What should you know about wrinkles under your eyes?

Fine lines may show most when you smile or squint, while lines that remain at rest can reflect gradual changes in collagen, elastin, hydration and skin thickness. Crow's Feet are expression lines that extend from the outer corners of the eyes. Lines below the lower eyelid can also be made more visible by dryness, rubbing, facial anatomy or shadows from nearby hollows. Sun-damaged skin can make creasing and uneven texture more noticeable.

Wrinkles alone do not usually signal a serious illness. A clinician can distinguish ordinary ageing from irritation, eczema, swelling or another eyelid concern by examining the skin and asking when the change began.

Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen around the eye area, keeping products out of the eyes. Sunglasses can reduce squinting in bright light. Avoid rubbing or pulling the delicate skin, and introduce retinoid-containing products only with professional guidance because the eye area can become irritated.

If you want a cosmetic procedure, a qualified practitioner may discuss Botox for movement-related lines or dermal fillers when volume loss contributes to a shadow or hollow. These treatments suit different concerns and require an assessment of eyelid anatomy, skin quality and medical history.

Arrange a medical assessment if the change is sudden, affects one side, follows an injury, or comes with eyelid swelling, redness, pain, discharge, vision change or marked irritation. Seek urgent care for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or swelling with breathing difficulty.

Ask whether the lines are mainly expression lines, dryness-related creases or a sign of volume change; which eye-area products are suitable for you; and which treatment risks matter with your medicines, allergies or eye history.