How to Manage Under Eye Wrinkles

Our delicate peri-orbital region around the eyes is one of the first areas of the face to show the visible signs of ageing.

Wrinkles around the eyes are one of the most common concerns as we age. They can become pronounced very quickly (sometimes what feels like overnight!) and can be tricky to address.

So how and why does this occur?

Our natural collagen and elastin production begins to slowly decline from around our mid-twenties and the existing fibres continue to become damaged through our natural functions and as a result of internal and environmental factors.

At a certain point in time, we end up absorbing more damage than our bodies can replace or repair. This results in loss of volume and elasticity in the thin orbital region, which is already lower in collagen and elastin fibres  compared with other areas of the face so damage to collagen and elastin in this region is more noticeable and visible.

Other structures that provide volume to our faces are our fat pads. These also reduce in size as we age. As the already-tiny fat pads around our eyes shrink in size, skin loses thickness and elasticity, resulting in skin drooping and the formation of indelible wrinkles.

The final element that plays a role in under eye wrinkles is bone density which also depletes as part of the natural ageing process. When orbital bone structures decline, it can exacerbate skin sagging. 

How to improve the appearance of the eyes

It is often the combination of the many contributing factors above that lead to eye wrinkles.

While the power of skincare alone is not quite enough to address all of these and ‘remove’ under eye wrinkles, it can certainly help to improve their appearance and slow the formation process.

1. As the tissue around the eyes is so thin, it can very quickly become dehydrated and eye wrinkles become particularly prominent. This can be addressed using hydrating serums, and locking them in with moisturisers and sunscreen to avoid dehydration and water loss. 

2. Utilising a potent hyaluronic acid such as our Hyaluronic Marine Serum can help plump out wrinkles and smooth fine lines by attracting water molecules to the area. This enhances volume by pushing the tissue upwards from below. And of course, keeping the skin hydrated will protect against inflammation and damage that often occurs in dehydrated zones too, creating the added benefit of healthier tissue with better longevity.

3. Other ingredients recommended for use in combating eye wrinkles include concentrated antioxidants. These neutralise free radicals before they can cause further damage to collagen, elastin, and lipids.
   
   
4. Vitamin A derivatives or Beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, can be used to stimulate collagen production and improve the health, quality, and functions of skin cells.
   
   
5. Peptides can also offer effective protection or stimulation of various skin functions, cells or proteins necessary for delaying damage or optimising cell functions, and subsequently improving signs of ageing. Our in-vitro tested Bioactive Renewal Eye Creme offers peptides as well as other skin supporting actives specifically designed and proven to assist and retain collagen in this area.
   
6. Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes and avoid unnecessary squinting is also a good preventative especially when the sun is at its peak.

It’s never too late to start approaching your under eye wrinkles using results-driven skincare. While a preventative strategy is always most effective, ideally before signs of ageing are visible, introducing a targeted skin regimen will always help in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and delaying more from forming.