How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Under the Eyes

The eye area is often the first part of the face to experience wrinkling. Since our eyes are so expressive, we move the skin around them when we express joy, anger, sadness, excitement and just about any other emotion. The skin around the eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, making it more susceptible to damage. While some degree of wrinkling is inevitable as we age, there are steps you can take to slow the aging process.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Broad-rimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Humidifier
• Eye cream

Instructions

1. Sleep for an average of 8 hours a night. Inadequate sleep can lead to premature wrinkling, particularly in the eye area. Determine the amount of sleep you need nightly to be well-rested, and maintain a regular sleep schedule.

2. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Since the eye area is particularly sensitive, apply a higher SPF to the area. The sun's damaging rays are the number one cause of premature aging and skin damage, so it's imperative to protect your skin daily.

3. Wear a broad-rimmed hat and large, UV-protective sunglasses if you will be spending excessive time outdoors. You can be exposed to harsh UVA and UVB rays even on cloudy and rainy days so you should always opt for full sun protection. Since rays reflect off concrete, water, sand and snow, you aren't protected by merely standing in the shade.

4. Use a humidifier, particularly when you sleep. Dryness increases the appearance of wrinkles. Since a humidifier keeps the air moist, you'll notice your skin is more supple and your wrinkles less noticeable.

5. Use a high-quality anti-wrinkle cream around your eyes. Opt for an anti-wrinkle cream designed specifically for the eye area. Since the skin is thinner there, it can handle a richer cream than the rest of the face. Be gentle while applying the cream. Do not rub or tug at the skin there.

6. Talk to your dermatologist about laser treatments to reduce under-eye wrinkles. The laser's light will target the top layers of skin, essentially burning them away to reveal younger, less wrinkled skin below. Your doctor will advise you on which, if any, laser treatment is right for you.

7. Consider Botox injections to reduce wrinkling in the area. Botox will temporarily paralyze the underlying muscles, resulting in less wrinkles. The results are not permanent and you will need to receive injections every 3 to 6 months to maintain the results. Only receive Botox injections from a licensed practitioner, such as your dermatologist.

8. Avoid squinting your eyes. Try to release any tension that you hold in the eye area throughout the day. If you repeatedly scrunch or squint your eyes, it will lead to increased wrinkling in the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be very gentle with your under-eye skin.

• Never scratch, rub or pull the eye area. It can lead to wrinkles and skin damage.