The thin, delicate skin under your eyes is often one of the first areas where wrinkles can appear on your face. In fact, the skin under the eyes is so delicate that wrinkles can even appear as early as your late twenties. Fortunately, if you don't want to use more invasive options like injections or fillers in such a sensitive area, there are a variety of natural, non-invasive treatments you can try to reduce the signs of aging under and around your eyes.
What Causes Wrinkles Under the Eyes?
Frustrating but true, the main culprit for aging under the eyes is a lack of oil glands in the skin. Since this skin is naturally very thin, even a slight loss of collagen can lead to a loss of elasticity. This combination of factors typically leads to natural wrinkles as early as your 30s, but some may see these telltale signs of aging even earlier.
However, there are factors that can accelerate the aging process or amplify the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including:
- Sun exposure, which breaks down collagen and thins skin
- Genetics, which determine your skin type, color and tone, as well as how it ages
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits that can break down collagen, such as drinking alcohol or smoking
- A general lack of hydration that reduces firmness
- Heavy or thick makeup under the eyes, including concealer, can actually accentuate fine lines
- Facial expressions that cause dynamic wrinkles, ultimately leading to permanent wrinkles under the eyes
These factors can make under-eye wrinkles more pronounced and increase the risk of early development of eye wrinkles.
Naturally Reduce Wrinkles Under the Eyes
Everyone eventually develops wrinkles as they age. But if you want to slow the process or reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles naturally, a little education can go a long way. Some of the biggest mistakes people make may actually stem from trying to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with everyday makeup and concealer, or from using the same skincare products around their eyes that they use on the rest of their face. The delicate eye area requires special attention and gentle products designed for use on this area.
Incorporate these steps into your daily skincare routine to help reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles:
-
Soften and restore suppleness with a natural homemade exfoliant
Creating your own mildly abrasive homemade cleanser will remove dead skin cells and help keep the skin under your eyes soft and supple. Mix one tablespoon of olive oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera with enough finely ground sugar to create a loose paste. This mixture will safely exfoliate and moisturize the skin under your eyes. Apply a small amount of the mixture to damp skin and gently pat (don't rub!) under your eyes for about 30 seconds. Rinse the mixture off with warm water and pat your eyes dry with a soft, clean towel. -
Relax and restore hydration with a refreshing cucumber
Cucumber slices aren't just an old-fashioned home remedy. Placing fresh cucumber slices over your eyes can help restore moisture while also applying silica, which produces collagen, to help maintain firmness and elasticity. It's also very soothing and refreshing after exfoliation.
Mash half a cucumber into a pulp and apply it under your eyes before placing a thick slice of cucumber on each eye. Relax for 15 minutes in a reclined position, then remove. Rinse the pulp off with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
How to Prevent Wrinkles Under the Eyes
While treatments can help address existing damage to the delicate skin under the eyes, preventative efforts are essential. Your best approach to smoother skin is a combination of treatment and prevention, aimed at improving the overall health and appearance of your skin while slowing the aging process as much as possible.
- Avoid using harsh soaps around your eyes
Everyday soaps, including those made for facial use, can contain harsh chemicals that strip not only makeup and sunscreen, but also the skin's natural oils.
When cleansing, remember to be gentle, especially around the eyes. Rubbing to remove stubborn mascara or eyeliner can pull and tug on the skin, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. Try using a makeup remover that's safe for use on and around the eyes first. Then, use a facial cleanser containing ingredients like aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, olive oil, and rosehip oil to help promote the production of natural oils to maintain and restore moisture balance.
-
Adopt a healthier diet
Simple changes to your diet can help fight wrinkles from the inside out. First, eliminate unhealthy foods like sweets, processed snacks, and soda. Then, adopt a balanced diet that includes: -
Lean and/or plant-based proteins
-
Fresh fruits and vegetables
-
Healthy fats like nut oils, olive oil, and avocado
Hydration is also important, so aim for 8 glasses of water a day to help flush out impurities and keep the skin around your eyes hydrated.
- Protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses or a hat
Protecting your eyes from the sun's harsh rays starts with eye sunscreen with SPF 30+. However, you can boost your defenses against the sun by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. Along with sunscreen, other physical barriers that protect your eyes from the sun can help you avoid sun damage that accelerates and amplifies the appearance of wrinkles.
A little prevention, along with a few natural remedies, can go a long way. If you want to reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles but want to avoid more invasive treatments like Botox or surgery, start incorporating some of these tips into your daily skincare routine and lifestyle.
Use Caudabio Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Caudabio Prickly Pear Seed Oil can target the entire eye area to reduce the appearance of crow's feet and under-eye puffiness. This precious oil, rich in antioxidants, is the perfect addition to your natural beauty routine for smooth, radiant skin.
