How to smile without wrinkles under eyes can be more of a challenge once you hit your forties, but it’s also true that even men and women in their twenties can easily develop crow’s feet. These unsightly wrinkles are also known as smile lines and they can add years to your face. But fear not, there are ways you can significantly reduce the appearance of these fine lines, or even eliminate them altogether, depending on the cause of the wrinkles.
Under eye serums and creams can be worn overnight or applied under the makeup. These products are designed to treat eye puffiness, wrinkles, irritation, and signs of ageing. Before we dive deeper into this topic, let’s check out some of the best products of this year to help battle those wrinkles under the eyes. Below is a comparison chart between the 6 best creams to help with this condition.
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Best Under Eye Creams, Serums, and Ointments Designed to Get Rid of Fine Lines
| Product | Type | Active Ingredient | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Genaissance de La Mer Eye Serum Shop On Amazon! | Serum | Crystal Miracle Broth | $$$$$ | 5 |
Kat Burki Complete B Eye Creme Shop On Amazon! | Serum | Vitamin B complex | $$ | 4.5 |
Lancome Absolue Yeux Concentrate Shop On Amazon! | Serum | Bifida ferment lysate | $$ | 4.5 |
Volition Beauty Helix Am and Pm Eye Gel Shop On Amazon! | Gel | Snail Mucin | $ | 4 |
Ren Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel Shop On Amazon! | Gel | Ginseng | $ | 4 |
Rapid Wrinkle Repair by Neutrogena Shop On Amazon! | Cream | Accelerated Retinol SA | $ | 4 |
1. Genaissance de La Mer Eye and Expression Serum
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This eye serum is designed to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet, laugh lines, and can reduce eye puffiness, redness, and irritation. It’s said to instantly soften the appearance of crow’s feet but can also be used on other areas of the face such as the forehead. When used daily, this cream helps to reduce puffiness and can get rid of dark circles under the eyes.
2. Kat Burki Complete B Eye Creme
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This serum features five different B vitamins that when combined, work to decrease areas of hyperpigmentation while repairing damaged skin. The serum also contains a blend of arnica which helps to improve the skin’s elasticity.
3. Lancome Absolue Yeux Global Eye Concentrate
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This serum by Lancome will relieve puffiness, irritation, and redness. With ongoing treatment, it can also help to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines. It contains adenosine and bifida ferment lysate, both of which can help tighten and brighten the skin and help to reduce fine lines.
4. Volition Beauty Helix Am and Pm Eye Gel
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This gel can be worn overnight or under your makeup. It’s designed to soothe tired eyes while hydrating sensitive skin and treating eye puffiness, redness, and fine lines. The gel also works as an under-eye primer which means it will help your concealer stay in place without running.
5. Ren Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel
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This revitalizing eye gel features a cooling formula that contains ginseng, which can help to refresh and depuff your tired eyes, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. It can be worn overnight or under or over your makeup during the day.
6. Rapid Wrinkle Repair by Neutrogena
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This cream by Neutrogena contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol, making it one powerful overnight cream that’s designed to combat wrinkles like a champ. The cream also helps to boost cell turnover, moisturizes the skin, and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Smile Without Wrinkles Under the Eyes
If you’re longing for those days when you could confidently smile without worrying how many wrinkles will pop up or if the lighting you’re in will showcase each and every one of them, there are plenty of moisturizers, creams, and treatments you can try at home that can help to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet.
Over the counter products can help to reduce their appearance. If you’ve just noticed these wrinkles creeping up, now is the time to start your own anti-aging skincare regimen. Use a non-soap moisturizer after wetting your face with warm water, and gently rub in the cream, twice daily. Some skincare experts also recommend using a wrinkle cream that contains retinal, which will neutralize free radicals in the skin. These free radicals are what are responsible for wrinkles. Retinal is a mild version of a chemical called tretinoin, which is available only by prescription.
If you’ve tried over the counter products for more than six weeks with no luck, then it may be time to take your skincare treatments up a notch and visit your dermatologist. A dermatologist can go over the more aggressive treatments available that are designed to treat under eye wrinkles.
