The Problem
The area around your eyes is one of the most sensitive patches of skin that you have. This explains why this area is especially prone to lines under the eyes, and why these lines can be especially difficult to treat. Many people will find that lines under eyes are some of the first face wrinkles that they spot. Furthermore, lines under eyes can be some of the most noticeable, causing friends and family to ask if you’ve been having trouble sleeping or if you’re feeling ok. Lines under eyes can be the result of lifestyle habits as well as genetics. While some people are certainly more prone to lines under eyes than others, how you take care of yourself can also make a difference. For example, late nights and a bad night’s sleep can increase lines under eyes, as can excessive alcohol consumption, which interferes with blood flow to the delicate capillaries under the eyes. Similarly, habitual cigarette smoking exposes the under eyes to wrinkle-causing free radicals from the smoke. Some individuals are also prone to allergies and eye irritation, which leads to excessive rubbing of the eyes. Not surprisingly, in these cases, rubbing this sensitive area of skin can increase lines under eyes.
The Solution
Individuals troubled by lines under eyes can take several steps to try and alleviate the problem. For starters, cutting back on drinking and smoking will sooth capillaries under the eyes, which will help with dark circles and lines under eyes. If you notice that you frequently rub your eyes, either due to allergies or just as a habit, try to avoid this behavior. Again, rubbing your under eyes can lead to lines under eyes, so try to avoid this as much as possible.
But sometimes you change your behavior and still notice lines under eyes. If that’s true, then it’s probably time to look into assistance. While there are surgical procedures for droopy eyes or puffy under eyes, there is less that can be done in the operating room for lines under eyes. Instead, look for a topical treatment that contains collagen-boosting ingredients. In the past couple of years, huge advances have been made in the study of collagen. This has led to the develop of ingredients like the peptide Matrixyl 3000, which has been shown to measurably boost the body’s collagen production. This, in turn, will noticeably decrease wrinkles when used diligently.
Finally, find a gentle sun screen to use around your eyes. Many cheaper sun screens could sting and cause irritation, so read the ingredient list carefully. Be especially cautious about purchasing any product with parabens, since these cheap preservatives can cause irritation, especially when they come into contact with sensitive skin.