As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, and wrinkles and fine lines start to form. One area that is particularly susceptible to these signs of ageing is the under-eye area. Under-eye lines and wrinkles can make us look tired and aged.
Naturally, women are often left with a desire to get rid of fine lines under the eyes, but it’s important to remember that this is a natural part of ageing. Whilst we advocate for embracing all signs of ageing sometimes it’s empowering to know that we can take preventative measures to reduce our fine lines.
So, let’s dig into what causes under eye lines, and what you can do to prevent or treat them from home.
What Causes Under Eye Lines And Wrinkles?
With every year our skin ages, our collagen production slows down and skin loses elastin. The eye area has very thin skin protecting it, so unfortunately it’s one of the areas that ages quickest. There are some reasons as to why this area can age quicker and we have taken a look below at some of the key reasons fine lines can appear under your eyes.
UV Radiation
UV damage is the number one reason for ageing skin, as the sun’s harmful rays damage cell DNA. Sun damage breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to a loss of volume and elasticity in the skin. This can cause wrinkles to form, particularly in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the under-eye area.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, bad diet and not enough sleep can also be factors in fine lines under the eyes being more prominent.
Expression
Laughter lines and general facial expression tend to deepen fine lines and wrinkles under and around the eye area. These types of wrinkles are referred to as Dynamic Wrinkles which form from muscle contractions under the skin’s surface. Over time these dynamic wrinkles become static wrinkles which are the result of the natural ageing process. Lifestyle and environmental factors can exacerbate these fine lines under the eyes.
Dehydration
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated, plump, and youthful. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the skin and leave fine lines more visible.
How To Get Rid Of Fine Lines Under Your Eyes
Fine lines and wrinkles under the eye are inevitable but we have a few tips and tricks which can help under eye lines.
Facial Exercises
Facial exercises can help to stimulate blood flow round the under eye, just make sure to be super gentle as the skin under the eye is very delicate. Gentle stimulation round the eye area can help to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage to depuff the area. Try a gentle massage when applying your under eye cream, using your ring finger to apply gentle pressure.
Diet & Nutrition
Drinking 8 glasses or 2 litres of water a day can help to keep skin hydrated and helps to remove toxins through your system quicker. Eating a diet rich in essential fats and oils is also crucial to keeping the skin happy and healthy. Limiting caffeine and sugar will also help to keep your skin healthier, as both of these ingredients break down collagen, meaning fine lines and wrinkles are more likely to appear.
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking can cause premature aging and increase the risk of wrinkles as it can damage cell DNA. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin's health and keeping those under eye lines and wrinkles at bay. Alcohol tends to dehydrate the skin and skin dehydration can leave fine lines and wrinkles looking more visible, so cutting this down as much as possible will also help reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles under the eye.
Sleep Quality
Getting enough sleep is essential in keeping your skin looking youthful. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular sleep routine to help regulate your body's natural sleep cycle.
Sun Exposure
Ensuring your skin is protected daily with an SPF, no matter the season, is crucial in protecting your skin from sun damage. Try applying a product round the eye area that is formulated with SPF in your morning skincare routine.
Skin care routine
Introducing a daily skincare routine can help address and treat skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes. In the section below we’re looking at all the anti-ageing skincare products you can add to your routine.
The Best Skincare Products To Prevent Under Eye Wrinkles
It is important to note that no skincare product alone will get rid of under the eye lines and wrinkles but there are some products which can help firm the area keeping it plumper, hydrated and brighter.
Overnight Retinol Powerbalm
Formulated with Pure Retinol, Retinol is a great product when it comes to treating fine lines and wrinkles. It can help rejuvenate the under eye area by speeding up cell renewal and boosting collagen production, helping to visibly reduce under eye lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C Elixir
Vitamin C is an ingredient that you should be looking to incorporate into your daily skincare routine if you are concerned with signs of ageing. Our Vitamin C Elixir helps to speed up collagen production and reduce signs of pigmentation, which can help with brightening the eye area. A great ingredient to incorporate into your routine if you are a smoker.
Peptide Eye Complex
Our Peptide Eye Complex is packed full of under eye loving ingredients. Fragrance free and perfect for sensitive skin, this eye cream is lightweight and formulated with Hyaluronic Spheres to deeply hydrate and plump fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. It also contains skin brightening Vitamin C and SPF 30 to protect and hydrate the area.
For more articles on mature skin, read:
- Skincare Over 60 And 70: Looking After Your Skin The Right Way
- What Is Mature Skin: All You Need To Know & How To Treat
Or, read Julie's or Rachel's ageing skincare journey with Skinician products.