What Are the Causes of Wrinkles Under Eyes?
One thing to keep in mind is the reason eye wrinkles tend to be more visible than other types of wrinkles is the skin around the eyes is much thinner than the skin on other parts of the body. The skin around the eyes doesn’t have thick fatty tissue, which works to keep the skin looking and feeling tight and firm. Eventually, the skin loses its elasticity, which is when you start to notice sagging and wrinkles on other areas of the body.
So, what are the causes of wrinkles under eyes? Most people are familiar with the fact that constantly smiling, and squinting can lead to eye wrinkles, but another main cause is called photodamage, also known as sun damage.
Make sure you always wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors. Sunglasses can help to combat premature wrinkling by protecting the sensitive skin from harmful UV rays, and they can also prevent you from squinting.
The Brutal Sun
Frequent exposure to sunlight is one of the main reasons that elastin and collagen break down, causing sagging and wrinkles. When you head outdoors it’s important to limit your amount of time in the sun. If you have to head out on a bright sunny day, always apply sunscreen. You can apply sunscreen underneath your makeup or over it.
Contact Lenses
Did you know wearing contact lenses can cause wrinkles? Dermatologists claim that aggressively tugging at your eyelids in order to remove or insert contact lenses can actually damage the skin under the eyes. When you put your contact lenses in, make sure you gently pull down your lower lid using the tip of your finger. This ensures you don’t stretch the skin too much. Putting your contact lenses in without extending the eyelid so far down is possible, it just takes a little practice.
Fake Eyelashes
Fake eyelashes should not be used on a daily basis. In reality, they should only be used on special occasions, but once you notice how they can totally transform your appearance for the better, it can be hard to limit lash time. But at the end of the night when you’re removing the lashes, you may end up damaging your skin, not to mention pulling out your real eyelashes. If you have to wear them, instead of pulling them off buy an eyelash adhesive remover. This will help to cut down on how much pressure you need to use to pull the lashes off, thus preventing you from tugging on and stretching out delicate skin around the eyes.
Facial Mask
If you’re a total newbie to home facial masks, then you may not know that you’re not supposed to apply them to your under-eye area. Why? Because when you pull the mask off if can break blood vessels, pinch, pull, and basically damage your skin. Before you use an at-home facial mask, carefully read the instructions for removal in order to avoid damaging the skin around your eyes. You’ll probably notice that the directions clearly state to avoid these areas altogether.
Overuse of Skincare Products
You use a wide range of skincare products to fight sun damage and the signs of aging, including wrinkles under and around the eyes, but overusing these products can do a lot of damage. Overuse can lead to inflammation, scarring, irritation, and swelling. It can also exacerbate sagging wrinkled skin. This doesn’t just apply to wrinkle creams, ointments, and serums, but to soaps as well. If you use a harsh soap and you scrub your skin you can cause undue wear and tear, not to mention you’ll end up stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Smoking
Not only is smoking bad for your health, it also ages your skin at a much faster rate compared to people who don’t smoke. The only solution is to stop smoking.
Allergies
Is the skin under your eyes crepey? Do you often have red, puffy, sore eyes? Or do you have dark circles under your eyes that don’t seem to go away? allergies can be responsible for wrinkles and puffiness under the eyes. Additionally, if you have chronic inflammation and irritation around the eyes you can end up permanently damaging the skin. Chronic inflammation can damage the delicate elastin fibers and collagen. Because of this, it’s very important to address any inflammation or eye irritation that lasts longer than one week and is not relieved by over the counter medications.
Most skincare experts recommend avoiding exposure to anything that can trigger your allergies, but for some, determining what the triggers are can be almost impossible.
Pillows are often overlooked as an allergy trigger, but they’re actually a very common one. When a person sleeps on their side or on their stomach and buries their face in their pillow, the allergen has several hours a night to cause serious damage to the skin as you sleep.
If you’re not able to determine the root cause of your allergies, start with your pillow. Switch to one that’s hypoallergenic and wash your pillow every few months. You can also purchase a dust mite cover for your pillow or at the very least, wash your pillowcase a few times a month using a perfume-free detergent, washing the pillow or pillowcase in hot water. Do not use a fabric softener.
