Wrinkles under the eyes|Doctors explain the causes, treatment and home care for each type of wrinkles.

"I'm concerned about the wrinkles under my eyes and want to understand what causes them and what I can do about them."
"I want to know how to reduce or prevent wrinkles under my eyes."
"I'd like to know which aesthetic treatments are effective for wrinkles under the eyes."

Hello. I am a doctor at the cosmetic dermatology practice Smart Skin Clinic.

Do any of these concerns about under-eye wrinkles sound familiar?

In this article, we explain the types, causes, and treatments of under-eye wrinklesfrom the professional perspective of an aesthetic dermatology clinic,in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
If under-eye wrinkles trouble you, we hope you find this helpful.

Supervisor Information

Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group

IshiiIshii KotaKota

Career

Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine

Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities

Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo

Affiliations / Qualifications

Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society

Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine

Wrinkles under the eyes are caused by a combination of factors, including dryness, UV exposure, age-related collagen loss, and habits such as frequent blinking or facial expressions. Depending on the cause and the depth of the wrinkles, treatment options range from home care focused on moisturizing to aesthetic medical procedures such as fillers, hydrating injections, and thread lifts; therefore, it is important to first identify the specific type of wrinkle. At Smart Skin Clinic, with locations in Jimbocho and Yokohama, our doctors will first identify the underlying cause before recommending a treatment plan. On this page, our doctors explain the causes, treatment options, pricing, and downtime. Please also see our pages on Plural Silk and Ice Red for related procedures.

Overview of under-eye wrinkles

Under-eye wrinkles fall into four main types.They can be divided into the following categories.
We have summarized the cause of each type, along with home care and effective treatments.

*If you only want to know about home care and treatments,you can jump to the section you'd like to read from the table of contents.

Type	fine lines	Expression wrinkles	Deep wrinkles	Sagging wrinkles
Features	Fine, crepe-like, shallow	Appear along with facial expressions	Visible even without expression; deeply set	Appear along with sagging skin
Main Causes	Dryness	Habitual facial expressions	Aging UV rays	Aging Skin laxity Weakening of the orbicularis oculi muscle
Home care	Moisturizing Reviewing your skincare	Relaxing muscle tension	UV protection	Orbicularis oculi muscle training
Treatment	Iontophoresis Topical tretinoin Sunekos injection Sunekos Performa injection Jalupro Classic injection Pluryal Silk injection	Botulinum toxin injection	Gouri injection Juvelook Volume (Lenisna) injection PRPF therapy	Profhilo injection

Types of under-eye wrinkles

Here we describe the characteristics of under-eye wrinkles by type.

Fine wrinkles (epidermal wrinkles)

Fine wrinkles under the eyes are also called "dry wrinkles" or "crepe wrinkles."

The main cause is dryness.When the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, lacks moisture, it loses elasticity and shallow wrinkles form on the surface. The eye area is said to be the first place where signs of aging appear, and fine wrinkles can be seen even in younger people.

If addressed early, improvement can be expected; however, if left for a long time they tend to develop into deep wrinkles, so early care is important.

Expression wrinkles

As the name suggests, expression wrinkles are formed by the movement of the facial muscles used to make expressions. Wrinkles at the corners of the eyes are also known as "laugh lines."

The cause is repeating the same expressions, such as habitual facial movements. When the same areas of skin are folded repeatedly, wrinkles form, and they tend to become deeper and more noticeable with age.

Deep wrinkles (dermal wrinkles)

Unlike shallow fine wrinkles on the skin's surface, deep wrinkles are deeply etched. Unlike expression wrinkles, which appear only when you make a facial expression, deep wrinkles are visible even when your face is at rest.

Deep wrinkles are caused by a decline in collagen and elastin, which maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness, as well as by changes in the skin's structure itself. They often appear naturally with age and are also influenced by external factors such as UV rays, smoking, and dryness.

Sagging wrinkles

As deep wrinkles progress, they can develop into sagging wrinkles.

The cause is that changes in the structure of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue reduce support, allowing the skin to droop. These changes occur not only in the skin but also from within, involving the bones and muscles.

