under their eyes as they age. While skin care products, protection from UV rays, and a healthy lifestyle may make it possible to avoid fine lines or reduce their appearance, you might only be able to prevent them partially. Make an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist for professional advice in approaching this sensitive area.