With the skin under the eye being so delicate, it’s no wonder it’s prone to thinning, sagging, and the effects of premature aging. The area around and under the eyes is one of the first areas to age. If you’re wondering how to thicken the skin under your eyes, it might be time to revamp your skincare routine or make some lifestyle changes.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to fix and repair thinning skin around the eyes.
What Causes Thin Skin Under Your Eyes?
Understanding the causes is important before figuring out how to improve the under-eye skin. Thin skin under the eyes can be caused by different factors, including but not limited to the following:
Lack of Sleep
Sleep is vital for our general well-being, but it's especially crucial for the skin around our eyes. Irregular sleeping patterns can cause puffiness, dark circles, and thin skin. After your PM skincare routine, the most important thing you can do is sleep!
Genes
Unfortunately, we can’t fight genetics. Our genes play a huge role in our skin, which extends to the skin around and under our eyes. If you notice everyone on your dad’s side seems to have thinner skin under their eyes, then you may be genetically predisposed to thin skin.
Medications
Over time, the skin can become thin due to certain drugs such as aspirin, blood thinners, and corticosteroids. However, it’s always important to take medication as directed. If you’re concerned about the potential effects of these drugs on your eyes, consult your doctor. Otherwise, incorporate antioxidant-rich, hydrating, and amino acid-based ingredients into your eye-care arsenal.
Skin Inflammation
Skin inflammation can occur for different reasons. It can be a medical condition, allergens, stress, or pollution. Prolonged inflammation decreases collagen production. When collagen production dives, our skin begins to thin, including the skin under our eyes. It can also cause excessive and visible surface dryness.
Smoking
Smoking can be catastrophic for collagen production since it cuts off blood circulation. When blood flow to the skin is compromised, the skin begins to thin. If you’re looking to restore collagen under your eyes, the number one thing you should do is stop smoking if you’re an avid smoker. In addition, smoking can also cause dryness.
Symptoms of Thin Skin Under Your Eyes
While the skin around and under your eyes is naturally thin, it can be thinner than usual because of the previously mentioned causes. Here are the signs and symptoms you may be dealing with thinner-than-usual skin under your eyes:
- Sensitivity
- Looks translucent
- Irritation
- Redness
- Easily wrinkled
- Easily dehydrated
If you suspect that the skin under your eyes is notably thin, there are effective ways to address and care for it.
6 Effective Ways to Care For the Skin Under Your Eye
Now that we’ve established what causes thin skin and what it looks like, the next step to tackling your skincare concern is creating a routine and self-care tips to thicken the skin. Here are our top ways to effectively care for the skin under your eyes.
Use Products That Contain Retinoids
Retinoids are considered all-star ingredients in the skincare world for a reason. Their ability to smooth skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, heal breakouts and lessen fine lines and wrinkles make them powerhouses for all skin concerns. Retinoids under the eye can help stimulate collagen production and ultimately thicken the skin. On how to puff up under the eyes, retinoids and targeted age-defying systems should be your first choice.
Get Enough Rest
Thickening the skin under your eyes should always start with getting enough rest. As previously mentioned, irregular sleeping patterns can visibly affect your eyes. Therefore, you should analyze your sleeping patterns if you’re wondering how to repair damaged skin under your eyes. Aim for seven to nine hours nightly for optimal eye health and wellness.
Always Moisturize Your Skin
Without a healthy skin barrier, your skin cannot protect itself against photoaging and environmental aggressors. Regularly moisturizing ensures that your skin is supple enough to fight oxidative stress. Solvaderm’s Infusoderm Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer nourishes with sugar technology and climate-resistant snow algae, while cloudberry and caffeine provide long-lasting antioxidant protection.
Use Sunscreen
Let’s face it, a skincare routine is useless without sunscreen. By not protecting your skin against harmful UV rays, you’re exposing it to premature aging and potential skin cancer. Skipping SPF around the eye is one of the quickest ways to thin and age the skin. Dermaxsol Dermal Defense Moisturizer contains mineral SPF30, glycerin, and beeswax to cushion the gentle skin around the eye while providing foolproof sun protection.
Use Eye Cream
Eye cream should be essential in every skincare routine. The skin around your eye is already extremely delicate, and when it’s dry, it’s prone to damage and thinning. Using eye cream daily is one of the most surefire ways to thicken and add that under-eye plump factor. Our Eyevage Anti-aging Eye Cream visibly decreases signs of aging and halts further premature aging. According to reviews, most users noticed a significant reduction in dark circles around their eyes within just four weeks.
Schedule In-office Treatments
If you’ve exhausted all your options and are still having trouble with how to smooth under-eye skin and finally thicken it once and for all, it might be time to schedule an in-office treatment and speak to a medical professional.
Possible in-office treatments may include:
- Dermal fillers
- Laser resurfacing treatments
- Microneedling
FAQs: How to Thicken Your Skin Under Your Eyes
Why is the skin under my eyes getting thin?
The skin under your eyes can get thinner due to irregular sleep patterns, genetics, or certain medications. If you’re wondering how to puff up your under eyes, start using a retinoid and making necessary lifestyle changes, like stopping smoking.
How can I regain collagen under my eyes?
If you want to restore collagen under your eyes, wear sun protection, use products that stimulate collagen production, and prioritize sleep. If your symptoms are more severe, it might be time to consult a medical professional.
Key Takeaways
Caring for your body is what skincare is all about – and that includes your eyes! Although the skin under our eyes is incredibly delicate, it doesn’t have to be. Thickening the skin under your eyes starts with using the right products and making lifestyle changes. Our eyes say so much about us, so caring for them diligently is a part of self-care.
Melissa Feldman
Melissa Feldman lives in Toronto, Canada and works as an independent research writer. She has undergraduate degrees in both Teaching and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Immigration. Melissa is skilled at writing compelling articles and producing academic, marketing, and creative content. She writes about a range of lifestyle topics, including health, fitness, beauty and nutrition. She has more than two decades of experience reviewing and editing publications intended for both public and professional audiences.
