What can thicken or improve the thin under-eye skin?
- Posted on: Jun 12 2023
The skin underneath the eyes is some of the thinnest skin found on the human body. Literally everyone has thin skin under their eyes. So, why do some people seem to have plump, gorgeous skin while the rest of us deal with dark circles, puffy bags, crow’s feet, and the like?
It’s not easy to thicken or improve under-eye skin on your own. In addition to being thin, under-eye skin is also more delicate than other parts of your face. Aging, sun damage, not getting enough sleep, and other causes of thin skin tend to show up below your eyes first and be more visible.
If you’re tired of looking tired, the skin care experts at Asarch Dermatology are here to help! Learn what causes thin under-eye skin, simple treatments you can try at home, and how our dermatologists make this universal problem area thicker, fuller, and more youthful-looking.
Causes of thin under-eye skin
You’re a sight for sore eyes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Catching someone’s eye.
For all the appearance-related phrases that revolve around our eyes, the skin around them gives us many challenges. Why is under-eye skin so thin? Aside from Mother Nature, here are some other top reasons:
Aging
As we age, our skin gets thinner, drier, and loses elasticity – mainly because we begin to produce less collagen, the substance that makes our skin thick and supple. The effects of aging are more prominent in some people than others. For instance, blood vessels under the skin tend to be more visible in people with lighter skin.
Sun damage
Too much sun exposure can damage skin cells and cause premature aging, speeding up the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the already-thin skin under your eyes.
Not getting enough sleep
Sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your skin’s appearance at any age. The fragile skin under your eyes may look worse when you are fatigued, leading to bags and dark circles as well as additional fine lines and wrinkles.
Smoking
Smoking also contributes to premature aging of the skin and damages the collagen that gives your skin elasticity and fullness.
Medications
Corticosteroids are often used to treat skin conditions, from mild skin irritations to chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema. However, some topical steroids can cause skin to get thinner. Ask your Asarch dermatologist before beginning any skin care regimen that includes corticosteroids.
Symptoms of thin under-eye skin
If everyone has thin under-eye skin, how do you know when it’s becoming a problem? Some signs that the delicate skin under your eyes may need attention include:
- Skin becomes drier or less elastic than usual
- Skin becomes loose and finely wrinkled, like crepe paper
- Eyes become more sunken
- Dark circles begin to appear (or look darker than usual)
How to thicken under-eye skin at home
We always recommend speaking with your Asarch dermatologist about your treatment options, but here are some simple remedies that you can try at home:
- Apply a cool compress – It won’t make your under-eye skin thicker, but it can reduce swelling and improve the appearance of your skin.
- Place chilled wet tea bags on your (closed) eyes – Studies show that both green tea and black tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Or use cucumber slices – Cucumbers are 96 percent water, making them ideal for hydrating your skin and reducing puffiness around your eyes.
- Take a hyaluronan supplement – Researchers have found that taking a hyaluronan supplement (which contains hyaluronic acid) helps moisturize dry skin.
When to see your Asarch dermatologist
When at-home treatments aren’t enough, your Asarch dermatologist can explain your options and help you select the professional treatment that’s best for you. We offer many solutions to thicken and improve thin under-eye skin, including:
- Retinol – Retinol (also known as vitamin A) boosts collagen production and helps repair damaged skin cells. We may suggest using a serum that contains retinol to treat the thin skin under your eyes.
- Eye cream – An eye cream that contains vitamin B, C, and K, as well as hyaluronic acid, can help plump up thin under-eye skin.
- Microneedling – During this procedure, tiny fine needles are rolled over your skin to stimulate the growth of both elastin and collagen.
- Under-eye dermal fillers – Dermal fillers are designed to add volume to your under-eye skin and typically last about a year.
- Laser skin resurfacing – This procedure uses lasers to improve your skin’s texture and appearance.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy – IPL is used to treat signs of aging, including wrinkles and visible blood vessels.
Fortunately, having thin skin under your eyes does not pose any risks to your health. But if you’ve tried correcting the problem yourself and still aren’t satisfied with your appearance, the skin care experts at Asarch Dermatology want to help you find a solution.
Schedule an appointment today
From personalized treatment plans to a full line of products, Asarch Dermatology is committed to providing patients of all ages with exceptional skin care. Schedule an appointment today at one of our three convenient locations in Englewood, Castle Rock, and Lakewood – and get ready for better skin in the blink of an eye.
Posted in: Skin Care, Uncategorized