You can also cut down on your exposure to allergens by washing your hair after spending a long day outdoors and keeping your windows closed during allergy season. You should also remove your shoes before entering your home in order to prevent bringing new allergies in from outside.
Using a Hepa filter, oral antihistamines, nasal spray, and eye drops can also help.
Your diet can also cause inflammation around the eyes. If you notice increased puffiness or deep under eye creases try limiting the amount of peanuts, soy, gluten, and dairy in your diet. Instead of eating these foods, try to increase the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods such as fresh fruits and veggies.
Cosmetic Procedures for Under Eye Wrinkles
The eyes are usually the first part of the body that will show signs of aging. Completely preventing eye wrinkles is impossible since the slowing of elastin and collagen production is an unavoidable part of getting older. It’s also considered one of the main causes of eye wrinkles.
Fortunately, cosmetic surgeons can help prevent or erase under eye wrinkles and can also help to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel can be used every three to six months to get rid of wrinkles by resurfacing the skin. A physician will apply an acid solution to the skin, which will peel off eventually to reveal a new, smoother layer of skin. Once the skin is healed, you should notice that the wrinkles are less prominent.
Dermal Fillers
While Botox is often considered the best non-surgical filler for sagging skin, dermal fillers are said to be the best option for under eye wrinkles. Rather than filling in wrinkles, Botox will relax the muscles. Using both Botox and dermal fillers can be the best treatment option.
Fillers such as Belotero or Restylane will fill out the tear troughs, under eye wrinkles, and dark circles with hyaluronic acid. This is a gel that’s basically identical to the hyaluronic acid that’s naturally found in humans. Hyaluronic acid attracts water to bind to it, which results in a more natural look and helps to smooth out the wrinkles by filling out the hollows with water.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment for wrinkles under the eyes is considered the most effective option when significant texture issues arise, and many deep wrinkles are involved. With this procedure, the laser works by removing the superficial layers of skin that have been damaged by the sun. This helps to stimulate new skin cell production for skin that features improved elasticity and texture. This type of procedure will only take around one hour and offers instant, dramatic results. However, keep in mind that this type of procedure can take up to two weeks to heal and up to a month or more for the skin to return to normal.
Under Eye Wrinkles Surgery
If you have deep wrinkles or severe puffiness under the eyes, then the best way to treat it may be surgery. These wrinkles can be caused by excess and loose skin. The Blepharoplasty surgical procedure can easily fix this issue. The surgeon will remove any excess muscle and fat, in addition to sagging skin for a more tightened, smoother appearance. This process can also help to make the eyes look more youthful and brighter.
Microdermabrasion
If you’re sick of people telling you that you look tired all the time and you’re looking for a non-invasive option that will treat your under-eye wrinkles and circles, then microdermabrasion can be an affordable, effective option.
Lack of sleep can be a factor that contributes to the development of under eye circles, however, there are many other factors that can cause the appearance of circles, including skin thickness, pigmentation, and the size of blood vessels.
Using makeup can help to temporarily cover up the problem, but in-office procedures such as microdermabrasion can offer an effective under eye treatment that provides long-lasting results.
Unlike dermal fillers, microdermabrasion will focus primarily on the outer layer of skin. This process works by exfoliating the skin in order to encourage new skin cell growth. This treatment is the most effective in patients with dark circles under their eyes that’s caused by pigmentation issues.
After treatment, you’ll need to wear sunscreen and sunglasses in order to protect this sensitive skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
A microdermabrasion procedure involves using a handheld device that propels crystals that are made out of aluminum oxide to flush the pores, removing built-up old skin cells that dull the complexion.
You won’t notice significant changes after your first microdermabrasion treatment, which is why physicians often recommend a series of six to eight treatments for the best results. These sessions are often spread out over a period of two to three weeks.
After two or three treatments, your skin will feel softer and look healthier. The changes to the skin are more dramatic after five treatments. After five or so treatments the wrinkles will become less defined and the color of the skin in this delicate area will have brightened.
