What are the causes of wrinkles under eyes

Wrinkles - a word that fills many with dread. The whole face can be affected but the eye area is particularly susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. Why do these lines appear and what do we know about the causes of under eye wrinkles? We take a magnifying glass to eye wrinkles and suggest ways to improve their appearance.

Why do we get wrinkles under the eye?

Wrinkles appear out of the blue, quietly and minutely at first. We search for them, worry about them, fight them, and treat them with everything from creams to surgery. We are a bit kinder to ourselves these days by referring to fine lines and creases, rather than the horrible term ‘crow’s feet’. But, if we are honest, none of us welcome the appearance of eye wrinkles.

Wrinkles are a part of life

Like it or not, wrinkles on the face and around the eyes are unavoidable. They are a part of the ageing process, which happens to us all. Even very young children will have eye wrinkles when they smile, but their skin is new and elastic and bounces back.

Wrinkles are also linked to genetics, something we simply can’t change. They usually form first at the corner of the eye, then spread to the upper cheek, eyelid and eyebrow. Luckily, we live in a time when science and technology can produce anti-ageing products to help us stay looking younger.

Every single one of us will age, hopefully living a life full of laughter and pleasure rather than worry. As a result, we will get wrinkles under the eyes, and around them too.

Some factors that cause wrinkles under the eyes are avoidable

Sun exposure. We now understand the dangers of the sun. UV rays can cause burning, permanent marks on the skin and life-threatening health issues. It also prematurely ages the skin. Many beauty and skin experts recommend wearing sunscreen or a lotion with SPF every day, even in winter.

Smoking is another factor we know is seriously damaging to overall health. It restricts the blood flow which can lead to an uneven skin tone. The toxins in cigarettes affect the body’s production of collagen and elastin. These are essential compounds that keep the skin firm. Smoking will therefore lead to sagging, loose or drooping skin.

Smokers will get deeper wrinkles and appear older much sooner than non-smokers. Furthermore, smokers automatically half-close their eyes as they inhale to protect the eyes from smoke. This leads to deep under-eye creases in the area that is most likely to develop lines.

Another factor is laughing and smiling. An excess of both can promote wrinkles around the eyes. But let’s be honest, are we going to stop ourselves laughing to protect our faces? Of course not – laugh as often as you can, it’s good for your whole being. And a happy face, with or without fine lines, is far more attractive than a miserable one.

Why do the eyes get fine lines?

The skin around and under the eyes is much more delicate than that on the rest of the face. Every time you laugh or smile, the area around the eyes naturally crinkles into a familiar pattern. Over time, these patterns form a deeper, more ingrained imprint in the skin.

Wrinkles initially form around the eyes and in the under-eye area. As we get older, they spread out under the eyes to the cheeks and the tops of the jaws. However, it’s never too late to act by minimising those wrinkles and improving the appearance of lines.

Skin cream for wrinkles under the eyes

There has been a huge interest in products devoted to the eyes in recent times. New anti-ageing compounds and skin-boosting ingredients have been developed or discovered. An eye cream or serum is now a part of our standard beauty kit. But should we treat the eyes differently or will a regular moisturiser do the same job?

Can I use a regular facial moisturiser for the eyes?

You would expect a product labelled as a moisturiser to work everywhere. And to a certain extent that is true. A moisturiser will soften and nourish your skin so it should be the same for the eyes.

However, the skin around the eyes is different. It is thinner, more delicate and more susceptible to irritants. It can also be dry and itchy in a way the rest of the face is not. If you suffer from hay fever you know that it’s not just your eyes that get itchy and sore. The skin around your eyes gets itchy and irritated too.

Therefore, an eye cream should have fewer active ingredients which could cause irritation. Also, it is designed to be more soothing than a standard face moisturiser. It should be gentle but contain special ingredients to revitalise thin skin, fight wrinkles and encourage firmness.

