13 Best Under-Eye Wrinkle Treatments, According to Derms
As we age, we begin to notice signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles that appear from smiling, laughing, and various emotional expressions we’ve experienced. Wrinkles under the eyes often appear earlier because the skin in this area is thinner and more sensitive. For this reason, many people start exploring eye wrinkle treatments to maintain a youthful appearance. However, this is not a reason to panic, as these wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. Ironically, lack of sleep can worsen the appearance of these wrinkles by causing the skin to lose moisture, which in turn deepens fine lines.
Naturally, many people seek solutions to address under-eye wrinkles, but it’s important to understand that this is not a major issue. Wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes are actually signs of life, not signs of decline. As part of the aging process, skin cells begin to lose collagen—the protein responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. The loss of collagen makes the skin more vulnerable to wrinkles and fine lines, especially in sensitive areas like under the eyes.
However, there are many ways to reduce the appearance of these wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. Based on consultations with dermatologists and beauty experts, various eye wrinkle treatments are available that can help rejuvenate the skin around the eyes and slow down the formation of further wrinkles. Using anti-aging products that contain active ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants can help stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s appearance. These treatments can reduce the depth of wrinkles and keep the skin elastic and hydrated.
Consult a Professional
Consulting a skin professional is an important step in addressing under-eye wrinkles. An expert can help identify the underlying causes of the issue and offer more effective solutions. Even when following a recommended skincare routine, new wrinkles may still appear, signaling the need for further treatment. Dermatology clinics offer various professional treatments that can significantly improve the appearance of the skin.
For example, Dr. Lily Talakoub in Virginia uses radiofrequency technology to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production with annual light resurfacing treatments. Rhea Souhleris Grous, founder of La Suite Skincare, relies on the Periocular Fraxel laser, which effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles while promoting the formation of new collagen and elastin, making the skin firmer.
Additionally, Dr. Serena Mraz, a certified dermatologist, suggests using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or exosomes to stimulate fibroblast cells to produce more collagen. Energy-based treatments such as fractional lasers, high-intensity ultrasound, and radiofrequency are also used to smooth and tighten loose or wrinkled skin. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if the skin is excessively loose or there is fat buildup under the eyes. An experienced doctor will help determine the best treatment for your skin’s condition.
Consider Injectables
Injectable treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers, are becoming increasingly popular as solutions for under-eye wrinkles. While some people may hesitate to try injections, these methods are proven safe when performed by licensed professionals. Botox works by halting the muscle movements that cause fine lines. This means that lines not caused by facial expressions won’t form. For example, if wrinkles remain visible even when the face is at rest, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be used to fill and smooth those lines.1Sparavigna A, Tenconi B, Giori AM, Bellia G, La Penna L. Evaluation of the efficacy of a new hyaluronic acid gel on dynamic and static wrinkles in volunteers with moderate aging/photoaging. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:81-90. doi:10.2147/CCID.S191935
Also Read: How Long Does Retinol Take to Work On Skin?
Dr. Serena Mraz explains that injecting neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify can help relax the muscles that cause expression lines. Additionally, proper filler placement can restore skin structure around the eye area. Products like Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Eyelight are FDA-approved for treating this delicate area.
Although injectables are a popular choice, they are not the only solution, especially for the very sensitive under-eye area. If you’re not ready for injections, there are various lighter alternatives that can help address wrinkles without invasive procedures. Non-invasive treatments like anti-aging creams, light therapy, or laser treatments can also deliver good results in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Start Using Retinol
Retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients for reducing wrinkles, as explained by Dr. Talakoub. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, works by stimulating skin cell metabolism and encouraging collagen production. Collagen is a vital protein that provides firmness and smoothness to the skin. Over time, collagen production decreases, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol is absorbed by the skin and, through a specific process, is converted into tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid. This process allows retinol to improve skin structure by enhancing cell turnover and reducing signs of aging. Celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau adds that retinol is also effective in treating sun damage, dark spots, and enlarged pores, while providing smoother and more even skin texture.
It’s important to incorporate retinol-containing products into your daily skincare routine. Dr. Talakoub recommends using a low-dose Retin-A or topical retinaldehyde mixed with a highly hydrating moisturizer to ensure the skin stays well-hydrated, minimize irritation, and maximize the benefits.
Moisturize Your Under-Eye Area
Dr. Talakoub recommends adding an eye cream to your skincare routine, especially to maintain moisture and elasticity in the delicate skin around the eyes. The skin in this area is thinner and more sensitive, requiring extra care to remain firm and prevent deeper wrinkles. Using an eye cream can help maintain hydration and improve the skin’s structure in that region.
