The skin around the eyes is often the first place we notice signs of aging. Those fine lines, creases, and crow’s feet can appear seemingly overnight—making us look more tired or older than we feel. As a dermatologist, I’m frequently asked how to prevent and treat under-eye wrinkles effectively without causing irritation to this delicate area. Fortunately, there are gentle, science-backed strategies that really work, and you don’t need an overly complicated routine to get results.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for the skin around your eyes—and the products I recommend to hydrate, plump, and protect this often-overlooked area.
Why Under-Eye Skin Wrinkles Easily
The under-eye area is thinner, more delicate, and has fewer oil glands than the rest of your face. That means it’s more prone to dryness and more vulnerable to external damage, especially from UV radiation and environmental stressors like pollution and blue light. It’s also an area where we frequently move our muscles (think: squinting, smiling, or rubbing your eyes), all of which can deepen fine lines over time.
Add in natural collagen loss as we age, and it’s no surprise this region is one of the first to show signs of aging.
The Cornerstones of Under-Eye Skincare
To treat and prevent under-eye wrinkles, your approach should be four-fold:
-
Hydration
-
Barrier Support
-
Sun Protection
-
Gentle Application
Let’s walk through what each means and how to achieve it.
1. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable
Dehydrated skin makes fine lines look more pronounced. Proper hydration, especially with humectants like hyaluronic acid, helps plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
That’s why I recommend ERLY Daily Splash, a lightweight, fast-absorbing hydrating serum that contains three forms of hyaluronic acid. By drawing water into the skin, hyaluronic acid creates a plumping effect, visibly smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. It’s gentle enough to use around the eye area and is excellent for moisturizing the skin without irritation or heaviness.
When applied consistently, a product like Daily Splash helps restore moisture and improve the appearance of fine lines—giving that area a smoother, fresher look. For best results, apply it to damp skin right after cleansing, including around the orbital bone (the bony area just under and around your eyes). Avoid applying too close to the lash line to prevent any product migration into the eyes.
2. Support Your Skin Barrier
When the skin barrier is compromised, the under-eye area can become even more prone to crepiness, irritation, and visible fine lines. Using gentle, fragrance-free products that support the skin’s natural barrier can make a big difference.
Avoid harsh exfoliants or overly aggressive anti-aging ingredients like high-strength retinoids in this area unless they’re specifically formulated for the eyes. Instead, choose formulas with ingredients like glycerin, peptides, niacinamide, and vitamin E—all of which help to support skin integrity without sensitizing.
In your routine, pair ERLY Daily Splash with a rich but non-irritating moisturizer at night to lock in hydration and soften lines. ERLY Night Moisturizer is an excellent choice here—it contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier while you sleep. This nightly boost of hydration helps improve texture and tone without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.
3. Sun Protection Is Essential for Under-Eye Wrinkles
If I could only recommend one anti-aging product for the under-eye area, it would be sunscreen. UV exposure is one of the primary causes of collagen breakdown and premature wrinkling.
Many people avoid applying sunscreen near the eyes for fear of stinging, but mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are typically well-tolerated, even in sensitive areas. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF that is fragrance-free.
ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40 is a standout option—it’s a lightweight mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide and peptides. It’s formulated to be gentle and effective, even for sensitive skin, and can be carefully applied around the eye area. Plus, it offers added protection from blue light, which is an increasingly important factor in modern skin aging.
For patients looking for an all-in-one morning product, ERLY Start Moisturizer simplifies your routine by combining hydration, barrier support, and sun protection in one easy step. Don’t forget sunglasses, either—they protect both your eyes and the surrounding skin from UV and squinting, which both contribute to wrinkles.
4. Be Gentle
It sounds simple, but how you treat the skin around your eyes matters. Tugging, rubbing, or pulling—especially during makeup removal—can worsen fine lines over time.
Tips for gentler care:
-
Use a soft cotton pad and micellar water or gentle cleanser to remove makeup without scrubbing.
-
Always pat skincare products in with your ring finger (it naturally uses the lightest pressure).
-
Avoid facial wipes, which are often too rough and drying for this area.
-
Get in the habit of wearing blue-light blocking glasses if you’re in front of screens for long periods. Some evidence suggests blue light can contribute to skin aging.
A Few Lifestyle Factors That Make a Big Difference
Beyond products, your everyday habits also affect the skin around your eyes:
-
Sleep on your back if possible, as side or stomach sleeping can create compression lines over time.
-
Stay hydrated and eat a diet rich in antioxidants—think leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s.
-
Manage allergies, which often lead to eye rubbing and inflammation.
-
Don't smoke, which is one of the biggest accelerators of eye-area aging.
The Bottom Line
Under-eye wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of aging, but with the right care, you can soften their appearance and support your skin as it matures. You don’t need a 10-step routine—just effective, gentle products and smart habits.
Hydration is key, and that’s why ERLY Daily Splash is such a valuable addition to your skincare routine. With its trio of hyaluronic acid molecules, it delivers multi-layer hydration that visibly plumps the skin and enhances the appearance of the under-eye area—without irritation or heaviness.
For additional protection and nourishment, I also recommend incorporating ERLY Night Moisturizer to support skin repair overnight, and ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40 every morning to guard against sun and blue light damage.
With consistency, care, and a dermatologist-backed routine, you’ll see real results—because taking care of your skin should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