Ingredients that can help reduce wrinkles

Eye creams are specially developed to tackle fine lines under eyes and reduce puffiness or darkness. To do this, they contain ingredients known to benefit the delicate under-eye skin. Some examples include:

• Vitamin C – beneficial for the skin and works as an antioxidant. Vitamin C can protect the skin against environmental factors and free radicals. It can also help to fade out sun damage and inflammation or scarring caused by acne.
• Vitamin E – a natural oil that moisturises the skin. Also prevents skin dryness and rejuvenates skin cells.
• Hyaluronic acid – a relative newcomer to the production, creating more elasticity. Produces instant, but not permanent, results.
• Cetearyl alcohol – a fatty alcohol that won’t dry or damage the skin. Helps to heal and repair dry and dehydrated skin.
• Avocado oil – a natural extract that delivers rejuvenating fatty acids to the skin. Also contains steroline which boosts the skin’s collagen production to reduce fine lines and promote brighter skin tone.
• Retinol – Vitamin A, basically. It has anti-ageing properties and can help reduce sun damage, dark spots and wrinkles. When applied it can stimulate collagen production and skin cell renewal. An ingredient that needs to be used sparingly, perhaps once a week at a low dose, before building up. Can cause dryness or irritation. Regular use of retinol can permanently reduce eye and skin wrinkles.
• Collagen – a vital protein and building block for skin, bones and the whole body. It can increase the skin’s elasticity, promote healthy, plump skin and reduce fine lines. Can be destroyed by sun, sugar and smoking.

Poko products are a natural solution

We know the under-eye area is delicate and sensitive, so we should consider pure, natural products for this area. Our products are entirely natural, and made from fresh, simple but effective ingredients. In addition, they are 100% vegan and certified by the Vegan Society.

These luxurious products contain ingredients like baobab oil, aloe vera juice, pomegranate extract, shea butter and green tea. 

Specially selected products to reduce eye wrinkles

The eye area is so delicate it’s best to avoid applying anything harsh or artificial. Poko products are made from high-quality, plant-based, natural ingredients to nourish and soften the skin.

Poko Correcting Eye Cream is specially formulated to fight the signs of ageing in the under-eye area. It has a light, creamy formula that is fragrance-free. It feels fresh and easy to apply with the built-in applicator.

We are proud to announce that our Correcting Eye Cream has won Best Eye Treatment Cream with Beauty Bible. 'Just WOW!! The longer I used this product the more benefits I saw. Puffiness continued to be reduced, dark circles faded and my crêpiness was definitely smoother. My eye area looked brighter’ - Tester Feedback

• Avocado oil hydrates the skin
• Reduces eye bags and puffiness
• Lightens and brightens dark circles with powerful antioxidant plant extracts and Vitamin C
• Nourishes the delicate area under the eyes
• Hyaluronic acid harvests moisture from the air and locks it into skin

How to apply eye cream

Eye creams should be applied gently with a patting motion, rather than rubbing or dragging it across the skin. Apply a small amount after cleansing the face. Work outwards from the inner corners of the eye.

The eye area is thin and can stretch easily but may lack the collagen or elastin it needs to bounce back. The delicate under-eye area is full of tiny blood vessels, so excessive rubbing or scratching could damage them. This leads to discolouration and dark patches like you’ve got bruises.

Poko Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser is ideal for use around the eyes. This rich antioxidant cream works on the signs of ageing. It keeps the skin supple and nourished while promoting a youthful glow. Use in combination with the Correcting Eye Cream or on its own.

• Aloe vera juice tackles dehydration to improve dull skin and reduce fine lines.
• Vitamins C and E combat the effects of UV rays and sun exposure such as wrinkles and age spots.
• Collagen encourages plump, firm skin.
• Fights wrinkles, sagging skin and signs of ageing.
• Promotes glowing skin, elasticity and brightness.

This Luxury Facial Oil is a luxurious addition to Poko’s range of skincare. Full of omega fatty acids it can encourage soft, plump skin. It is designed to repair and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. It can revitalise all skin types, even oily skin. Essential oils give it a glorious natural fragrance.

• Great for ageing skin, dryness, dull skin and blemishes.
• Baobab oil and moringa oil provide a rich source of skin-friendly omega fatty acids.
• Vitamins A, D, E and F supercharge the skin.
• Protects against free radicals which can age the skin.
• Hydrates and replenishes older skin.

Facing the truth

Natural, glowing and wrinkle-free skin is supported by pure skincare products like those from Poko. Your skin is precious and delicate so treat it with kindness and gentle treatments. However, we are all going to age and this will inevitably show on the face.

A different way of thinking is that eye wrinkles are a sign of maturity, wisdom and a life well-lived. Use good quality eye products, please, but try learning to love your ‘happiness lines’ and embrace your face.