Under-Eye Wrinkles: Why Wrinkles Under Your Eyes Appear and How to Fix the Look of Them

 

Ever see a photo of yourself with a big grin and wonder exactly where all those under-eye wrinkles came from? You’re not alone. Research shows that the area around the eyes is one of the very first to show signs of aging. While wrinkles might not appear elsewhere until our mid-30s or 40s, fine wrinkles under the eye can start to form as early as our 20s.

Since this area is super delicate, under-eye wrinkles are also some of the hardest skin concerns to treat. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent them from occurring in the first place—and innovative options like platelet-derived exosomes that can reprogram the look of under-eye wrinkles for smoother-, younger-, more awake-looking eyes. 

 

What Are Under-Eye Wrinkles and Why Do They Happen?

Wrinkles are the folds and creases that appear over time—in this case, under our eyes. To understand why under-eye wrinkles happen, we need to take a look at the unique structure of the skin around our eyes. Periorbital skin is both the thinnest skin and the skin that moves the most on our entire body. While the skin on your forehead is about 1.7mm thick, the skin around your eyes can be as wafer-thin as 0.2mm. What’s more, the orbicularis oculi—the circular muscle around your eye that helps you blink and squint—is closely connected to the skin of your eyelids, meaning there’s very little fat separating the muscle from the skin.

All of this adds up to the perfect storm for wrinkles. Because the skin here is thin, is in constant movement, and has minimal cushioning, it's far more prone to fine lines and creasing than just about anywhere else. It also means that changes in the muscle or skin (like the natural loss of elastin and collagen as we age) show up more quickly, leading to the early appearance of under-eye lines.

What Causes Under-Eye Wrinkles? 

A number of factors can lead to under-eye wrinkles. Some of the most common include: 

• Natural aging: As we get older, our collagen (plumping structural protein) and elastin (protein that gives our skin snapback) degrade due to slower cell function, hormonal shifts, and natural oxidative stress that causes cellular senescence. Senescent “zombie” cells not only break down collagen and elastin, but they also release harmful signals that can trigger nearby healthy cells to shut down prematurely.

• Sun damage: UVA/UVB rays are the external driver of skin damage. In fact, it’s responsible for 90 percent of external skin aging.  

• Dehydration: Lack of moisture worsens the appearance of fine lines.

• Sleep habits: Poor sleep quality makes it harder for new collagen and elastin to form, while side and stomach sleeping can lead to compression wrinkles and mechanical stress on the skin.

• Facial expressions: Repetitive movements (like squinting) create creases in the skin that, over time, can turn into fine lines and deeper wrinkles.

• Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol use accelerate skin aging by increasing oxidative stress and impairing circulation. 

• Seasonal allergies: Chronic rubbing of the eyes can weaken the skin barrier and contribute to inflammation, leading to fine lines and premature creasing.

How to Eliminate the Look of Under-Eye Wrinkles

Dermatologists know that the same issues that make this area so prone to wrinkles also make it difficult to treat the look of it. The skin here is thinner and more sensitive to irritation, so aggressive actives—think high-strength retinol or acids like BHA/AHA—that work on other places on the face can do more harm than good in the delicate eye area. The good news is there are new, innovative treatments that work to reduce their appearance.

Exosomes for the Look of Under-Eye Wrinkles

A breakthrough, at-home cosmetic treatment for under-eye wrinkles, platelet-derived exosomes are nano-sized vesicles with the ability to reprogram the appearance of aging skin. These exosomes have an unmatched ability to spark visible renewal and help reverse the appearance of aging. They target areas of visible damage and deliver a rich blend of peptides, antioxidants, and nucleic acids—reawakening the skin for a more youthful appearance.

As the only eye treatment on the market to contain real platelet-derived exosomes—more than 500 million in every bottle—EYE Serum has been clinically proven to improve the look of all visible signs of aging for the eyes, including under-eye wrinkles, crepey skin, crow’s feet, fine lines, and lack of elasticity and firmness, with visible improvement in as little as four weeks with daily use. It’s also fortified by complementary, science-backed ingredients, including coffee arabica extract to reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles and dual seaweed extract to nourish the look of tired eyes. 

What sets platelet-derived exosomes apart is their unique ability to correct visible signs of aging while reinforcing the appearance of the skin’s barrier. Unlike many ingredients that can be too harsh for delicate areas, exosomes deliver dramatic results with a gentle touch, nourishing the skin as they restore its look. Check the eye-popping before-and-after below and even more here. 

