Are those crepey under eyes making you feel like age is catching up faster than you’d like? This sensitive area is usually the first to show signs of aging, sometimes even as early as your 30s or 40s.
But don’t worry—there are plenty of daily habits and treatments, from hydrating skincare to lifestyle changes, that can help you prevent or reduce the appearance of crepey under eyes.
In this Anti-Aging Beauty Zone guide, we’ll explore what crepey under-eye skin is, including its causes and how to prevent it. Plus, check out our treatment options page for 7 effective at-home natural remedies that deliver results.
What is crepey eye skin: how do you know you have it?
Recognizing the Signs
Crepey under eye skin is characterized by a delicate, wrinkled texture beneath your eyes. It looks like thin, crinkled paper, with fine lines and a bit of sagging. This area is particularly prone to crepiness due to its thinner skin.
Wondering if the texture under your eyes is just dry skin or something more? Crepey skin has a distinct look:
- fine lines that create a crinkly texture
- a noticeable thinning of the skin
- a lack of elasticity
It’s like the skin under your eyes has lost its bounce, leaving it looking fragile and delicate. If the area under your eyes seems more creased and less firm than before, you might be dealing with crepey skin.
How It’s Different from Wrinkles
Crepey skin is often confused with regular wrinkles, but it’s more about a widespread, paper-like texture rather than deep lines. It tends to show up in the areas that move the most—like your eyelids and under your eyes—making these spots the first to reveal signs of aging. This crepey texture can make you look tired, even when you’re well-rested.
Common Areas Beyond the Eyes
Though the under-eye area is a common spot, crepey skin can also affect your eyelids, neck, and even your arms. But because the skin around your eyes is so thin and sensitive, it’s often the first to show these changes, prompting many to seek solutions.
What are the causes of crepey eye skin?
Understanding the causes helps you figure out a solution that works for YOU.
Aging
As we age, our skin naturally loses its firmness and elasticity due to a decline in collagen and elastin production. This change is often the biggest culprit behind the crepey texture, especially under the eyes. The skin becomes thinner and more delicate, making it prone to fine lines and sagging.
Environmental Causes
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can break down collagen faster, leading to premature aging. Pollution and harsh weather also contribute by weakening the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to damage and dehydration.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to developing crepey skin due to their genes. If your family has a history of early skin aging or thin skin, you might notice crepey texture earlier than others. Unfortunately, I fall into this category. I started seeing crepey skin in my late 20s!
Hormonal Changes
Menopause and other hormonal shifts can accelerate the loss of collagen and elasticity, making the skin under your eyes appear looser and more fragile. Hormones play a big role in maintaining skin’s structure, and any imbalance can have visible effects.
Lifestyle Habits
Certain lifestyle habits can accelerate skin aging. Smoking diminishes blood flow to the skin and depletes essential nutrients, contributing to crepiness. A poor diet lacking in key vitamins and antioxidants can also make your skin more susceptible to damage. Additionally, alcohol consumption exacerbates skin issues by causing dehydration and inflammation, further contributing to a crepey texture. It’s like throwing a wrench into your skin’s natural repair processes.
Hydration and Moisture
Keeping your skin well-hydrated is crucial. Dry skin loses its flexibility and can more easily develop a crepey texture. Moisturizers and hydrating treatments help maintain plumpness and smoothness.
Prevention: How can you stop crepey eyes from getting worse?
Prevention is underrated! Everyone is always looking for a “fix” but taking preventive steps is essential to getting good results. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Targeted Skincare Routine
Whether you’re 36 or 63, an anti-aging skincare routine is a must! Incorporate anti-aging staples like retinols and AHAs into your daily routine to combat crepey skin. These ingredients boost cell turnover and smooth fine lines, while regular cleansing and moisturizing keep the delicate eye area hydrated and healthy.
Gentle Cleansing
Using a mild cleanser is a must. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin’s natural oils, making it more prone to that crepey texture. Choose something gentle to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Sun Protection
You’re never too young to use a daily shield against UV damage. Go for a broad-spectrum SPF (and high PA rating) and don’t skip the sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
Healthy Diet
Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy diet for maintaining youthful skin. While avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol is important, your diet plays a crucial role too. Simple carbs and sugar are notorious for breaking down collagen. Dr. Mamina Turegano puts it clearly: “Excess sugar causes glycation, which damages collagen and elastin, leading to crepey skin and wrinkles.” Focus on incorporating anti-aging foods for healthy skin into your diet.
Beauty Sleep
Sleep rejuvenates your skin by allowing your body to repair itself, helping maintain a fresh and youthful appearance. For crepey under-eye skin, use hydrating overnight masks. They work while you sleep, delivering deep nourishment and leaving your skin smoother and more refreshed by morning.
crepey under eye causes & prevention: Myths and Misconceptions
When it comes to crepey under eye skin, there are many myths and misconceptions that can lead you astray. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones:
Myth 1: Only Skincare Products Can Prevent Crepey Under-Eye Skin
Reality: Preventing crepey under-eye skin requires more than just effective creams. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins, along with a low-sugar, low-carb intake, supports collagen production and skin elasticity. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and proper hydration, these factors help maintain firm, smooth under-eye skin.
Myth 2: Expensive Products Are Always Better
Reality: Price doesn’t always equal quality. High-end products can sometimes be overpriced with minimal added benefits. The key is the quality and concentration of active ingredients, not the brand name. Look for products with proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, which can be found in both high-end and drugstore brands.
Myth 3: One-Time Treatments Can Fix Crepey Under Eye Skin
Reality: Crepey skin results from long-term skin changes, so it can’t be fixed with a single treatment. Effective skincare is about consistent, ongoing care. Regular use of appropriate eye creams, daily sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle contribute to long-lasting improvements.
Myth 4: Only Heavy Creams Can Moisturize Enough
Reality: While rich creams can help, they aren’t the only solution. Lightweight, hydrating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can be just as effective. The focus should be on hydration and maintaining skin barrier function, not just on applying heavy creams.
Myth 5: Sunscreen Is Only Necessary on Sunny Days
Reality: UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from cumulative sun damage, which contributes to crepey skin.
Myth 6: Drinking Water Alone Will Solve Skin Issues
Reality: Staying hydrated is important, but it’s not a cure-all for skin problems. While drinking water helps, it’s just one part of a comprehensive skincare routine. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, combined with proper skincare, is essential for maintaining skin health.
Myth 7: Natural Remedies Are Always Safe and Effective
Reality: Not all natural remedies are suitable for everyone. Some can cause irritation or may not provide significant results. It’s important to choose remedies that are backed by evidence and suitable for your skin type.
Myth 8: Wrinkles and Crepey Skin Are Inevitable with Age
Reality: While aging naturally affects your skin, you can slow down the process and improve skin appearance with the right care. Consistent skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the impact of aging on your under-eye area.
Myth 9: Eye Creams Are Just a Marketing Gimmick
Reality: Eye creams can be beneficial when formulated with effective ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. They’re specifically designed to address the unique needs of the delicate under-eye area.
Understanding these myths can help you make informed decisions and tailor your skincare routine for better results. For personalized treatments and more detailed solutions, check out our 7-treatment options page.
