Crepey Under Eyes: Causes, Prevention and Treatments

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Are those crepey under eyes making you feel like age is catching up faster than you’d like? This sensitive area is usually the first to show signs of aging, sometimes even as early as your 30s or 40s.

A beautiful woman smiling with natural Under-Eye Crinkles Embracing Aging Gracefully.

But don’t worry—there are plenty of daily habits and treatments, from hydrating skincare to lifestyle changes, that can help you prevent or reduce the appearance of crepey under eyes.

In this Anti-Aging Beauty Zone guide, we’ll explore what crepey under-eye skin is, including its causes and how to prevent it. Plus, check out our treatment options page for 7 effective at-home natural remedies that deliver results.

What is crepey eye skin: how do you know you have it?

To spot crepey skin under your eyes, look for these signs:

  • The skin may start to feel delicate, like tissue paper.
  • You see extra fine lines that are visible even when you're not smiling or squinting.
  • The area under the eye has a crisscross, crinkly look.
  • The skin feels dry and doesn’t bounce back easily when you pinch it.
  • The area may feel bumpy or rough instead of smooth.

How It’s Different from Wrinkles

Crepey skin is often confused with regular wrinkles, but it’s more about a paper-like texture rather than deep lines. This crepey texture can make you look tired, even when you’re well-rested.

What are the causes of crepey eye skin?

Understanding the causes is very important because you can control and fix some of them. Here’s how you can take charge and improve your skin’s appearance!

Diet

A diet low in vitamins and antioxidants speeds up aging, but high sugar and simple carbs are particularly harmful. Sugars bind to collagen and elastin, causing protein stiffness and collagen rigidity. This reduces skin elasticity, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and dull, discolored. Cutting back on sugar and simple carbs helps maintain skin elasticity and keeps it looking youthful.1

Lifestyle

Certain lifestyle habits can accelerate skin aging. Smoking cuts off blood flow and depletes nutrients, leading to crepiness. Alcohol dehydrates and inflames the skin, worsening the issue. These habits disrupt skin repair processes, making it harder for your skin to stay healthy.

Hydration

Keeping your skin well-hydrated is crucial. Dry skin loses its flexibility and can more easily develop a crepey texture. Moisturizers and hydrating treatments help maintain plumpness and smoothness.

Stress

Yes! Believe it or not but stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to crepey skin under the eyes.2 Over time, high cortisol levels can thin the skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Managing stress is essential to keep your under-eye area firm and smooth.

Hormonal Changes

Menopause and other hormonal shifts can accelerate the loss of collagen and elasticity, making the skin under your eyes appear looser and more fragile. Hormones play a big role in maintaining skin’s structure, and any imbalance can have visible effects.

Genetics

Genetics can make some people more likely to develop crepey skin. If your family has a history of early aging or thin skin, you might notice it sooner. I’m in that group and began seeing crepey skin in my late 20s. That’s why it’s crucial to start taking care of your skin early!

Aging

As we age, our skin loses firmness and elasticity due to reduced collagen and elastin production. This thinning makes the skin under our eyes more prone to fine lines and sagging, leading to a crepey texture. While we can't stop aging, we can start caring for our eye area early to help maintain its appearance.

Prevention: How can you stop crepey eyes from getting worse?

Close-up of mature woman applying under-eye cream for crepey skin.

Prevention is underrated! Everyone is always looking for a "fix" but taking preventive steps is essential to getting good results. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Targeted Skincare Routine

Whether you're 36 or 63, an anti-aging skincare routine is a must! Incorporate anti-aging staples like retinols and AHAs into your daily routine to combat crepey skin. These ingredients boost cell turnover and smooth fine lines, while regular cleansing and moisturizing keep the delicate eye area hydrated and healthy.

