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Smiling and laughing have been medically proven to provide amazing benefits to our physical and mental health. Both activities can release happy hormones known as endorphins which can reduce pain and stress.
Everyone loves having a good laugh, it’s a good exercise (laughter yoga, anyone?) which can help tone your abdominal and facial muscles while relieving your body from stress. But as they say, you can never have too much of a good thing.
Repeated smiling and laughing paired with other factors can eventually lead to wrinkles under eyes when smiling (aka Crow’s feet).
While it’s perfectly fine to get lines in your 30’s or 40’s, it’s quite surprising to see fine lines under eyes at 25! Having premature signs of aging at such an early age can be quite alarming, no one wants to look past their actual age after all.
If you’re here because of the following:
- You want to know more about what caused those sudden wrinkles under your eyes.
- You’ve had these lines for quite some time and want to know what’s the best way to get rid of them either through products, treatments or the natural way.
- You’re scouting for the best under eye wrinkle cream to banish these lines away.
You’ve come to the right place! I’ve got a fully loaded article just for you! From informational pieces to awesome product recommendations.
You want it, I got it. Now, let’s get going!
Causes of Wrinkles Under Eyes
The skin around our eyes is considered very sensitive. It is thinner than the rest of our face and has little to no oil glands.
This is one of the reasons why some products are not recommended to be applied around the eyes (especially exfoliating or anti-acne products) or why we use our gentlest finger (our ring finger) when applying skin care products or cosmetics in this area.
The thinness of this area makes it vulnerable to damage (which includes wrinkles) caused by these factors:
Aging
We can’t stop time from running. As we grow old, our body’s ability to produce collagen decreases.
Collagen is what gives our skin the plumpness, the oomph, the youthful appearance.
The lack of it causes the collagen bundles to break which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and eventually sagging.
Repeated Facial Expressions (Squinting, Smiling, Laughing)
Our skin naturally folds whenever we frown, smile, or squint, repeatedly doing any of these expressions (I’m a guilty squinter!) can cause wrinkles after a period of time.
UV Exposure
Whether it’s part of your work, daily life or you simply can’t get enough of the sun (or tanning beds!), prolonged UV (UVA/UVB) exposure has damaging effects on your skin.
This is due to the fact that UV rays cause free radicals to build up making you prone to wrinkles, sunburns, freckles, and other skin discolorations.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your side may be a comfortable position. However, this bunches up your skin through its direct contact with your pillow and the pressure caused by your weight.
Over the years of sleeping in this position, wrinkles may eventually form.
Best Way to Prevent Wrinkles
As always, prevention is better than cure. The following are surefire ways to prevent signs of premature aging (like those under eye wrinkles):
Protect Yourself From The Sun
Just because you’re indoors or it’s gloomy outside it doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. UVAs or UVBs are still there rain or shine and can penetrate glass windows with ease.
Use one with a stronger SPF but in a lightweight, easy to absorb formula.
My fave is this Biore Watery Essence Sunscreen. It has SPF 50+ PA++ +, it’s non-greasy, absorbs well into the skin and doesn’t leave my face with a white cast.
Biore Watery Essence Sunscreen
Another great way to protect your skin from the sun (especially the eye area) is wearing oversized glasses and hats when it’s sunny outside.
Not only are they chic, but they also add a secondary layer of protection that is beneficial not only for your skin but also your eyes. Keeps you from squinting too!
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Our skin is made out of 64% water. Not drinking enough water can actually shrink cells and make it lose its elasticity and form.
As suggested by medical experts, chugging at least 8 glasses of water (or more depending on the weather and if you’re sick) daily is recommended to keep your body functioning like a well-oiled machine and make your skin radiant and well nourished.
Note: To check if your skin is dehydrated, pinch your arm or cheek lightly. If it bounces back quickly, you’re not dehydrated. If it takes a few seconds to regain its form, then you might need to increase your water intake.
Help Your Body Produce More Collagen
Collagen is what gives our skin the youthfulness and facilitates body and skin repair (through building more healthy cells to replace weak and damaged ones). As we grow old, we produce less and less of this.
