Eye Wrinkle Treatment: Remedies that work

It's possible to improve the appearance of the eyes with inexpensive products. But consistency is the key.

by: Linda Robison

I’ve been testing eye wrinkle treatments for over 35 years. The skin around my eyes was not aging well. And by age 25, I knew I was going to need a good under eye treatment plan.

Check out these simple treatments that worked for me.

Whether you're looking to address existing wrinkles or proactively prevent new ones, this guide offers simple solutions you can try at home right now. 

Eye wrinkle treatment for smoother looking eyes.

By the time I was 40, I began looking into alternative solutions besides the standard drug-store eye wrinkle creams (which never worked for me!) or expensive in-office treatments like laser.

Alternative solutions like:

  • organic cold pressed oils
  • eye massages
  • anti-aging creams
  • hydrating moisturizers
  • temporary eye lifting serums

So, if your eyes seem to be aging faster than the rest of your face, then consider checking out some of these under eye treatments listed below.

Learn the causes and how to prevent crepey under-eye skin before it leads to deeper wrinkles.

1. Grapeseed oil skincare benefits

A study, in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, suggests that the use of a grapeseed oil could be beneficial for improving the appearance of facial skin, specifically wrinkles.

However, it has to be plain, organic, cold-pressed seed oil. Not the kind used for cooking or with additives and fragrances. 

How to use it

Simple, just apply a few drops on your finger and gently massage it in. You can apply it anytime your under eye skin looks or feels dry. It absorbs quickly and won't leave a greasy film. 

I use it first thing in the morning and whenever I preform the anti-wrinkle eye massage listed below.

2. Eye massage

Everyone has "aging trouble areas" on their face. For me, it was under-eye wrinkles and crow's feet. So after a few months of doing facial exercises, I realized I still needed more help in this area.

Eye lift exercises for fewer wrinkles.Eye wrinkle treatment to reduce under eye lines.

I contacted, Carolyn (the owner/creator of CFF exercise program) who gave me a special a bonus exercise (see below) to be used in conjunction with her regular facial exercise program.

As you can see in the photo above (10-12 weeks into the program) the change is very subtle, but I do see an improvement.

I expect it to continue improving as long as I keep doing the exercises. 

Be patient. It's a bit of a wait, like several months, but honestly, it does help. This treatment smooths out those fine lines real nice. 😊

Eye massage exercise video

Remember: You're firmly contracting the eye muscles before massaging. So there is no stretching or pulling.

This massage also alleviates dark circles and under-eye puffiness. Do after applying your favorite moisturizer or face oil (like grapeseed oil), at least once a day, about 4 days a week. You don't want to do this everyday.

So, an example of a weekly schedule would look like this:

  • Monday - massage
  • Tuesday - massage
  • Wednesday - REST
  • Thursday - massage
  • Friday - massage
  • Saturday REST
  • Sunday - REST

Repeat.

Worried that this technique will stretch the skin?

According to Dr. Frederick M. Rossiter, professor of anatomy and physiology, if done properly, this technique can help strengthen the muscle and smooth out the skin.

Dr. Rossiter explains that the muscles of the face go through the skin (this is what allows us to make facial expressions).

So by contracting the muscles first, then sliding the fingers across taut skin, not only firms up the underlying muscles but also tightens the skin. This can cause the whole eye area to look firmer and smoother.

3. Eye firming exercise

Performing specific eye exercises like the "eye goggle" technique can help strengthen and tone the delicate muscles around the eyes. This leads to a firmer, smoother look by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

You’re trying to make “eye goggles” using your fingers and thumbs around each eye, as if you’re holding a pair of binoculars. 

Why eye goggles?

The point of placing your fingers and thumbs around your eyes (without any gaps) is to prevent the skin from moving or being pulled.

So you're only work the underlying eye muscle. 

Below is this simple and quick eye exercise:

eye goggles

Here is How:

Before you begin, apply a small amount of moisturizer around the eyes. It's best to perform this in front of a mirror until you get it right. Try to maintain a firm pressure around the eye sockets throughout these movements.

Outer corner of bottom eyelid:

  • Make goggles with your fingers (as shown in photo), as if you're holding a pair of binoculars.
  • Contract the bottom outer corner of the right eyelid by lifting it up (as if you’re trying to wink with your right eye) and hold to a count of 5.
  • Then release and repeat the same process with the bottom outer corner of the left eyelid and hold for count of 5. You've just made 1 round.
  • Repeat for a total of 5 rounds. 

Inner corner of bottom eyelid:

  • Make goggles with your fingers (as shown in photo), as if you're holding a pair of binoculars.
  • Contract the bottom inner corner of the right eyelid by lifting it up and hold to a count of 5.
  • Then release and repeat the same process with the bottom inner corner of the left eyelid and hold for count of 5. You've just made 1 round.
  • Repeat for a total of 5 rounds. 

