by Susan Isom

You’ve probably researched “how to get rid of wrinkles and dark circles under eyes” on more than one occasion, and you’d do almost anything to get rid of them. These wrinkles around the eyes are referred to as “crow’s feet” when the skin in this area becomes drier, thinner and less elastic. These early signs of aging appear around the eyes for most in their mid-30s. The result, we lose our skin’s suppleness and firmness and the skin will look shapeless and timeworn.

Cause of wrinkles

It may be hereditary or due to the continuous movements of the eyes in the form of blinking, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and sagging of the skin. However, appearance of these wrinkles is a cause of worry for many, especially women.  

Surprisingly the skin on our face is durable, tough and even resilient for the most part, but the area around the eyes is extremely delicate and not near as resilient as the rest of our face. The skin around our eyes is fragile because of the minimal cushion or subcutaneous fat beneath our skin that would normally provide that added support the eyes need. Taking preventative measures and using at home products can greatly help and reduce the signs of aging round the eyes.

Dark circles

Truth is, your eye puffiness and darkness could be inherited. “There is a strong genetic component to dark circles which is a mix of tear through hollowing and periorbital hyperpigmentation. Aside from the normal wear-and-tear, age, fatigue and allergies, in most cases, these are no cause for concern and do not require medical attention. 

Preventive measures

You can’t prevent your eyes from aging, but you can slow age-related damage by taking care of your eye health. Again, the skin around our eyes does not hydrate itself. It badly needs our help to keep it looking young and healthy.

Increase water intake: As dehydration is one of the reasons behind the formation of wrinkles, drinking enough water can moisturize your skin and reduce the wrinkles.

Avoid squinting: Repetitive movements of the facial muscles can lead to wrinkles. Over time, these wrinkles deepen more and more as the muscles that control our expressions thicken from use.

Get beauty sleep: Being overtired can increase eyestrain. If you get enough sleep, your eyes will be refreshed along with the rest of your body. At least eight hours of sleep is needed, for the body to undertake repair of damaged skin cells. It has also been suggested that facial wrinkles may get reduced by sleeping on the back, rather than on the sides.

Non-surgical treatments

The most popular non-surgical treatment is Botox injections. Correction with Botox is very natural and most patients feel that they have a more wide-eyed, rested and less angry appearance after the procedure. These treatments last an average of three to four months on crow’s feet. After repeated injections, the results may be even longer lasting. Effects of Botox become apparent in the first seven to nine days after treatment. 

Hyaluronic fillers like Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Vollure — which are FDA-approved — will help to add volume and fullness to the mid-face, and respectively could help fix the hollows of the under eye area, at least for one to two years after the treatment.

Surgical treatment

A blepharoplasty (or eyelid lift) is an operation on either the upper or the lower eyelids designed to remove excess skin and fat. It is one of the most common operations performed by cosmetic surgeons. In the upper eyelid, a blepharoplasty is designed primarily to improve the aged, tired appearance caused by the redundant fold of skin that descends over the eyelid with age. In the lower eyelid, a blepharoplasty tightens the skin and muscle and removes the excess fat or “bag.” It takes about a week to recover and is the most affordable cosmetic procedure. 

At-home product

Under eye skin is among the thinnest on the body and is easily neglected in basic skin care, so any trauma or irritation can cause skin inflammation. It is also difficult to keep the eye area supple because the skin around our eyes does not produce oil. This fact results in dehydration and it is easier for this area to get wrinkles.

Retinoid or Retinol are clinically proven to fight the signs of aging skin and help restructure the delicate eye area. They also help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles.

Tensage Stem Cell Eye Cream is a rich, nourishing formulation that helps combat multiple signs of aging around the eyes — like crow’s feet, dark circles and under eye puffiness. Additional ingredients include caffeine, peptides, antioxidants, soothing botanical extracts, brightening agents, sodium hyaluronate and retinol.

There are no overnight solutions to the problem of under eye wrinkles. Most treatments and products involve varying degrees of commitment and discomfort. Before you commit to a procedure or treatment, make sure you understand the differences and what options are available for your skin type, lifestyle and necessity.