Microdermabrasion is not the same thing as dermabrasion, which is considered much more aggressive. Dermabrasion removes the top layer of skin and is often used to treat deep wrinkles and even acne scarring.
Microdermabrasion is less risky in comparison and doesn’t involve any downtime right after treatment.
Want to learn how to soothe irritated skin around the eyes? Check our full Guide on the topic!
Eye Massages to Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles
One of the best skincare techniques you can incorporate in your skincare routine is a facial massage. This type of massage can help you treat under eye wrinkles, bags, and circles. This type of massage works on an intrinsic and external level to help replenish the skin’s elasticity while cleaning excessive sebum and deep-rooted dirt that can clog the pores around the eyes. This type of eye massage will also improve blood circulation around the eyes while temporarily increasing the skin’s temperature to stimulate collagen production and flush out toxins in the skin. Regular massages can result in smoother, more supple, glowing skin.
The kind of massage oil you use should work well with your skin type. Most skincare experts recommend using a richer, thicker oil if you live in a dry, cold climate or have naturally dry skin. If you have combination or oily skin, try using a lighter oil.
The type of oil you use often consists of two types of oil; a carrier oil and an essential oil.
The carrier oil serves as the base of the massage oil. The carrier oil you choose should be non-sticky and light, which will allow the oil to penetrate more effectively. Common carrier oils used include avocado, coconut, jojoba, and sweet almond.
Essential oil consists of a very concentrated extract. This type of oil should not be directly applied to the skin. If you fail to dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, the oil can cause damage to the skin or some type of allergic skin reaction.
You can gently rub the skin under and around the eyes using the appropriate massage oil, once daily for a period of five minutes, for best results.
Eye Masks to Rejuvenate the Skin and Naturally Treat Wrinkles
During the winter months, the skin under the eyes can feel dry and may look purple or red as the wind sucks the moisture right out of your skin. Eye masks designed for home wrinkle treatment can be worn overnight or for just a few minutes a day. These eye masks work to improve circulation to the eyes and also help to nourish the skin.
The skin under the eyes is thinner compared to the rest of the face, so this area is more prone to damage and is one of the first places that’s affected by dry cold weather.
However, eye masks that are designed to target the skin under the eyes promise to combat puffiness, dry patches of skin, and wrinkles.
Gel-infused eye masks can be chilled in the fridge when not in use and can be very refreshing and rejuvenating to the skin.
SKII Signs is an eye mask that contains a blend of pitera, which is a key ingredient often found in SKII products. Pitera replenishes and supports the skin by providing peptides, vitamins, and moisture. This will help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness and make the skin appear smoother.
A hyaluronic eye mask by Thalgo is soaked in hyaluronic acid, which provides the skin around the eyes with much-needed moisture. This mask should be placed in the fridge prior to use for immediate cooling action.
The Gold energizing eye recovery mask by Chantecaille is on the pricey side, but this seaweed-based mask is very soothing to the skin and helps to minimize the signs of fine lines, puffiness, and under eye circles.
Top Home Remedies Designed to Combat Eye Wrinkles for Good
If you follow a diet that’s rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and include foods that are loaded with antioxidants, then your skin may seem healthy and even radiant. However, there are many factors to consider that can still cause severe skin damage, such as tobacco smoking, pollution, and sun damage. All of these external factors can negatively affect the skin under the eyes, making it even harder to effectively treat fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’d rather take the natural approach as opposed to buying expensive creams and serums, then our guide of the best home remedies for under eye wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness can help you get rid of these unsightly skin issues in just a few short weeks.
Of course, making simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and implementing sunscreen use can also have a major impact on your skin’s future health.
Coffee
Coffee isn’t just a great tasting stimulant. In fact, it can have a major positive impact on the appearance of your skin. Coffea arabica, the fruit of the coffee plant, features powerful antioxidant activity that can minimize the damage that’s caused by free radicals. Essentially, it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and can even help treat uneven skin tones.