This is why it’s important to support our body with the right nutrients to improve our collagen production.
Collagen drinks are a big hit in Korea and Japan. Eating collagen and vitamin C rich food can also help increase your body’s supply of this important building block.
Incorporating anti-aging products in your beauty routine, such as vitamin C serums can also help minimize the appearance of these pesky lines.
Want to know more about how vitamin C serums help in the production of collagen? Check out my article about the best vitamin C serums for face here!
Invest In A Good Eye Cream
It’s never too early to use an eye cream. Lines don’t give a damn if you’re in your early 20s anyway.
The under eye area is a very dry and sensitive spot and could use some heavy moisturization from the best eye cream. Can’t wait to share my recommendations below!
How to Get Rid of Under Eye Wrinkles
There is a variety of under eye wrinkle treatments available. From surgery, injections, lasers, home treatments, skin care products, and natural ingredients that you can easily find in your home.
You can easily find one that meets your needs, the time you have available for this beautification process and most importantly your budget.
Let’s explore these options one by one, also including quick pros and cons:
How to Get Rid of Crow’s Feet (Professional Treatments and Products)
Botox
The most popular choice for removing wrinkles on any part of your face.
Botox is an injection made from the Botulinum toxin which can limit or weaken muscle contractions that lead to the appearance of these lines.
Pros
- Effective in plumping, reducing wrinkles and puffiness.
- Semi-permanent solution. A treatment session may last for 3-6 months.
- An in-office procedure with minimal downtime. You can go home right after your treatment.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Painful.
- May cause bruising, swelling and numbness on the area.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are administered by injecting a small needle directly on to the problem area to plump the skin and remove wrinkles.
Ranging from semi-permanent to permanent, some popular choices for dermal fillers are Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Sculptra, and Belotero.
Your doctor can recommend the best brand depending on their assessment and the results you’re after.
Pros
- Offers an almost immediate plumping effect and visible reduction of wrinkles.
- Can be semi-permanent (the filler may dissolve over time) or permanent depending on your preference.
- An in-office procedure with minimal downtime. You can go home right after your treatment.
Cons
- Expensive.
- May cause bleeding, swelling and bruising.
- Months after the initial injection, some people note a feeling of unevenness or hardening over the injected area.
Laser Resurfacing
This procedure uses a specialized laser to remove the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin to encourage collagen production and replace damaged cells with newer and healthier ones.
As a result, skin becomes plumper and tighter, reducing the appearance of under eye wrinkles.
Pros
- Results last longer compared to Botox. A complete treatment may last up to 10 years.
- Tightens skin and removes years off your face.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Requires a number of treatments depending on the severity and yet it can’t totally remove crow’s feet unless combined with other treatments such as Botox.
- It’s painful and may take weeks to heal.
Chemical Peels
Much like laser peels, chemical peels aim to shed the outer layer of skin to reveal a fresher layer and encourage collagen production.
Instead of lasers though, it uses chemicals with varying strengths to initiate the peeling.
You can choose from superficial, medium-depth and deep peeling treatments depending on how deep your lines are.
Pros
- Gives you a smoother, younger looking skin.
- Improves skin texture and tightness.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- No downtime (for superficial peels).
Cons
- Expensive and requires treatment to be repeated (Ex. Every 2-4 weeks for superficial peels and every 6-12 months for deeper peels)
- Deeper peels can be painful.
- Expect peeling and lots of it…yes, it may look ugly under makeup for a while (if you’re even allowed to cover it up with cosmetics!) but it’ll get smoother sooner or later.
Anti-Aging Products
By anti-aging products I mean – facial wash, essence, serums, toners, creams, etc.
An at-home treatment that may be used standalone or complimentary with any of the treatments above.
Most of these products contain either (or a combination) of the following: Retinol, vitamins C and E, Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, etc.
Pros
- Less expensive compared to in-office treatments.
- Available without prescription.
- With continued use, the best anti-aging products can minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
- No pain involved!
Cons
- May take a while to work. Give it 3-4 months.