When choosing an eye cream, it’s important to look for products with effective ingredients that can target wrinkles. Retinol is an ingredient that stimulates collagen production and promotes skin cell turnover, which helps reduce fine lines. Hyaluronic acid is excellent for intensely hydrating the skin and providing a plumping effect that smooths wrinkles. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage, while Vitamin C can brighten and even out the skin tone. Peptides, on the other hand, help strengthen the skin’s structure and improve its elasticity.2Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804
Using an eye cream formulated with these ingredients regularly can help improve the condition of the skin around the eyes, keep it hydrated, and prevent deeper wrinkles from forming. It can also provide smoother and fresher-looking results, especially when combined with other treatments.
Seal in Hydration With an Oil
To address under-eye wrinkles, keeping the skin moisturized is crucial. One effective way to do this is by applying a rich moisturizer and then locking in that moisture with facial oils. Facial oils help prevent water from evaporating from the skin, ensuring that hydration stays intact, leaving the skin feeling firmer and smoother. Dr. Talakoub suggests using natural oils like argan, marula, and sunflower oil, known for their rich nutrients and strong hydrating properties. These oils work well to add moisture and lock in hydration, which is key to preventing wrinkles.
Dehydrated skin is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles because a lack of water reduces the skin’s elasticity, making it look older and dull. In contrast, well-hydrated skin appears healthier, younger, and more supple, especially in the sensitive under-eye area. Proper hydration helps improve the skin’s structure and reduces the depth of existing wrinkles. As Dr. Talakoub states, “Hydration, hydration, hydration” is an essential step in maintaining youthful-looking skin.
Try Facial Massages
Facial exercises, including facial massages, can be an effective solution for reducing wrinkles and maintaining healthy skin, especially around the eyes. Facial massage techniques like acupressure can enhance blood circulation and improve lymphatic flow, helping to reduce puffiness and increase skin elasticity. Dr. Grous recommends gentle facial massages using acupressure techniques to stimulate circulation and the lymphatic system, which not only provides relaxation but also helps the face appear firmer.
To perform this massage technique, take a small amount of eye cream using your ring finger and gently massage from the outer corner of your eye toward the inner corner along the orbital bone. Gently tap the cream into the skin with a double-tap motion, especially at the inner corner of the eye. This technique is believed to help “push” lymphatic fluid out, reducing puffiness and improving the absorption of the product.
Facial exercises like these are particularly beneficial for those who don’t yet have significant wrinkle concerns, as they help maintain fluid balance in the eye area and stimulate circulation, which can prevent premature aging. Additionally, this massage technique helps relax facial muscles, contributing to firmer and fresher-looking skin
Apply Face Masks
Face masks are a highly effective skincare treatment for addressing under-eye wrinkles, as they are designed to nourish, balance, and restore the skin. These masks work by providing hydration and active ingredients that help improve skin texture, making them ideal for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Dr. Grous recommends using specialized eye masks designed to tackle specific issues like wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes. These eye masks typically contain active ingredients that hydrate and rejuvenate the sensitive skin in that area.
The main difference between sheet masks and cream masks lies in how the product is absorbed into the skin. Sheet masks are made of fibers saturated with serum, allowing the product to penetrate deeply into the skin, providing more intensive skincare. In contrast, cream masks tend to hydrate the outer layer of the skin, helping to enhance moisture levels and maintain skin balance, though their absorption is more surface-level.
Both types of masks have their own benefits, depending on your skin’s needs. Sheet masks are perfect for those needing deep hydration and intensive treatment, while cream masks are better for daily moisture maintenance. Regularly using a face mask suited to your skin type can help reduce wrinkles, provide better hydration, and leave the skin looking fresher and more supple.
Always Remember SPF
Using sunscreen (SPF) daily is a crucial step in protecting the skin, especially to prevent damage from sun exposure. UV rays from the sun can cause various skin issues, such as wrinkles, discoloration, and dark spots, all of which are linked to collagen damage in the skin.3Shanbhag S, Nayak A, Narayan R, Nayak UY. Anti-aging and sunscreens: paradigm shift in cosmetics. Adv Pharm Bull. 2019;9(3):348-359. doi:10.15171/apb.2019.042 Collagen is the protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin, and UV exposure accelerates the aging process by damaging existing collagen. Therefore, applying the right sunscreen every morning before heading outside is the most effective preventative measure to keep skin youthful and healthy.
Dr. Serena Mraz emphasizes that sun protection, along with other skincare routines like using eye cream twice a day and washing your face, is essential for long-term skin health. Performing these treatments regularly is as important as the habit of brushing your teeth twice a day, a basic routine for oral hygiene.
Prevention is the best way to combat signs of aging, and by protecting the skin from UV rays, we can prevent further damage and keep the skin healthy. Regular SPF use helps prevent the harmful effects of sun exposure, including premature aging and other skin problems.
Be Gentle With Application
When caring for the skin around the eyes, it’s crucial to be gentle when applying skincare products. The skin in the under-eye area is very thin and sensitive, so harsh actions like pulling or rubbing the skin can damage its structure and speed up the formation of wrinkles. Dr. Talakoub stresses the importance of using your ring finger when applying products, as this finger exerts lighter pressure compared to the others, reducing the risk of irritation or skin damage.