Upper eyelid stretch:

  • Make goggles with your fingers (as shown in photo), as if you're holding a pair of binoculars.
  • Next, close both eyes while stretching the upper eyelids down towards the bottom of the eyes.
  • Hold this stretch for count of 5. 
  • Repeat 5 times.

Eye Squeeze:

  • Make goggles with your fingers (as shown in photo), as if you're holding a pair of binoculars.
  • Squeeze the eyes shut tight while the goggles (your fingers pressed firmly around your eyes like binoculars) are firmly and evenly pressed around both eyes.
  • Hold for count of 5.
  • Repeat 5 times.

NOTE: Adding facial exercises also help with the eyes and the rest of the face. Check out my before and after results. The improvement is remarkable!

4. Exfoliate with gentle acids

Studies show that exfoliating is an excellent way to reduce the depth and appearance of under eye wrinkles.

Personally, I love gentle lactic acids. The fruit-based ones are gentle to use around the eyes, lips and neck. And you don't have to rinse it.

Also, consider using gentle all natural retinols. They're safer for the eye area, as regular retinols can irritate and worsen wrinkles.

5. Anti-aging eye creams

Products that contain anti-aging ingredients can help protect the eye area from further aging, increase cell turnover, and encourage healthy skin regeneration.

Hydrating anti-aging eye creams with ingredients like peptides, omega-3s, and antioxidants help protect the eye area, boost skin regeneration, and minimize wrinkles. These creams replenish moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and soothe irritation, leaving the under-eye area hydrated and plump.

6. Topical vitamin C

Vitamin C can help stimulate collagen production and protect the skin from free radical damage, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time.

This is not wishful thinking, vitamin C's ability to remove deep wrinkles and discoloration has been proven in studies.

7. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can help hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Gua Sha or Kansa Wand

Use a Gua Sha tool to gently massage the under-eye area, promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing fluid retention and puffiness.

The same for the Kansa Wand. Both accomplish the same thing, but the gua sha has a vibrating, heating, red light therapy which many people enjoy for it's relaxing benefits too. The kansa wand is helpful if you have limited use of your fingers/hands due to injury or arthritis.

9. Silicone patches

Try silicone patches specifically designed for the under-eye area, which can help hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles overnight.

While the initial results are tempoary, some say the results get better over time.

10. Eye lift serum for mature sensitive skin

Easy Eye solution serum before and after picture of my eye wrinkles.This picture has NOT been photoshopped. The serum helps to blur fine lines, so they're not as visible.

While an lift eye serum is only a temporary solution for under eye wrinkles, it does make my eye area look smoother and the skin look less crepey right away!

And it gives me the quickest results. Some instant satisfaction.

There are plenty of under eye lifting serums that can help temporally "hide" and reduce the look of under eye wrinkles and puffiness. But this one is made for mature, dry, sensitive skin.

Check out my comprehensive comparison/review of the top most popular under eye puffy serums  & cream – with pictures. 

Causes of under eye wrinkles

Believe it or not, but you can actually worsen eye creases and lines just by going about your daily routines. Some normal everyday habits, may cause under eye wrinkles to look deeper or show up earlier than they normally would. Here are other common causes: 

1. Sun Exposure and UV Rays:

UV rays damage the skin's collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Studies show that sunscreen can actually help prevent and reverse some signs of aging!!

2. Smoking:

The chemicals in cigarette smoke accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles and environmental damage to the skin.

3. Environmental Factors and Free Radicals: 

Pollution, dry air, and free radicals damaging cells and break down collagen.

4. Aging and Loss of Elasticity: 

With age, skin naturally loses its elasticity, and the production of collagen and elastin slows down, making us more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines.

Next: 7 effective dIY Treatments for crepey eye skin

Types of wrinkles

There are two main types of under-eye wrinkles:

1. Dynamic Wrinkles:

These are the temporary lines that appear when you make facial expressions like squinting or smiling. They are caused by the contraction of facial muscles and tend to be less noticeable when the face is at rest.

2. Static Wrinkles:

These are the deeper, more permanent lines that are visible even when your face is relaxed. Static wrinkles are often the result of years of dynamic wrinkles, combined with the loss of skin elasticity due to aging.

Eye wrinkle treatment: Final thoughts

After years of personal trial and error, I've found five simple and effective ways to improve the look of eye wrinkles.

I highly recommend massaging organic, cold-pressed grapeseed oil into your skin and practicing regular eye exercises/massages.

Be carefully with retinols and copper peptides found in anti-aging creams; while helpful, they can cause inflammation.

If your skin is extra dry, layer a hydrating organic moisturizer over the grapeseed oil for an additional boost of hydration.

And, if you need a quick-fix to "hide wrinkles", I've discovered that applying a temporary eye lift serum gives instant results.

Remember, consistent practice and patience will yield the best results!

Note:

No matter what eye wrinkle treatment I use, some days I need a little something to help the eye area look a bit smoother. That's when I'll apply instant eye lifting serum.

Even though it's just an instant temporary fix, it seems to make the whole under eye area look better and helps hide the look of under eye creepiness.

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