They are especially likely to appear in areas of thin skin, such as around the eyes, and under-eye "eye bags" are one example.

Structures around the eyes that affect under-eye wrinkles

Wrinkles tend to form under the eyes because this area has the following three characteristics.

The skin under the eyes is very thin—only about one-third the thickness of skin elsewhere.With age, the dermis becomes even thinner, collagen decreases, and the elastin structure becomes disorganized, resulting in a loss of firmness and elasticity.

Also,It secretes little sebum and is therefore prone to dryness.Normally, the epidermis—the outermost layer of the skin—acts as a natural barrier that keeps the skin hydrated. However, because the skin around the eyes is thin and produces little sebum, it dries out and is damaged more easily than other areas.

Furthermore, unlike the muscles of the body, facial muscles sit just beneath the skin. Improper massage carries a risk of the muscles sliding downward along with the skin and causing sagging, so care is needed.

Causes of under-eye wrinkles

Under-eye wrinkles have internal causes such as aging and lifestyle, and external causes such as friction and UV rays.

Dryness

Dry skin is a condition in which the skin lacks moisture and sebum. The structure of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer, becomes disordered and prone to flaking, disrupting the skin's texture. This reduces how much light is reflected, leading to fine wrinkles, dullness, and roughness.

In addition, using cleansers with strong cleansing power to remove makeup can strip away the moisture and sebum the skin needs.

Friction

When friction damages the delicate skin around the eyes, it weakens the barrier function that protects the skin, leading to wrinkles.

For example, do you do any of the following?

• Rubbing around the eyes when removing makeup or doing skincare
• Pulling at the outer corner of the eye when applying eyeliner
• Having a habit of scratching around the eyes
• Rinsing your face in the shower when washing it

For the skin around the eyes, makeup removal and shower pressure are also a burden, increasing the risk of wrinkles and blemishes.

If you have allergies and tend to scratch because of itching, inflammation and dryness can raise the risk of wrinkles, so address it early.

Eye strain

Eye strain is something most people feel in today's world.

Prolonged close-up work, such as using a computer or looking at a smartphone, makes the muscles that adjust the eye's focus tense and fatigued. Tense muscles cause poor circulation, creating a vicious cycle in which oxygen and nutrients fail to reach the skin, waste is not properly removed, and firmness and moisture are lost.

In addition, conditions such as ptosis (drooping eyelids) or an asymmetry of the orbicularis oculi muscle can cause wrinkles to form on only one eye.

Habitual facial expressions

Wrinkles are etched by habitual expressions. Do you have any of the following habits?

• Scrunching up your face when you smile
• A habit of opening your eyes wide or straining them
• A habit of squeezing your eyes shut
• A habit of resting your chin on your hand

Resting your chin on your hand is not related to facial expressions, but it may cause wrinkles to form around the eyes.

Ultraviolet rays

UV rays cause not only blemishes but all kinds of skin aging, including wrinkles and sagging.

Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to wrinkles.

UVA reaches the dermis and degrades elastin and collagen, which maintain skin elasticity, leading to deep wrinkles and sagging wrinkles. UVB reaches the epidermis, acts on melanocytes to cause spots and freckles, and depletes moisture in the stratum corneum, leading to fine wrinkles.

Aging

It's easy to imagine that wrinkles increase with age.

Specifically, as you get older, the moisture content around the eyes decreases, making wrinkles more likely to form, and turnover slows, making wrinkles harder to improve.

In addition, firmness and elasticity are lost, leading to deep wrinkles. Furthermore, as fat, muscle, and bone atrophy, the overlying skin becomes excess, making wrinkles more noticeable.

Lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep and poor nutrition

Insufficient sleep and an unbalanced diet can lead to wrinkles.

During sleep, the secretion of growth hormone becomes active, repairing the skin damage sustained during the day. With insufficient sleep, growth hormone is not adequately produced, metabolism is disrupted, and the skin goes unrepaired, resulting in dryness.

You probably know that water, vitamins, minerals, and protein are essential for beautiful skin, but be careful not to consume too much animal fat. When cholesterol rises and circulation worsens, nutrients struggle to reach the skin, leading to wrinkles.