- May contain ingredients that some people may be allergic to, but that needs to be checked from product to product.
How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Under Eyes When Smiling, Naturally
As mentioned before, smiling has a lot of benefits to our health, however, it’s also not a sin to want to diminish the appearance of these smile wrinkles.
Not a big fan of needles, chemicals, and pain? No worries! Here are some natural remedies that may be readily available straight from your kitchen:
Pineapple Juice
Pineapples are rich in anti-inflammatory Bromelain and Alpha Hydroxyl which is known to renew skin, thus, removing wrinkles.
Apply the freshly squeezed juice under the eyes with a cotton ball and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Rose Water
Not only is it good for making Turkish delights but this is actually an amazing toner that aids in skin rejuvenation and firming.
To reduce wrinkles, pat directly under the eyes and allow it to dry twice a day.
Castor Oil
Known as a moisturizing agent. Massaging this oil under your eyes every evening after washing your face can plump up damaged cells and reduce under eye wrinkles.
Ginger and Honey
Ginger’s heating action brings the blood flow to your under eye area, this supplies the skin cells with important nutrients and oxygen that it needs to repair itself.
Honey is a moisturizing agent that protects the skin from drying and keeps it supple.
Massage a teaspoon of ginger mixed with half a teaspoon of honey under your eyes for 10 minutes daily.
Grapeseed Oil
Rich in antioxidants, massaging a drop of this oil underneath each eye daily can reverse signs of aging.
Myths vs. Facts on Under Eye Wrinkles
Can Using Aloe Vera Gel For Under Eye Wrinkles Help Get Rid Of It?
Fact.
Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins C and E which are both known as powerful antioxidants. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production while together with vitamin E, they protect and repair the skin from free radicals.
Free radicals are one of the factors that can cause aging. It’s found everywhere, in the air, the food we eat and even in the rays of Mr. Sunshine.
Though Aloe Vera may not completely remove fine lines, it helps a lot in reducing their appearance by plumping the skin through its moisture.
This Aloe Vera Gel from Skin Food is a big hit in Asia and is becoming a popular choice in the US as well.
Aloe Vera Gel from Skin Food
Is Using Argan Oil For Under Eye Wrinkles Effective?
Fact.
Argan Oil has been around for centuries and is hailed as a top ingredient for skin and hair care, even in perfume making!
This wonder oil is packed with vitamins C and E and fatty acids which are all essential to our skin. This makes Argan oil as the best oil to reduce wrinkles.
The best thing about this oil is that it is very moisturizing yet light and non-greasy that you can wear it under makeup.
Use the oil after cleansing in lieu of a moisturizer and give your face a relaxing massage, concentrating on your problem areas.
However, no need to slather your face with a bunch of it. 3-4 drops of it spread out all over your palms will do perfectly.
Pura D’Or Argan Oil
Can Under Eye Wrinkles Be Reversed?
Fact.
Under-eye wrinkles can be stopped in its tracks and reversed. This can only happen when you tweak your lifestyle and change your bad habits that may have caused your wrinkles (E.g. not using sunscreen, squinting, smoking, etc.).
Treatments and products are also available to improve the appearance of wrinkles or get rid of it completely.
Can Getting A Brow Or Eye Lift Remove Under Eye Wrinkles?
Myth.
As opposed to what everyone thinks, surgical procedures like a brow lift is not an effective way of removing under eye wrinkles.
It may hold your brows up but it does very little in improving the lines under your eyes. The treatments mentioned above are far more efficient in reducing crow’s feet as well as using the amazing products below.
3, 2, 1…let’s go!
Top 3 Best Under-Eye Wrinkle Creams
LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream Moisturizer
This miracle in a tub offers deep moisturization that promotes skin repair through its powerful antioxidants vitamin C & E and skin softening oil and flower extract.
You can expect plumper, firmer and softer skin with visible wrinkles reduction.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Doesn’t contain parabens, fragrances or any artificial colors.
- FDA registered, USDA certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free.
- Contains a powerful anti-aging combo of vitamins C and E, Rosehip seed oil and Hibiscus flower extract.
