Wrinkles are caused by a combination of factors — some you can control, others you can’t. Eye wrinkles – such as so-called laugh lines or crow’s feet – are the bane of many aging adults. To be able to effectively get rid of wrinkles by your eyes, you need to know the causes of those wrinkles:

Natural Aging: The first and most common cause of eye wrinkles is aging. As people age it is normal to have wrinkles not just near your eyes but also on your neck, face and so on. As you get older, your skin naturally becomes less elastic and more fragile. Decreased production of natural oils dries your skin and makes it appear more wrinkled. Fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes. This causes loose, saggy skin and more pronounced lines and crevices.

Smoking: Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. Smoking generally increases wrinkles on the body since it generates free radicals in the body. The free radicals will reduce the amounts of elastin and collagen in the skin. This will also make the skin dry. Furthermore, as you smoke, you are likely to squint when the smoke reaches your eyes, this too will cause under eye wrinkles.

Repeated Facial Expressions: Facial movements and expressions, such as squinting or smiling, lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time you use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin. As skin ages, it loses its flexibility and is no longer able to spring back into place. These grooves then become permanent features on your face. As you laugh, squint or smile, your eyelid skin tends to get creases and with time, this will cause wrinkles by the eyes.

Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet radiation, which speeds the natural aging process, is a primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis). Without this supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Skin then begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

Poor Skin Care: Your facial skin, especially the area around your eyes should be well hydrated and moisturized. If you fail to properly moisturize your skin and it becomes dry, eye wrinkles can form as you make facial movements and expressions.

Genetics: For some people the causes of wrinkles under their eyes are hereditary. People whose eye wrinkles are caused by genetic factors often start noticing them at a young age. Some of the genetic factors that contribute to under eye wrinkles include the amount of skin that someone has, natural oils, elastin and collagen quality, among many other factors.

If you have wrinkles by your eyes, there are many treatment options available. The first step is meeting with an experienced dermatologist. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy has years of experience in wrinkle treatment and prevention as well as other skin care needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.