Additionally, Dr. Talakoub warns against rubbing, scratching, or touching the eyes too often. Habits like pulling the eyelids when putting in contact lenses can also accelerate skin sagging, which over time can lead to deeper wrinkles. People who frequently rub their eyes tend to experience premature aging in that area because this action can damage collagen and elastin, the two key components that maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Gentle and careful treatment will help keep the skin hydrated and healthy without putting excess pressure on the delicate skin around the eyes. Proper application of products and avoiding bad habits will prevent deeper wrinkles and help maintain youthful skin for longer.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term skin health. One main step to keeping skin hydrated and supporting toxin elimination is ensuring adequate water intake. A healthy lifestyle starts with eating nutritious foods rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Foods like berries, nuts, and dark leafy greens are examples of antioxidant-rich foods that can improve skin texture and fight signs of aging.
Additionally, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, avocados, and walnuts, help maintain the skin’s protective barrier. This barrier is essential for keeping skin moisturized, preventing dryness, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the skin and prevent inflammation.4Parke MA, Perez-Sanchez A, Zamil DH, Katta R. Diet and skin barrier: the role of dietary interventions on skin barrier function. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2021;11(1):e2021132. doi:10.5826/dpc.1101a132
Foods that stimulate collagen production, such as bone broth, are also important for maintaining skin strength and elasticity. Collagen is the main protein in the skin responsible for its firmness and resilience, and its production declines with age. By including collagen-boosting foods in the diet, we can slow down the aging process and keep skin firm.
Cut Out Drinking Alcohol and Smoking
Avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking is vital for maintaining healthy skin and preventing premature aging. Alcohol causes inflammation in the body, which can worsen skin conditions and lead to dehydration, reducing the skin’s natural moisture. Dehydration makes the skin look dull and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.5Liu SW, Lien MH, Fenske NA. The effects of alcohol and drug abuse on the skin. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(4):391-399. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.03.024 Moreover, alcohol disrupts sleep quality, which is essential for skin regeneration. As a result, the face may appear puffy or show “hangover face,” with swollen eyes, which worsens the appearance of tired skin.
In addition to alcohol, smoking also has detrimental effects on the skin. Cigarette smoke contains carcinogenic substances that damage body cells, including skin cells. Smoking reduces the blood flow, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients, which are crucial for keeping the skin healthy and glowing. With limited oxygen and nutrient supply, the skin becomes dull, dry, and tends to have a yellowish tint, often referred to as “smoker’s skin.”
Smoking and drinking alcohol not only speed up the aging process but also hinder skin care efforts and professional procedures aimed at restoring healthy and youthful-looking skin. Therefore, reducing or quitting these harmful habits is important for maintaining youthful and healthy skin
Try Microneedling
Microneedling, when performed correctly by an experienced professional, can provide significant results in skincare, particularly in reducing wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes (treatments). This technique involves using tiny needles that penetrate the outer layers of the skin to stimulate the natural healing process. This process improves skin texture, tightens, and fills in wrinkled areas, as well as enhances the absorption of active ingredients such as serums or anti-aging creams into the skin. Thus, microneedling helps accelerate skin cell regeneration and collagen production, which are crucial for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity.6Ablon G. Safety and effectiveness of an automated microneedling device in improving the signs of aging skin. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(8):29-34.
Dr. Grous also mentions the Fractional Radio Frequency Microneedling procedure, which combines microneedling with heat therapy. This procedure uses small needles combined with radiofrequency waves to create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate new collagen production, which gradually tightens the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Radiofrequency provides deeper heat effects on the skin layers, speeding up the rejuvenation process.
It’s important to remember that microneedling should be done by a trained expert to ensure safety and effectiveness. When performed correctly, microneedling can be an effective procedure to improve skin condition, providing smoother, firmer, and wrinkle-free results.
Look for the Right Ingredients
Not all popular products on the market contain active ingredients suitable for treating wrinkles or dark circles. Therefore, understanding the composition of active ingredients is a key step to achieving optimal results in anti-aging treatments for the under-eye area.
According to Dr. Serena Mraz, several active ingredients recommended for under eye wrinkle treatments include:
- L-Glutamine: This amino acid boosts collagen production, which is important for maintaining skin elasticity, strengthening tissue structure, and providing a brightening effect.
- Genistein: A plant-based phytoestrogen that mimics the action of hormones in the body and plays a vital role as an anti-aging ingredient for both men and women by stimulating fibroblast activity to form collagen and elastin.
- Troxerutin: A bioflavonoid that normalizes capillary blood vessel function, improves microcirculation, enhances nutrient transport to skin tissues, and helps brighten the under-eye area and reduce puffiness.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that binds water within the skin, retaining moisture and reducing fine lines, leaving the skin looking plump and healthy.
One standout product containing these ingredients is Alphascience Eye Matrix, an eye cream designed without fragrances and preservatives, making it safe for sensitive skin. This formula not only soothes and hydrates but also helps improve skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production, and is effective in reducing puffiness and dark circles.
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