Home care for under-eye wrinkles

There are some things you can do yourself to address under-eye wrinkles. Here are some specific ways to care for them.

Extend your moisturizing routine to include eye cream.

What cosmetics can do for wrinkles is moisturize.
Many cosmetics contain ingredients that can help prevent wrinkles caused by dryness. Make good use of them.

Some people avoid milky lotion or cream because they dislike the texture, but this is a real shame. Lotion alone does not retain moisture well; only by supplementing with the oils in milky lotion or cream can moisture loss be prevented. Follow the recommended amount, since too little causes friction and too much can clog pores.

Of course, incorporate an eye serum or cream regardless of your age.

Recommended skincare ingredients

Some cosmetics are medicated products (quasi-drugs) that contain a set amount of wrinkle-improving active ingredients approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.It is a good idea to incorporate them into your daily skincare routine.

retinol	A type of vitamin A. It may be especially effective for dry wrinkles and deep wrinkles.   Promotes collagen production Promotes epidermal turnover Increases skin thickness
niacinamide	Vitamin B3. It may help with dry wrinkles and deep wrinkles and can also support a brightening effect.   Promotes collagen production Prevents dryness by promoting ceramide production Anti-inflammatory action
Niacinamide	A skincare ingredient primarily aimed at improving wrinkles. It may help with dry wrinkles and deep wrinkles.   Activates fibroblasts and promotes skin turnover Moisturizes and improves skin flexibility Antioxidant action
Rice Power Extract No. 11+	An ingredient created through rice brewing and fermentation technology. It works on the epidermis, basement membrane, and dermis, and may help with dry wrinkles and deep wrinkles.   Increases epidermal hyaluronic acid Promotes dermal collagen production Suppresses the secretion of enzymes that break down dermal collagen and basement membrane collagen

Cleansing and washing your face without friction

Perform your skincare with as little friction as possible.Scrubbing damages the barrier function through friction, making wrinkles more likely to form from dryness.

Use makeup remover generously so there is no drag on the skin, and cleanse gently, letting the foam lift away impurities. Since rinsing with hot water causes dryness, lukewarm water is recommended. When drying your face, gently press with a soft towel.

UV protection is essential year-round

UV rays reach us all year. Regardless of the weather, protection is needed every day..

Because UVA passes through both windows and clouds,apply sunscreen as part of your skincare even on days spent indoors.Rather than simply applying it, place small dots first and then spread them to avoid friction.

In addition, when going out, protect yourself with a parasol, hat, and sunglasses.

Rest and warm your eyes

For tired eyes, warming them to stimulate blood flow and taking regular breaks to relax the muscles can help.

Orbicularis oculi muscle training

Simply moving your eyes up, down, left, and right can also serve as training.
Note that while massage can help stimulate blood and lymph flow, doing it too forcefully can actually increase wrinkles. Perform it under the guidance of a specialist.

Treatments for under-eye wrinkles

Here we introduce treatments for under-eye wrinkles.

Early fine wrinkles can be addressed to some extent with moisturizing, but skincare has its limits when it comes to improving deep wrinkles. Choose an option that suits your condition.

