Under-Eye Wrinkles: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Solutions
Learn about the causes of under-eye wrinkles along with effective prevention methods and treatments. Explore skincare tips, home remedies, and professional solutions to keep your under-eye area smooth, youthful, and wrinkle-free.
Written by
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Under-eye wrinkles are normal signs of ageing. As one gets older, skin cells lose their ability to regenerate. Moreover, the skin under the eye is quite small, sustains more sun damage, and loses its elasticity much earlier than skin in other parts of the body.
While genetic and environmental factors are involved, collagen loss tends to happen normally with age, and it is the most common contributing factor to under-eye wrinkles. Additionally, exposure to UV rays, wrinkles developed by facial expressions, pollution, and smoking can damage the skin under the eyes and accelerate the ageing process.
This article serves as a detailed guide to reducing the appearance of under-eye wrinkles through home remedies, professional treatments, and prevention techniques.
Prevention Strategies to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
Making proper lifestyle choices can prevent under-eye wrinkles. Here are some tips to follow:
Smoking releases an enzyme that can affect collagen production, a protein that keeps the skin firm. Reducing the consumption of cigarettes and tobacco products can help reduce their harmful effects on skin elasticity.
Healthy diets of fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients for the body.
Nutrient-rich foods like avocados, nuts, and salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids, which keep skin supple and soft, preventing under-eye wrinkles.
Rest is vital for cell repair, regeneration, youthfulness, and the preservation of skin elasticity. An average of 7-8 hours of restful sleep is essential for radiant skin.
Due to the delicate structure of the under-eye area, dehydration causes wrinkles to appear more readily. Adequate water intake maintains skin hydration, initiates new cell growth, and enhances skin elasticity, imparting a glow and youthful texture to the skin.
Skincare Routine to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
Customised skincare routines improve the overall well-being and texture of the skin. Some skincare tips to reduce under-eye wrinkles include the following:
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes collagen production by preventing free radical damage. A vitamin C serum helps to soften the skin under the eyes and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Notably, ingredients like retinol (a derivative of vitamin A), peptides, and hyaluronic acid can help promote blood circulation and cell rejuvenation. Under-eye moisturisers containing these ingredients are good for combating fine lines and wrinkles.
Follow these simple morning and evening skincare routines to reduce under-eye wrinkles:
In the morning, cleanse the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a vitamin C serum, a moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher.
In the evening, clean your face with a gentle cleanser and apply retinol with a basic moisturiser.
Professional Treatments to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
There are numerous professional remedies to treat under-eye wrinkles and prevent future occurrences:
A dermal filler derived from hyaluronic acid smoothens deep folds, fine lines, and wrinkles under the eyes. Though these procedures are temporary, the results can last from 6 months to 2 years.
Laser resurfacing is becoming popular for treating under-eye wrinkles. It delivers small droplets that make microscopic holes in the skin to stimulate collagen production. This treatment does less damage to the skin and can significantly reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles.
Lifestyle Modifications to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
Having the right nutrients in the diet along with proper rest can be effective ways to reduce wrinkles under the eyes:
Omega-3 fatty acids keep cell membranes intact and help the skin retain moisture.
Vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and iron boost collagen production and shield the skin from oxidative damage.
Vitamin E supports collagen production and fights off free radicals.
Eating salmon, spinach, almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocados helps repair and tighten skin cells.
Getting enough sleep helps repair damaged skin cells and boosts skin health. Sleeping for seven to eight hours triggers hormones that maintain skin elasticity and lessen the appearance of under-eye wrinkles.
Additionally, a study was conducted in 2019 analysing the diets of older Dutch men and women. It concluded that males with healthy eating habits and females who consumed more fruit had fewer wrinkles compared to those who ate more meat and snack items.
DIY and Home Remedies to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
Natural oils, such as olive oil, and parts of the olive tree, such as stems and leaves, contain certain ingredients that increase collagen production and keep skin elastic:
Studies show that olive oil might protect the skin from wrinkles. An older study from 2001 found that people who consumed more olive oil were less likely to have wrinkles than those who ate more meat, dairy, and butter.
Mixing small amounts of essential oils with carrier oils, such as fractionated coconut and almond oils, helps reduce under-eye wrinkles. Jojoba, lavender, rosemary, and grapeseed oil also work well against under-eye wrinkles and fine lines.
Homemade masks such as banana masks and egg white masks help lessen wrinkles.
Research from 2016 showed that using a cream containing egg membrane significantly reduced wrinkle depth and boosted collagen production, making skin smoother and more elastic.
Eye Exercises to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
Practising eye exercises daily helps boost blood flow, ease tension points, enhance collagen and elastin production, lessen wrinkles, and firm up the under-eye muscles. Here are some eye exercises to try:
Eye Stretch: Look up, down, and to the sides as far as possible, stretching the eye muscles. Do this at least five times a day. It eases eye strain and makes the under-eye area look brighter.
Eye Lift: Try lifting the eyes from the eyebrows using the index finger while closing the eyelids. This will strengthen the muscles around the eyes and make under-eye wrinkles less noticeable.
Such exercises help ease stress and muscle tension around the eyes and make the skin look younger.
Protective Measures to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles
The skin below the eyes is thin, fragile, and more prone to sun damage than the rest of the face. Thus, here are some ways to guard against under-eye wrinkles:
Sunglasses with Ultraviolet (UV) protection can shield the under-eye area from direct UV rays, reducing the sun's harmful effects.
Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 creates a barrier for the under-eye area, guarding against sun damage and wrinkle formation.
Psychological Impact of Under-Eye Wrinkles
Beyond physical changes, under-eye wrinkles can lead to mental health issues like poor self-esteem, fear in social situations, and a negative self-image. In this regard, here are a few points to consider:
While wrinkles might not look appealing, they're a natural part of ageing.
So, building confidence despite wrinkles is crucial to maintaining good mental health.
Professional treatments, protective steps, and lifestyle changes can lessen their appearance and impact emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Home treatments such as essential oils, homemade face masks, and a consistent skincare routine can help minimise under-eye wrinkles and fine lines. Various advanced professional treatments are available depending on the skin type and severity of the wrinkles. Maintaining a healthy diet, taking protective measures, and making necessary lifestyle adjustments can help improve skin health and reduce early signs of ageing and damage.
In essence, combating under-eye wrinkles involves a holistic approach, blending consistent home care with informed professional interventions. Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes hydration, nutrition, and sun protection lays a strong foundation for skin health. Ultimately, understanding that wrinkles are a normal part of life, while proactively addressing them, empowers individuals to maintain both physical and emotional well-being, fostering a confident and vibrant self-image.
Consult Top Dermatologist
Consult Top Dermatologist
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(250+ Patients)
Dr Usha B K
Dermatologist
4 Years • MBBS,MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), DNB (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), Fellowship in Trichology
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(50+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. Nirjhar Mondal
Dermatologist
7 Years • MBBS , MD (Derm & Vener , Leprosy)
Avenue
Wellness Point, Avenue
Dr. B Srujana
Dermatologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy
Hyderabad
DermaPro Clinic, Hyderabad