To use this treatment, use only finely ground coffee beans, so the texture doesn’t damage your skin. The ground beans should be mixed with an equal amount of cocoa. Mix well, adding two tablespoons of honey to form a paste. Apply the paste gently to the skin and leave on for twenty minutes. Rinse off with cold water and pat the skin dry. This treatment can be repeated two to three times a week.
Coconut Oil
You can gently massage pure coconut oil into the skin if the skin under the eyes feels dry. Coconut oil contains antioxidants and is packed with vitamin E. With just one application, this oil can instantly rejuvenate and hydrate your skin. The oil should be left on overnight allowing it to seep into your pores for several hours before you rinse away the remaining oil with warm water and a gentle cleanser.
To make a powerful coconut oil mask, use one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix well and apply to the face. The mask should be left on for twenty minutes. Rinse off with a gentle cleanser and cold water. Pat the skin dry.
Olive Oil
Olive oil can be used for so much more than just cooking. In fact, it’s also a great under eye treatment for wrinkles. Olive oil is high in vitamins K and E and also contains protective antioxidants which can help to prevent premature aging. When you apply olive oil to the sensitive skin under the eyes, the moisture is instantly locked into the skin, keeping it soft and supple. For even more skin-rejuvenating power, try adding a few drops of lemon juice to the oil before applying.
Most skincare experts recommend leaving the oil on overnight and rinsing it off in the morning using a mild cleanser.
Yogurt
Yogurt is loaded with good bacteria, alpha hydroxy acid, and lactic acid. The alpha hydroxy acid can help to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and can also minimize the appearance of fine lines. Many men and women who have applied yogurt directly to the skin under the eyes claim that it’s one of the best natural home remedies you can use to treat wrinkles.
For this treatment, purchase plain yogurt. Gently apply a small dab beneath each eye, massaging the yogurt into the skin. Leave on for fifteen minutes, then rinse it off using cool water. Since yogurt is so gentle on the skin, you can repeat treatment once daily.
Aloe Vera
Fresh aloe vera is another popular under eye wrinkle home remedy that comes highly recommended. This natural gel is high in vitamins A, C, and E. Aloe Vera can be directly applied to the skin as-is, or you can add lemon juice, honey, or turmeric for added benefits. This gel does an excellent job of hydrating the skin and also has the ability to revive the skin’s elasticity and minimize under eye puffiness and crepey skin. To use, gently rub the gel into the skin using a circular motion for five minutes. If applied straight you can leave it on. If you’ve added other ingredients, allow the mixture to remain on the skin for thirty minutes, then rinse off with cold water.
Cucumbers
Any beauty guru will tell you that you need to keep a cucumber in the house. Cucumbers are hydrating, soothing, cooling, packed with antioxidants and they can even help to increase elastin and collagen production. Because of this, they’re a great choice for fighting wrinkles. You can simply slice up a cucumber, placing one slice over each eye, or you can get a little more creative and make a cucumber puree and add a dollop of yogurt to the mix for twice the wrinkle fighting power. For the slices, leave them on for at least ten minutes, especially if you plan on applying makeup. With the puree, leave the mixture on for twenty minutes and rinse your face with warm water.
Pineapple Juice
Bromelain, a compound that prevents and treats wrinkles can be found in fresh pineapple juice. It’s also a natural alpha hydroxy acid, which can help to remove dead skin cell buildup. Apply a few drops of pure pineapple juice to the areas under and around the eyes, careful not to drip the juice into the eye since it will sting. You can apply the juice using a Q-tip or cotton ball or even a clean makeup sponge. Rinse the juice off after ten minutes and follow up with a thin application of aloe vera to prevent the pineapple juice from drying out the skin.
Learn how to get rid of puffy eyes after a night crying here.
How to get rid of under eye wrinkles can be done at your dermatologist’s office, at home with the help of over the counter serums and creams, or by using the best home remedies. Wrinkles are not forever. Now that you know how to treat and prevent them, and what causes them, you can reverse the damage by taking care of your skin and protecting the delicate skin under your eyes, whenever you leave the house. Preventative treatments will also be important.