Item	Ion implantation	Topical tretinoin	SUNEKOS injection	suneKOS performa injection	Jalupro Classic injection	Pluryal Silk injection	Botulinum toxin injection	Juvelook Volume (Lenisna) Injection	PRPF therapy	Gouri injection	profhilo injection
fine lines	○	○	○	○	○	○					○
Expression wrinkles							○
Deep wrinkles								○	○	○	○
Sagging wrinkles									○		○
Treatment description	Delivers skincare ingredients into the skin	Applies a vitamin A derivative to the affected area	Injects a formulation based on non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and amino acids	Injects an evolved Sunekos formulation blended in a patented ratio	Injects a formulation based on non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and amino acids	Injects a formulation based on salmon-derived polynucleotides	Injects a botulinum toxin formulation into the muscle	Injects a formulation combining non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid	Injects the patient's own platelets with added FGF (growth factor)	Injects a liquefied formulation of PCL (polycaprolactone)	Injects a formulation combining high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid
Effect	Hydration	Promotes turnover and improves firmness	Moisturizes and promotes collagen production	Moisturizes, promotes turnover, and promotes collagen production	Moisturizes, promotes turnover, and promotes collagen production	Moisturizes, promotes collagen production, and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action	Suppresses muscle movement	Promotes collagen production and improves firmness and radiance	Promotes collagen production, moisturizes, and promotes turnover	Promoting collagen production	Moisturizes, improves firmness and elasticity, and adds natural volume
When the effect appears	immediate	After a few weeks	After a few days	After a few days	A few days later; peaks after a few weeks	A few days after the procedure	1 to 2 weeks later	After 2 to 3 weeks	Gradually	Gradually from a few days later	A few days to a few weeks later; peaks after about one month
Duration of effect	A few days to a week	Effect is sustained with continued use	6 to 9 months	6 to 9 months	6 to 9 months	6 to 12 months	3 to 6 months	1 to 2 years	5 years or more	6 months to 1 year	6 months to 1 year
Downtime	Almost none	Mild redness and peeling	24 hours / pain, redness, swelling, bruising	24 hours / pain, redness, swelling, bruising	24 hours / pain, redness, swelling, itching, bruising	A few days / pain, redness, swelling	Mild swelling and redness for 1 to 2 days	24 hours / pain, redness, swelling, bruising	A few days / redness, swelling	24 hours / redness, bumps, bruising	24 hours / puffiness, redness, swelling, bruising

Ion implantation

This technique uses an electric current to deliver skincare ingredients deeper into the skin than applying them by hand.
It involves no downtime, works quickly, and combines easily with other treatments. Effects vary depending on the agent used.

Topical tretinoin

Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that works on the skin's metabolism to help improve wrinkles. It promotes cell turnover and collagen production.

In the early stages of use, side effects known as the "A-reaction"—such as redness, peeling, and dryness—may appear. Use it appropriately under a physician's guidance.

SUNEKOS injection

Sunekos is a formulation composed mainly of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and six amino acids.

It hydrates dry skin and promotes collagen production to enhance firmness and elasticity. It is especially effective for improving dark circles and fine wrinkles under the eyes, and is well suited to those seeking a natural-looking result.

suneKOS performa injection

Specialized in improving dark circles and fine wrinkles around the eyes,the evolved version of Sunekos.It is an injectable formulation. It offers improved efficacy and longevity compared with conventional Sunekos.

It is effective for improving dark circles and fine wrinkles around the eyes, with clinical trial results showing that dark circles under the eyes improved by an average of 60% after four injections.

Jalupro Classic injection

Jalupro is an injectable formulation composed mainly of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and amino acids that promotes skin repair and regeneration.

There are three types—Jalupro Classic, Jalupro HMW, and Jalupro Super Hydro—and Jalupro Classic is recommended for under-eye wrinkles.

Pluryal Silk injection

Pluryal Silk is an injectable based on salmon-derived polynucleotides (PN).

By enhancing the skin's self-repair ability and promoting collagen production, it improves skin elasticity and firmness for a natural rejuvenating effect. It is especially suited to delicate areas such as around the eyes and mouth.

Botulinum toxin injection

Using an ultra-fine needle, a small amount of botulinum toxin (Botox) is injected into the muscles that cause under-eye wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin injections can reduce wrinkles by temporarily suppressing muscle movement, smoothing the skin and making wrinkles less noticeable.

Juvelook Volume (Lenisna) Injection

Juvelook Volume (Lenisna) is an injectable that combines non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid with polylactic acid (PDLLA).

Its particles are larger than those of Juvelook, so it works deeper in the skin and can be expected to add volume. It promotes the production of collagen and elastin and is effective for deep wrinkles.

PRPF therapy

PRPF therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses a preparation combining PRP therapy with added FGF (growth factor).PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, a concentrated and activated form of the platelets in your own blood.

It promotes natural regeneration of your own tissue and can help improve wrinkles, sagging, skin indentations, and dark circles, making it a good option for those who are hesitant about injecting foreign substances.

Particularly noteworthy are its long-term effects.

