Let’s face it, we all want to look and feel our best — and our eyes are one of the first things people notice about us. Whether you’re trying to impress a potential employer, catch the eye of that special someone, or simply want to look your best, having smooth, youthful-looking eyelids can make all the difference. But as we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity, and eyelid wrinkles start to appear, particularly around the delicate skin of the eyelids.

But don’t worry; there’s no need to resign yourself to a life of sagging eyelids and crow’s feet. In this blog, we’ll explore the most effective tips for keeping your eyelids looking smooth, vibrant, and youthful. 

What Causes Eyelid Wrinkles

Tugging or pulling

The skin on the eyelid is much thinner than anywhere else on the body. When you pull, rub, or tug on the skin around your eyes, it can cause damage and lead to wrinkles. To prevent this, avoid touching or pulling on your eye area when you apply and remove makeup or insert contact lenses. Be gentle and use soft touches when applying eye creams or other products in this area.

Blinking

Blinking is a normal and necessary function of the eye, but it can contribute to crepey eyelids. This is because the thin-skinned area around the eyes is over-utilized, and this area is often the first to develop crow’s feet. To minimize the damage caused by blinking, try to avoid squinting or furrowing your brow, which can create tension and wrinkles around your eyes.

Dehydration

When your skin is dehydrated, it can exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles, including eyelid lines. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a safe and gentle anti-aging eye cream designed to moisturize the contours of the eyes. This will help keep the skin around your eyes plump and hydrated, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Sun exposure

Sun damage can accelerate aging and lead to saggy skin, particularly around the thin-skinned area of the eyes. Wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher. This will help prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of wrinkles.

How to Reduce Eyelid Wrinkles

Use a Gentle Eye Makeup Remover to Avoid Tugging

While it may be tempting to remove your eye makeup after a long night aggressively, this can cause significant damage to your lids. 

According to expert advice, the makeup products you use are not the primary cause of wrinkles, but the application and removal process can be traumatic to this sensitive skin area. Therefore, finding a makeup remover that cleanses without stripping the natural oils from your eyelids or requiring harsh scrubbing is crucial. A recommended option contains oils that gently remove makeup. 

Eyelid Exercises

To reduce eyelid wrinkles, you can target the orbicularis oculi muscles responsible for maintaining the upper and lower eyelids through a specific tightening exercise similar to yoga for your eyelids. This exercise requires a face yoga ball, placed underneath your brow bone, at the outer corner of your eye. You should lift your skin to encourage a lifting effect and then forcefully blink your eye ten times while working against the tension of the ball. This exercise should be repeated on the other side, and you should aim to perform it four times a week. 

It is important to note that while exercises like these can help tone your muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, they should be done in conjunction with other healthy habits.

More: How to Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles

Hydration

Proper hydration is crucial for keeping the skin on your face, including your eyelids, looking youthful and healthy. Drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated, and use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer around your eyes to help keep the skin hydrated. In addition, look for eye creams that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Stop smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to premature aging and the formation of wrinkles. It restricts blood flow and oxygen to the skin and produces harmful free radicals that damage skin cells. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin and overall health.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being, and it’s also important for maintaining healthy skin. When you don’t sleep enough, your skin can become dehydrated and more prone to wrinkles. So aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help keep your skin looking its best.

Limit alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of wrinkles. Alcohol also impairs the liver’s ability to process toxins, which can further damage the skin. Try to limit your alcohol consumption to moderate levels to help protect your skin and reduce the risk of wrinkles.

Healthy diet

A diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help protect your skin from damage and reduce the risk of wrinkles. Foods that are high in vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene, can help to protect the skin and improve its overall health. Aim to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to help keep your skin looking its best.

Use eyeshadows with SPF

We typically protect most areas of our face with sunscreen but often forget about our upper eyelids. To keep your eyelids protected on days when you wear eyeshadow, consider using SPF cream shadows. They offer long-lasting, highly pigmented coverage and are made with protective ingredients. 

However, it’s important to note that if you don’t wear eyeshadow every day, the protection provided by SPF eyeshadow may not be consistent. In these cases, we suggest wearing UV-blocking sunglasses to provide as much protection as possible.

Final Thoughts

Reducing the appearance of eyelid wrinkles is a complex process, as everyone’s skin responds differently. While there may not be a single solution that works for everyone, incorporating specific tips and techniques into your skincare routine can help you maintain youthful-looking skin and slow aging. It’s important to remember to be gentle and compassionate with your skin and to take a holistic approach that includes proper hydration, sun protection, a healthy diet, and regular skincare. 

If you need further guidance, don’t hesitate to call ICBR today at 1-800-826-5366 for expert advice and support.