As we age, the skin around the eyes begins to lose elasticity and thin out. This leads to the development of fine lines, crow’s feet, and under-eye wrinkles. While some degree of wrinkling is natural and to be expected, there are steps you can take to minimize the appearance of aging around the eyes. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes eye wrinkles, how to prevent and treat them, and when you may want to consider cosmetic treatments like Tox.
What Causes Eye Wrinkles?
Several factors can contribute to the formation of wrinkles around the eyes:
- Natural aging process – Over time, skin loses collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. This causes the skin to become thinner and more prone to wrinkling. The eyes are especially susceptible since the skin around them is very thin already.
- Sun exposure – UV rays from the sun break down collagen and elastin in the skin. Too much unprotected sun exposure can lead to premature wrinkling, especially around the eyes.
- Repetitive motions – Frequent facial movements, like squinting, smiling, or frowning can lead to the development of crow’s feet, frown lines, and other wrinkles around the eyes.
- Dehydration – Dry skin is more prone to showing fine lines and wrinkles. Not drinking enough water throughout the day can cause mild dehydration leading to under-eye wrinkles.
- Smoking – Chemicals from smoking thin the skin and damage collagen and elastin, leading to accelerated aging and wrinkles.
How to Minimize Eye Wrinkles
While you can’t totally prevent natural aging, there are many ways to minimize eye wrinkles and keep your skin looking supple and youthful:
Use Moisturizer – Keeping the skin around your eyes well-hydrated is key to preventing wrinkles. Look for a moisturizer specially formulated for use around the eyes. Make sure it contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Apply both morning and night after cleansing.
Wear Sunglasses – Minimize squinting and shield delicate eye skin from sun exposure by wearing sunglasses anytime you’re outdoors. Look for sunglasses that provide full UV protection.
Stop Smoking – If you smoke, do your best to quit. Smoking dehydrates the skin and introduces countless chemicals that accelerate aging. Your eye wrinkles (and overall complexion) will likely improve when you kick the habit for good.
Sleep Well – We recommend aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Logging enough Zzz’s gives your skin time to repair and rejuvenate itself. Sleeping helps restore collagen, minimize fine lines, and refresh your eyes.
Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods – Antioxidants fight free radicals that damage skin cells and cause aging. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots. Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil also benefit skin.
Use Retinoids – Apply a retinoid cream around the eyes a few nights per week. Retinoids encourage collagen production and increase cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother skin over time. Start with a low concentration and build up tolerance.
Try Peptides – Look for eye creams and serums containing peptides. Peptides are amino acids that help stimulate collagen. With consistent use, you may see improvement in fine lines and wrinkle depth.
When to Consider Tox
If you’ve tried the above methods and are still bothered by persistent wrinkles around your eyes, you may want to consider Tox injections. Here’s some key information about using Tox to treat eye wrinkles:
- Tox is the brand name for the neurotoxin “botulinum toxin” that relaxes muscles under the skin. It’s administered via very small injections around the eyes.
- When injected by an experienced provider, Tox can temporarily smooth out crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines for 3-4 months.
- Tox works best on dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movements, not wrinkles due to natural aging. It doesn’t affect the whole face, just the treated areas.
- Results are not instant. It takes about 4-7 days to notice the full effects. Tox needs to be maintained with follow-up injections every 3-4 months.
- Side effects are minimal but may include temporary bruising, headache, drooping eyelids, or an asymmetrical smile. Serious side effects are very rare when administered properly.
- Tox costs around $300-$500 per treatment area. It’s considered a safe and effective way to minimize wrinkles around the eyes when done correctly.
As a Last Resort: Consider Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
If you have excessive, loose skin around the upper eyelids that excessively droops over your eyelashes and affects your vision, you may be a candidate for blepharoplasty surgery. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, can:
- Remove excess upper eyelid skin that hoods over the eyes
- Tighten droopy upper eyelids by reinforcing muscle tone
- Reduce under-eye bagginess by repositioning fat pads
- Smooth out deep creases in the eyelids
Eyelid surgery provides more dramatic rejuvenation than nonsurgical treatments like Tox. It can make the eyes appear more open, rested and youthful. It may also improve peripheral vision obscured by sagging skin. However, the recovery period is a lot longer and it’s more expensive than Tox.
Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation. Recovery takes about 2-3 weeks. Typical side effects include bruising, swelling, dry eyes and temporary vision blurriness. Results last for years but won’t prevent new aging changes. Combined with laser resurfacing or a brow lift, blepharoplasty can further minimize signs of aging around the eye area.
If drooping eyelids are making you appear older than your years, schedule a consultation with an oculofacial plastic surgeon. They can determine if blepharoplasty is right for rejuvenating your eye area.
Wrinkles around the eyes are a natural part of aging. Protecting your skin from the sun, staying hydrated, managing stress levels, and leading a healthy lifestyle can help delay their onset. Using retinoids, peptides, and Tox injections can also minimize eye wrinkles. If excess wrinkling is bothering you, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or medical spa to discuss your options. With diligent skincare and certain cosmetic treatments, you can keep the sensitive skin around the eyes looking smooth and youthful. Please do contact us if you require any advice.