Gouri Injection

Gouri injection is a liquefied injectable preparation containing PCL (polycaprolactone) that is effective for lifting and improving sagging skin. PCL is used as a medical thread and, as it is absorbed by the body, promotes collagen and elastin production.

It is especially effective for wrinkles, sagging, and lifting around the eyes, with 3 to 4 sessions recommended at intervals of about one month.

profhilo injection

Profhilo injection contains high concentrations of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid.

Aimed at overall skin rejuvenation, its high moisturizing effect can help with dry wrinkles, while its actions—such as supporting tissue repair and regulating cell proliferation and differentiation—can help with deep wrinkles and sagging wrinkles.

Makeup to camouflage wrinkles

When you want to hide wrinkles right away, there are ways to temporarily camouflage them with makeup.

1. First, moisturize thoroughly with skincare.
2. Choose a luminous (dewy) primer, which uses light to diffuse and disguise wrinkles.
3. Apply a small amount of a soft-textured, high-coverage foundation or concealer to the center of the face. Applying it thickly to hide wrinkles actually makes the makeup break down more easily, and it collects in the wrinkles, making them more noticeable.
4. Finally, apply highlighter to catch the light.

What you can do to maintain the results of under-eye wrinkle treatment

To maintain the results of under-eye wrinkle treatment, you need not only the treatment itself but also proper preparation beforehand and appropriate care afterward.

Choose a clinic you can trust.

Clinics differ in the procedures they specialize in and their treatment approaches.
Compare case photos, reviews, and reasonable pricing structures on websites and social media.

Pain and downtime also vary depending on the formulation and the needle used. We recommend checking resources such as doctors' columns in advance.

On top of that, it's reassuring to be able to discuss any questions at your consultation until you feel fully satisfied.

Receive regular maintenance

Aesthetic dermatology treatments tend to feel more effective the more consistently you continue them. It's important to choose a clinic based not only on the initial fee, but also on ease of access and availability of appointments, with ongoing treatment in mind.

Building a foundation that resists wrinkles through healthy living

No matter how good the treatment, if your skin or body is in poor condition, not only may the treatment be ineffective—it could even cause skin problems.

First, review your lifestyle.

Lack of sleep and an irregular diet can lead to under-eye wrinkles. By balancing your nutrition, incorporating moderate exercise such as walking, and building a healthy body as a foundation, you'll find it easier to feel the effects of various treatments and home care.

FAQ

What treatments remove wrinkles around the eyes?

Depending on the type of wrinkle, there are various treatments available, including botulinum toxin injections and Profhilo injections.

Botox or hyaluronic acid—which do you recommend for wrinkles?

Botox (botulinum toxin injection) is recommended for expression wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid injections and hyaluronic acid–containing options such as Jalupro Classic or Profhilo injections are recommended for fine wrinkles and deep wrinkles.

Who is prone to under-eye wrinkles?

For example, people with accumulated eye strain, those with dry skin, and those who touch the eye area excessively.

Is there an eye cream that improves under-eye wrinkles?

There are medicated cosmetics that contain ingredients approved for a "wrinkle-improving" effect.

Does Vaseline help with under-eye wrinkles?

Vaseline has no wrinkle-improving effect. It is a moisturizing agent that forms a protective film on the skin's surface to protect it from external irritation and help retain moisture.

Which concealer won't settle into wrinkles?

Choose one with a soft texture. A hard concealer can settle into wrinkles and actually make them more noticeable.

For under-eye wrinkles, turn to Smart Skin Clinic

There are various types of under-eye wrinkles, and the most effective approach differs depending on your symptoms.

While there are cosmetics containing active ingredients for wrinkles, unfortunately some wrinkles cannot be improved through home care. Those seeking quick results, or wanting to improve wrinkles ahead of an important event, may want to choose a treatment that takes into account how soon the effects appear and how long they last.

In any case, the first step is to assess the condition of your own wrinkles.

If you'd like to learn about the condition of your under-eye wrinkles, suitable treatments, and home care, please come in for a free consultation. Our aesthetic dermatologists will suggest the best approach for you.

Please rest assured that there is no pushy sales.