Gentle Cleansing

Using a mild cleanser is a must. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin's natural oils, making it more prone to that crepey texture. Choose something gentle to keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Sun Protection

You're never too young to use a daily shield against UV damage. Go for a broad-spectrum SPF (and high PA rating) and don’t skip the sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

Healthy Diet

Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy diet for maintaining youthful skin. While avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol is important, your diet plays a crucial role too. Simple carbs and sugar are notorious for breaking down collagen. Dr. Mamina Turegano puts it clearly: “Excess sugar causes glycation, which damages collagen and elastin, leading to crepey skin and wrinkles.” Focus on incorporating more anti-aging foods for healthy skin into your diet.

Beauty Sleep

Sleep rejuvenates your skin by allowing your body to repair itself, helping maintain a fresh and youthful appearance. For crepey under-eye skin, use hydrating overnight masks. They work while you sleep, delivering deep nourishment and leaving your skin smoother and more refreshed by morning.

treatment options

To tackle crepey under-eye skin, several treatments can rejuvenate and improve this delicate area:

  • Retinol Creams: Enhance cell turnover and smooth fine lines.
  • Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Hydrate and plump the skin, reducing dryness.
  • Peptide Treatments: Boost collagen production for improved elasticity.
  • Hydrating Eye Masks: Offer deep moisture and temporary smoothing.
  • Vitamin C Serums: Brighten and even out skin tone, protecting against oxidative stress.

Interest in more information on effective natural at-home remedies, visit our treatment options page.

For more advanced in-office solutions, consider:

  • Injectables: Dermal fillers restore volume and smooth fine lines.
  • Laser Therapy: Improves skin texture and stimulates collagen.
  • Chemical Peels: Exfoliate and promote new cell growth.

crepey under eye causes & prevention: Myths and Misconceptions

Holistic Approach to Crepey Under-Eye Skin: Diet, Exercise, Skincare, and Lifestyle Tips

When it comes to crepey under eye skin, there are many myths and misconceptions that can lead you astray. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones:

Myth 1: Only Skincare Products Can Prevent Crepey Under-Eye Skin

Reality: Preventing crepey under-eye skin requires more than just effective creams. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins, along with a low-sugar, low-carb intake, supports collagen production and skin elasticity. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and proper hydration, these factors help maintain firm, smooth under-eye skin.

Myth 2: Expensive Products Are Always Better

Reality: Price doesn’t always equal quality. High-end products can sometimes be overpriced with minimal added benefits. The key is the quality and concentration of active ingredients, not the brand name. Look for products with proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, which can be found in both high-end and drugstore brands.

Myth 3: One-Time Treatments Can Fix Crepey Under Eye Skin

Reality: Crepey skin results from long-term skin changes, so it can’t be fixed with a single treatment. Effective skincare is about consistent, ongoing care. Regular use of appropriate eye creams, daily sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle contribute to long-lasting improvements.

Myth 4: Only Heavy Creams Can Moisturize Enough

Reality: While rich creams can help, they aren’t the only solution. Lightweight, hydrating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can be just as effective. The focus should be on hydration and maintaining skin barrier function, not just on applying heavy creams.

Myth 5: Sunscreen Is Only Necessary on Sunny Days

Reality: UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from cumulative sun damage, which contributes to crepey skin.

Myth 6: Drinking Water Alone Will Solve Skin Issues

Reality: Staying hydrated is important, but it’s not a cure-all for skin problems. While drinking water helps, it's just one part of a comprehensive skincare routine. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, combined with proper skincare, is essential for maintaining skin health.

Myth 7: Natural Remedies Are Always Safe and Effective

Reality: Not all natural remedies are suitable for everyone. Some can cause irritation or may not provide significant results. It’s important to choose remedies that are backed by evidence and suitable for your skin type.

Myth 8: Wrinkles and Crepey Skin Are Inevitable with Age

Reality: While aging naturally affects your skin, you can slow down the process and improve skin appearance with the right care. Consistent skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the impact of aging on your under-eye area.

Myth 9: Eye Creams Are Just a Marketing Gimmick

Reality: Eye creams can be beneficial when formulated with effective ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. They’re specifically designed to address the unique needs of the delicate under-eye area.

Understanding these myths can help you make informed decisions and tailor your skincare routine for better results. For personalized treatments and more detailed solutions, check out our 7-treatment options page.

next: review of the top under eye puffy serums



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