Undereye Dark Circles, Bags And Wrinkles: Causes And Solutions

In this blog, I discuss frequently asked questions related to undereye aging that I have been asked during my 10+ years practicing dermatology in my busy, multi-location, Manhattan, NYC office Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser. I also discuss how my adm skincare eye cream, the Uplifting & Opulent eye cream, can help to protect the undereye skin from the various aging processes and slow down undereye aging.

Genetic factors contribute to the early onset and severity of aging around the eyes

If you notice a family trait of early-onset or severe aging around the eyes, don’t panic, there is hope. This blog is meant to identify the potential contributors to aging around the eyes and to provide some practical solutions to slow down the progression of the aging process. As you know, aging cannot be stopped, but with the right eye cream used over time, we can slow down the aging process.

Repeated blinking movement lead to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging

The eyelid and undereye skin are very thin and they are exposed to repeated motion anytime one blinks or makes a facial expression such as smiling, frowning, or speaking. The repeated eye skin movement caused by blinking or other facial expressions can lead to fine lines and wrinkles which over time becomes etched in the skin as deep wrinkles present at rest. Also, undereye sagging can occur as the skin loses its ability to bounce back after each facial expression

Fun fact: on average, most adults blink 19,200 times a day

On average, while awake, most adults blink about 15 to 20 times a minute. That is, 900 – 1200 times an hour or 14,400-19,200 times a day! More blinks if you do not get 8 hours of sleep in a day. That is a lot of creasing activity happening around the eyelids. No wonder, over time, the skin starts to develop etched-in lines at rest.

The muscles of facial expression (in the face and neck) are closely interconnected with the overlying skin so that slight movement of the muscles of facial expression can lead to outsized lines and creases in the skin.

Why do I get more undereye puffiness or undereye droopiness from sleepless nights?

Muscle fatigue associated with staring at one’s monitor for too long or not getting enough shut-eye can reduce the tone of the muscles of the eyelids and around the eyes and cause more skin laxity and drooping of the skin around the eyes. So, in addition to applying your eye cream two times a day, make sure you are resting your eyelid muscles by getting enough sleep.

I recommend eye creams with the following ingredients to reduce undereye puffiness or droopiness: Green Tea Extract, vitamins C and E, retinol and hyaluronic acid. Green Tea Extract is a vasoconstrictor and antioxidant which means it helps to constrict blood vessels so it can help depuff eyes and invigorate the tired muscles.

ADM Uplifing & Opulent eye cream features all the above ingredients

Why do I have undereye puffiness and undereye bags when I wake up in the morning?

While the blinking activity of the muscles of the eyelids can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity; lack of blinking while we are asleep can cause puffiness in the undereye area. Active eyelid muscles and muscles of facial expression act as a pump that prevent lymphatic fluid build-up in the eyelid skin and the face. While we are asleep, these muscles are at rest and the muscle-pump activity is reduced so, one may experience some lymphatic fluid build-up and swelling around the eyes and the face. Since the skin of the eyelids and undereye area are much thinner than the rest of the face, the fluid build-up can be more prominent under the eyes. Also, undereye puffiness can be worse if one eats a lot of salt.

I recommend eye creams with the following ingredients to reduce undereye puffiness or bags: Green Tea Extract, vitamins C and E, retinol and hyaluronic acid. Green Tea Extract is a vasoconstrictor and antioxidant which means it helps to constrict blood vessels so it can help depuff eyes.

ADM Uplifing & Opulent eye cream features all the above ingredients

Why do I have dark undereye circles that is not responding to skin bleaching creams?

Lymphatic fluid accumulation in the skin of the undereye area can also promote deposition of hemosiderin, an iron-containing protein from broken-down red blood cells, that can stain the skin. The skin stain does not respond to skin bleaching creams that target melanin production because the stain is from iron present in hemosiderin undergoing the changes of rust similar to when a cast iron skillet rusts. so, one should be proactive to prevent this staining by applying eye creams that have antioxidants at bedtime so the antioxidants can react with free radicals.

I recommend eye creams with the following ingredients to reduce undereye dark circles: Green Tea Extract, vitamins C and E, retinol and hyaluronic acid. Green Tea Extract, Vitamins C and E and retinol function as antioxidants that help to prevent the rust changes from progressing in hemosiderin which means, no dark unsightly marks.

ADM Uplifing & Opulent eye cream features all the above ingredients

Why do I have undereye hollowing?

As we age, the bone of the face undergoes remodeling and some bone loss may occur, especially if one is Vitamin D deficient. Darker skin individuals are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency because the melanin in the skin reduces vitamin D synthesis in the skin from sun exposure. Over time, the bone loss of the eye socket can manifest as hollowing of the undereye area.

I recommend a visit to your doctor to check your Vitamin D blood level. If your vitamin D levels are low, your doctor may prescribe Vitamin D3 supplementation or they may recommend an over the counter version of Vitamin D3. A word about vitamin D supplements: make sure you take Vitamin D3 and not Vitamin D2 because Vitamin D2 has to be converted into Vitamin D3 in the body in order for it to be absorbed by the body.