- Can be used on the entire face and neck.
Cons
- Some may not like the scent. But that’s a personal preference.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Made with one of the world’s most effective anti-aging ingredients, Retinol, this night cream is powerful enough to improve the appearance of deep wrinkles. It hastens healthy skin cell turnover to replace old and damaged ones.
Retinol alone can be really drying, but with a moisturizing base, you’ll wake up to a well-hydrated skin that’s more plump and youthful!
Pros
- Contains Retinol and other skin essential minerals.
- Moisturizes overnight.
- Effectively improves the appearance of deep wrinkles.
- A tube can approximately last for 2 months (when used on the under eye area alone).
- Can be used on face and neck.
Cons
- Expect redness and slight tingling as retinol promotes faster skin cell turnover which can cause dryness and eventually peeling.
- Not meant for people with sensitive skin.
Organys Eye Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer
From the makers of the highly effective eyelash serum comes another amazing product- Organys Eye Cream.
It’s good for reducing eye bags, dark under eyes and wrinkles, with continued use, of course.
Made without any harmful chemicals, this eye cream boasts with a powerful combination of anti-aging ingredients like peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and caffeine to boost collagen production and repair damaged cells.
Pros
- Affordable
- Doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, SLS, PEG, gluten, fragrances or any artificial colors.
- FDA registered and cruelty-free.
- Contains skin friendly and anti-aging peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and caffeine.
Cons
- Not recommended for sensitive skin.
Top 2 Best Under Eye Masks
LA PURE 24K Gold Eye Treatment Mask
Need something to add on top of your anti-aging treatment? This 24K gold eye mask is a perfect fit!
Made with active 24k gold, this mask helps in eliminating toxins, improving blood circulation and nourishing the skin.
It’s also rich in collagen, hyaluronic acid and grapeseed extract which are all known for their anti-aging and moisture-boosting effect.
Adding this in your routine can de-puff your eyes and minimize wrinkles for a brighter under eye skin that looks alive and youthful.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Has active 24k gold.
- Combined with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and grapeseed extract.
- 15 pairs in a pack.
Cons
- Not recommended for people with sensitive skin.
- Won’t stay in place if you move around or do some house chores, so prepare to lie down and enjoy this under-eye mask.
Pare Activated Charcoal Eye Mask with Hyaluronic Acid
Allergic to gold? No prob! This eye mask is made with activated charcoal to lift skin impurities like toxins and excess oil that can make your eye area dull.
Paired with hyaluronic acid to boost your skin’s moisture and plump up dehydrated cells, visible results in wrinkle reduction and improved brightness are guaranteed.
Pros
- Cruelty-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Combines activated charcoal and hyaluronic acid.
- 6 pairs in a pack.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
Best at Home Laser for Wrinkles
NuDerma Skin Therapy Wand
If you want professional results right in the comfort of home, then this NuDerma Skin Therapy Wand is the best choice for your under eye wrinkles.
It’s a high-frequency RF treatment that makes 10 watts of power at 50-60 Hz waves to stimulate skin repair and improve collagen production.
Truly multipurpose, this wand is effective in treating acne, hair loss, minimizing wrinkles and improving your skin’s profile. It comes with different wand attachments for different areas and needs.
You’ll get a mushroom tube for wider coverage, bent tube for spot treatments, tongue tube for smaller areas (like your under eye!), and a comb tube for scalp treatment.
What more can you ask for?
Pros
- Affordable.
- Multipurpose (acne, anti-aging, and scalp treatment).
- Comes with various tube attachments.
Cons
- Not recommended for people with braces or metal plates in the treatment area as it can cause electric shock.
- Instructions need more clarity.
Putting it All Together
It’s not the end of the world if you have wrinkles under eyes when smiling. There are lots of treatments that science and nature can offer to reduce existing lines and prevent new ones from forming.
Try any of the suggested methods and products above and let us know how it’s working for you.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please drop a line below.
Keep smiling, and keep in mind that smile wrinkles are inevitable and they also show that you are a fun, happy person! Till next time!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
