The presence of fine lines and creases beneath the eyes is a near-universal cosmetic concern, often making an individual look fatigued or older than they feel. The periorbital area is one of the first regions of the face to show signs of change because its skin is significantly thinner than the skin found elsewhere on the body. This delicacy makes the underlying structure and any changes to the skin’s integrity immediately visible, creating the shadows and grooves commonly referred to as under-eye lines. These creases are the cumulative result of anatomy, daily habits, and biological processes that unfold over time. Understanding the various mechanisms that contribute to their formation is the first step toward effective management and prevention.
Inherent Causes: Anatomy and Genetics
Some lines under the eyes are present from an early age and are simply a reflection of inherited facial structure. The tear trough ligament (TTL) is a strong band that tethers the skin directly to the underlying bone of the orbital rim. This tethering creates a distinct depression or groove, known as the tear trough, which is visible regardless of sun exposure or lifestyle factors. Variations in the strength and attachment point of this ligament can make the groove more or less prominent.
A person’s genetic makeup dictates the natural thickness and quality of the skin and subcutaneous fat in the eye area. Individuals predisposed to having thinner skin or less fat padding beneath the eyes will show lines and shadows earlier in life. This structural reality means that for some, the under-eye line is a permanent feature of their facial anatomy, not a sign of aging. The placement of the orbital fat pads and underlying bone structure also contribute to how light and shadow fall on the area, which can visually accentuate existing creases.
Lifestyle and Environmental Triggers
External and behavioral factors are powerful accelerators of line formation and can create temporary creases. Chronic dehydration causes skin cells to temporarily lose volume, making fine, shallow “dehydration lines” more apparent. These lines often appear papery and are distinct from permanent wrinkles because they fade significantly once proper hydration is restored. However, persistent dehydration can undermine the skin’s long-term health.
Repetitive muscle movements, such as frequent squinting or expressive smiling, create dynamic wrinkles. As the skin loses its ability to snap back over time, these dynamic lines become permanently etched into the skin, regardless of facial expression. A lack of consistent, restorative sleep can lead to puffiness and edema, which casts shadows that visually emphasize existing lines. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to the degradation of supportive proteins like collagen.
The most significant environmental factor is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure, a process called photoaging. UV light penetrates the skin and causes oxidative stress, triggering the release of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin fibers. This weakens the skin’s supportive scaffolding and dramatically accelerates the formation of permanent lines and wrinkles. Because the periorbital skin is so thin, it is particularly vulnerable to this type of damage.
Age-Related Tissue Changes
Independent of lifestyle, the natural process of chronological aging causes progressive changes to the tissues that support the under-eye area. The production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin, which provide firmness and elasticity, begins to slow down in a person’s mid-twenties. Collagen fibers become fragmented, and elastin loses its ability to recoil, leading to a visible reduction in the skin’s resilience. This loss of internal support causes the skin to crease more easily and remain creased, forming static wrinkles.
Aging also involves the loss of volume in the deeper facial structures, which alters the contour of the eye socket. The fat pads beneath the eye, such as the Suborbicularis Oculi Fat (SOOF), can atrophy or descend, contributing to a hollowed appearance. Bone resorption occurs in the periorbital and maxilla regions, which can deepen the tear trough groove and reduce the structural foundation of the mid-face. This combination of protein degradation and volume loss causes the skin to drape and fold, deepening existing lines and creating new ones.
Strategies for Reducing Appearance
Preventative measures offer the most effective long-term defense against line formation. Consistent daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is paramount, as UV exposure is the primary driver of premature aging in this delicate area. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection also helps minimize sun damage while simultaneously reducing the need for repetitive squinting, which creates dynamic lines.
Targeted skincare ingredients can help support the skin’s structure and hydration levels. Retinoids, derivatives of Vitamin A, are well-researched for their ability to stimulate collagen production and accelerate skin cell turnover, helping to smooth existing texture. Hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant, attracts and holds over a thousand times its weight in water, providing immediate plumping and hydration to minimize the appearance of shallow creases. Certain peptides can signal skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin, working to rebuild the supportive network.
Simple lifestyle adjustments can also yield noticeable improvements. Prioritizing seven to nine hours of consistent sleep reduces morning puffiness and allows the skin’s natural repair processes to function optimally. Increasing daily water intake helps maintain skin cell volume, thereby reducing the appearance of dehydration lines.
If over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes do not provide the desired results, a dermatologist can offer guidance on professional interventions. Non-invasive cosmetic options, such as injecting hyaluronic acid fillers, can restore lost volume and smooth the hollow appearance of a deep tear trough. Additionally, small, precise injections of botulinum toxin can relax the underlying muscles responsible for dynamic lines, such as crow’s feet, preventing their progression into static wrinkles.