Best In-Office Medical Treatments for the look of Under-Eye Wrinkles 

As a complement to cosmetic at-home treatments, you may wish to talk to your provider about in-office medical aesthetic procedures for under-eye wrinkles: 

• Laser Resurfacing: Uses concentrated light beams to remove damaged skin layers and trigger renewal, improving the look of fine lines and texture. 

• Low-Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT): Delivers red or near-infrared light to energize skin and reduce the look of inflammation.

• Microneedling: Creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural renewal response.

• Ultrasound-Based Treatments: Sends focused ultrasound energy to stimulate rejuvenation without harming the surface of the skin.

• Injectables: Neuromodulators relax wrinkle-causing muscles, while dermal fillers restore lost volume and smooth under-eye hollows that can accentuate wrinkles.

Talk to your provider about which procedure might work best for your skin. No matter which treatment you try, you can use both CALM Serum (for the full face) and EYE Serum (for the eye area) to harness the power of platelet-derived exosomes to prepare and reduce post-procedure recovery time to make the most of your investment.

More Topical Cosmetic Treatments to Explore  

Along with platelet-derived exosomes, there are other formulas that science says can help correct the look of wrinkles under the eyes—however it's important to know the risks and caveats: 

• Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, retinol may help reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.

• Keep in mind: Retinol—even the formulas specifically formulated for eyes—can damage the skin barrier, which for some people, can actually increase the appearance of wrinkles, especially in the first few months of use. It may also cause dryness, redness, and irritation, particularly in the thin under-eye area.

• Vitamin C:  This antioxidant is often used to brighten the look of skin and support renewal.  

• Keep in mind: Many formulas can sting or irritate the delicate under-eye area, making consistent use difficult and the risk of irritation high. Plus, this ingredient is notoriously unstable, meaning that exposure to light, air, or heat can degrade its potency, reducing its effectiveness before you’ve even cracked the bottle. 

• Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that draws water to the skin, hyaluronic acid can temporarily plump fine lines and improve hydration, making wrinkles appear less prominent.

• Keep in mind: Results are often short-lived—many formulas provide only an instant plumping effect without delivering long-term improvement in skin quality.

How to Prevent Under-Eye Wrinkles Naturally 

You know how lifestyle factors like too much sun and overindulging in alcohol can accelerate the development of under-eye wrinkles? The opposite is also true. There are things you can do in daily life that experts agree can help your eyes look smoother and stave off fine lines: 

• Wear sunscreen every day—even around the eyes. Choose a gentle, mineral-based (SPF 30 or above) formulation for sensitive areas. 

• Get consistent, high-quality sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours a night, and consider sleeping on your back to avoid compression wrinkles.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps keep your skin cells plump and elastic. Pair that with a nourishing eye cream that supports barrier repair and moisture retention.

• Eat an antioxidant-rich diet. Fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats supply your skin with vitamins and compounds that help protect against free radical damage and premature aging.

• Be gentle with your eyes. Avoid rubbing, tugging, or using harsh makeup removers that can break down collagen over time. 

• Use sunglasses and hats. Squinting into bright light can deepen expression lines over time. Sunglasses with UV protection and wide-brimmed hats are simple tools for long-term wrinkle prevention.

Under-Eye Wrinkles: The Bottom Line 

Under-eye wrinkles may be one of the earliest—and most stubborn—signs of aging, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless against them. By understanding the uniqueness of this delicate area and addressing the root causes of aging, you can take meaningful steps to prevent and correct its appearance. From daily lifestyle habits to groundbreaking technologies like platelet-derived exosomes, there are more options than ever to smooth, strengthen, and renew the look of the skin beneath your eyes. Whether you’re just starting to notice the look of fine lines or seeking for a more advanced approach, it’s never too early—or too late—to give your eyes the care they deserve.

SOURCES 

Periocular Aging Across Populations and Esthetic Considerations: A Narrative Review. (2023). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(2), 535. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14020535

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Chin, T., Lee, X. E., Ng, P. Y., Lee, Y., & Dreesen, O. (2023). The role of cellular senescence in skin aging and age-related skin pathologies. Frontiers in Physiology, 14, 1297637. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1297637 

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University of Utah Health. (n.d.). Wrinkles & volume loss. Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://healthcare.utah.edu/cosmetic/wrinkles-volume-loss