How to Reduce Fine Lines Under Eyes: Skin Care Tips, Nutrition & More
Discover effective ways to reduce fine lines under the eyes with proven skincare tips, natural remedies, and advanced treatments. Learn how to keep the under-eye area smooth, youthful, and radiant.
Wrinkles and fine lines are natural parts of ageing. As the skin loses its elasticity with age, these lines and creases appear under the eyes, neck, arms, and forearms. Fine lines under the eyes are an early sign of ageing. The skin around the eyes is thin and loses its elasticity first.
While ageing is the most common cause of these fine lines, several other environmental factors, including UV radiation, smoking, and repetitive movements and expressions, may also contribute to the problem. This article discusses effective skin care tips, diet and natural remedies to reduce fine lines under the eyes.
Lifestyle Factors Leading to Fine Lines Under Eyes
The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive to internal or external changes. Thus, the under-eye area reacts quickly and negatively to bad lifestyle habits. It may show in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, pigmentation, swelling, and puffiness.
Here are a few lifestyle habits to prevent fine lines under the eyes:
As the skin around the eyes is thin, dehydration leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking enough water throughout the day hydrates the skin cells, reducing the risk of fine lines.
Skin cells repair and regenerate during sleep. At least eight hours of deep sleep is required to relax and rejuvenate the skin cells.
Studies have shown that disturbed sleep or insomnia is one of the leading causes of wrinkles under the eyes.
According to Estee Lauder, women who slept less than 5 hours a night had more wrinkles, almost twice as many as those who got 8 hours of good, sound sleep.
Skincare Routine to Reduce Fine Lines Under Eyes
Lack of moisturisation can cause wrinkles and fine lines. Having a skincare routine promotes overall skin health and can help reduce such issues. Here are a few skincare tips that can help in tightening the area under the eyes:
Lack of moisturisation can cause wrinkles and fine lines. Having a skincare routine promotes overall skin health and can help reduce such issues. Here are a few skincare tips that can help in tightening the area under the eyes:
Retinol (a vitamin A derivative), peptides, and hyaluronic acid promote circulation and cell regeneration. Under-eye moisturisers rich in these ingredients are best for reducing fine lines.
The delicate skin under the eyes best absorbs cooling gels and serums. They tend to provide the best results.
Retinoids neutralise free radicals that may damage collagen, maintaining the skin's firmness and reducing oxidative stress levels.
A 2019 study found that retinoids strengthen the skin’s protective function and slow down collagen and skin cell degradation.
UV rays damage the skin and lead to the formation of fine lines. Thus, it is recommended to apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 while exposed to sunlight.
Sunglasses help avoid squinting, a facial expression that leads to wrinkles if repeated often under the sun. Brimmed hats can also be ideal in this regard.
Diet and Nutrition to Prevent Fine Lines Under Eyes
Foods rich in vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants help promote skin health. They keep the skin soft and supple, reducing the risk of fine lines. Here are some foods that help enhance skin elasticity:
Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that maintain the cell membrane and promote moisture retention.
Avocados are loaded with antioxidants, while vitamin E aids collagen production and counters the effects of free radicals.
Almonds, walnuts, flax, and chia seeds are tiny superfoods that possess vitamins E and C, zinc, and selenium that help maintain skin elasticity.
Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens contain vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and iron, contributing to collagen production and protecting the skin against oxidative stress.
Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants and other beneficial substances, such as anthocyanins and vitamin C. These berries help with cellular repair and enhancing skin firmness.
Professional Treatments For Fine Lines Under Eyes
There are several procedures like dermal fillers and other laser resurfacing treatments that can prevent and treat fine lines, wrinkles, and folds:
Dermal fillers are materials injected into the skin to fill fine lines and wrinkles. These fillers include calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), and hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.). Visible effects may take 1-3 treatment sessions. The injection may have to be repeated every six months for the results to last.
Such treatment may also have dangerous side effects, such as skin swelling, bruises, and changes in skin colour. But they tend to go away in a few weeks.
Laser treatment uses energy to enhance skin rejuvenation and appearance. Ablative laser resurfacing employs a beam of high-energy light to remove the outer layer of skin and heat the skin below it. This procedure simulates collagen growth, resulting in smoother and firmer skin. However, it requires about 7-10 days for recovery.
Nonablative technology is less aggressive than ablative lasers and tends to show more subtle results. It promotes collagen production and has a reduced recovery time compared to ablative procedures.
The required skin treatment for an individual will tend to differ based on the skin type and severity of the condition.
Consult Specialists for Personalised Care
There are various natural and simple home remedies for wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes, like:
Daily application of aloe vera gel can significantly reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles in almost 90 days. According to a 2015 study, aloe vera gel increases collagen content and moisturises the skin, therefore reducing wrinkles.
Experts often recommend using a banana mask. It constitutes natural oils and vitamins that promote skin health.
Essential oils combined with carrier oils help smooth out imperfections like fine lines. One can prevent wrinkles by mixing essential oils such as argan, carrot seed oil, jojoba oil, rosemary, and lavender with carrier oils. Almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, and evening primrose oil can be used as carrier oils.
Some people may be hypersensitive to essential oils. Thus, always do a patch test before applying it to sensitive regions like the under-eye.
Facial exercises and face yoga generally help improve circulation and tighten the skin. Besides, rollers and facial massages can also help.
Precautionary Measures For Fine Lines Under Eyes
Here are a few precautionary measures one can take to reduce the risk of under-eye fine lines:
Smoking, drinking, and poor lifestyle choices often impact the skin under the eyes.
The enzyme released from smoking breaks down collagen and, in doing so, renders the skin flaccid.
Excessive and frequent drinking can, and even does, lead to the drying of the skin and wrinkle formation.
Sitting for a long time in front of the screens strains the eye muscles, forming fine lines or so-called creases.
An unhealthy diet, poor sleeping habits, and a faulty skincare regimen also provide for injury to the area under the eye.
Monitoring Progress and Results for Under Eye Treatments
Medical treatments for under-eye fine lines would be quantified using a grading scale or digital image analysis, which dermatologists could use to track their efficacy. In this regard:
The scale ranges from zero for no wrinkles to four for severe wrinkles.
Digital image analysis can contrast the before-and-after images of the treatment, providing insight into the progress or results.
Based on the analysis, the dermatologist might decide to prescribe a specific skincare routine or amend the current plans to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
Undereye fine lines are a natural part of the ageing process. However, there are several treatments and natural remedies that can help reduce them. Home remedies work very well with early wrinkles but should be supported by expert advice if one experiences severe symptoms. Proper skin regimens aid skin health by refreshing skin cells and boosting collagen production.
Also, one must avoid smoking and drinking as they are bad for the skin and cause wrinkles and fine lines. For maintaining long-term skin health, a proper diet and the right lifestyle choices are essential.
Consult Top Dermatologists
Consult Top Dermatologists
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(200+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
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9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Dr. Himadri Sinha
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6 Years • BDS, FMC
New Town
AESTHETICAROOTS, New Town
Dr. Priyankar Mishra
Dermatologist
11 Years • MBBS, MD Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Consult Specialists for Personalised Care
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(200+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Dr. Himadri Sinha
Dermatologist
6 Years • BDS, FMC
New Town
AESTHETICAROOTS, New Town
Dr. Priyankar Mishra
Dermatologist
11 Years • MBBS, MD Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
