How To Prevent and Reduce Under Eye Wrinkles

With age comes grace, wisdom, and under eye wrinkles. Luckily there are ways to keep them at bay – don't let the sagging bring you down.

The skin in the periorbital area is the thinnest on your face and is the most prone to oxidative stress, UV damage and even sagging. Even genetics may predispose an individual to early signs of aging. But with proper nutrition and skin care, you can slow down the clock and help circumvent genetics.

Under Eye Wrinkles | How to Maintain a Youthful Complexion Into Your 50s

1. Facial Exercises for Under Eye Wrinkles Prevention

A quick Google search will lead you to posts raving about the effectiveness of facial yoga or facial exercises. These, however, carry anecdotal evidence at best. Studies have yet to find conclusive evidence that exercising the muscles on your face will result in lesser fine lines and crow's feet.

That said, you're still allowed to maintain an open mind and try out some facial exercises. There are facial exercises that will comprise of simple movements while some employ tools like jade facial massagers or a gua sha. Combine facial exercises with proper nutrition and skincare routines to maximize its full benefits.

2. Exfoliate Regularly

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliators that penetrate the skin. This could be helpful to increase skin turnover, renew and rejuvenate your skin, and reveal a youthful complexion.

Like with all skincare, do a patch test before you introduce it to your regular routine. Misuse of AHAs can lead to chemical burns, so when you do start out take it slow. Begin by exfoliating once weekly, then twice weekly until you feel that you can graduate to daily use.

The next on the list teams up so well with this anti-aging trick.

3. Retinol to Prevent Under Eye Wrinkles

As we age, we produce less collagen which is tied with skin elasticity and plumpness. Without this, our skin loses its firmness and will lead to wrinkles.

Studies show that retinol is a great anti-aging skincare ingredient that will boost collagen production. Retinol also boosts skin turnover, so as you're shedding old skin you're also generating a stronger newer layer.

Train your eye to look carefully at ingredient lists and find your product's pH level. If you'll be using other acids with your retinol, make sure that they carry the same pH level. Products with different pH levels may degrade the other's effectiveness.

4. Vitamin C to Boost Collagen Production

Vitamin C isn't just in your glass of OJ, you'll also find it mixed in with your favorite sunscreen, brightening masks, and exfoliants. Not only will vitamin C tighten the skin under the eyes without surgery, but it will also brighten your complexion and get rid of the pesky dark circles.

Vitamin C and retinol are a skincare power couple given you layer them well. Introduce them one at a time and at similar pH levels, your skin will love you for it. Don't expect this to be a quick fix though, your skin will thank you – but at a later time.

5. Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate the Skin Under the Eyes

Another signal to stimulate collagen and elastin production is hyaluronic acid (HA). It typically comes in thick serums or as an addition to moisturizers and hydrating masks. It suits all skin types across all ages, so this hero ingredient is a no-brainer.

Not only does this boost skin-building collagen, but it's also a humectant that attracts and traps in hydration in our bodies that will leave our skin soft and feeling healthy. If you're having trouble with dry patches, this may be your best solution.

Tip: Apply a HA serum on damp skin after your shower to trap in the moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.

6. Sun Protection

Don on a chic sun hat and a generous amount of sunscreen before heading out. The sun's UV rays penetrate deeply into our skin layers and cause premature aging or even worsen the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

The FDA requires two ingredients in all sunscreen – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are, by far, the only two sunscreen ingredients that are proven to be sun-protective. They are physical sunscreens that physically block out UV rays which damage our skin on a molecular level.

Even with a generous portion of sunscreen, limit your time under the sun. Schedule your daily walks in the evening or late afternoon when it's not too hot out.

7. Eat Healthy Food to Keep Under Eye Wrinkles at Bay

Pack a colorful plate in every meal, making sure to get your daily dose of vitamins A, C, and E.

• Vitamin C, when consumed, assists with collagen production. It's found in most fruits and vegetables.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and forms part of a powerhouse team when paired with vitamin C. Get it from your green leafy vegetables, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, avocado, etc.
• Vitamin A can fend off cell damage and boosts overall skin health. It's found in liver, sweet potatoes, spinach, pumpkins, carrots, etc.

Down a glass of milk in the morning. Enjoy a hearty salmon with carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli for lunch. End the day with a nutritious salad topped with spinach, bell peppers, and hard-boiled egg.

8. Avoid Excessive Facial Movements

Breaking your poker not only leads you to a losing game, but it's also one of the causes of the wrinkles under the eyes. Over-stretching your skin can lead to sagging and the formation of fine lines on your face. You may want to look at your sleeping habits as well – hello, sleep lines.

You may think you can relax your face while your sleep, but your cotton sheets actually tug on your skin. Invest in smooth silk sheets and pillowcases. These aren't just an investment for your skin, but for your hair as well.

9. Fillers, Botox to Reduce Under Eye Wrinkles

Can't wait to achieve a youthful complexion? Book an appointment with a dermatologist.

Fillers are probably the easiest and quickest way to reduce fine lines despite the stigma around botox and fillers. Do your research and ask for recommendations from family and friends that have a good experience and visible results. Whether the procedure looks fake or natural depends on the skill of your doctor and the placement of the fillers – and yes, it can look natural.

You can employ one or all of these tricks to help turn back the clock. I find that all these work synergistically not just for my wrinkles but for my overall complexion. Keeping a closer watch on my nutrition and daily regimen I found that in my 50s, I look like in my 40s and feel like in my 30s!

There's nothing wrong with crow's feet and fine lines around the eyes. If anything, they are a testament to a life fully lived. But if they're something you'd rather live without, there are home remedies for under eye wrinkles and dark circles.

With these methods, you can look as young as you feel!

Do you have other tips to help prevent or reduce under-eye wrinkles? We'd love to hear your thoughts, please share them below!

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