Why do wrinkles appear around the eyes?

What are the characteristics of the skin around the eyes?

How can I prevent wrinkles around the eyes?

Which eye cream should I choose?

I already use a face cream, do I need a specific cosmetic for the eye area?

FAQs — Eye contour & fine lines

If there's one thing we all have in common, it's the fact that, sooner or later, we have to accept that those dreaded lines of expression, those first little wrinkles around the eyes, are here to stay. 😳

In this post, we want to understand the reasons behind this pseudo-drama and if there are ways to prevent, reduce, or eliminate those famous crow's feet.

As much as we are all for accepting ourselves, we're sure it would be great to learn more about what starts happening to our skin after turning 30, without leaving much room for improvisation... Let's see if we still have time to implement a plan B.

Why do wrinkles appear around the eyes? They weren't there yesterday!

You might be thinking, "I don't need an explanation about what crow's feet are. Thank you. Next."

It's true that this sounds a bit like theory for an exam, and of course, we don't intend to doubt your knowledge of what a wrinkle is... But yes, we believe it will be useful to understand what happens to our skin when, by magic, that fold appears and stays.

Why does it reach a point where those dynamic folds around the eyes — yes, the ones that make our gaze more or less deep and expressive — no longer relax and leave the skin smooth again after contracting?

Well, to maintain its elasticity, the skin needs water as an essential component; water that reaches it from the deeper layers thanks to our natural sweating. Due to a series of factors, mainly genetic, we may lack substances that retain this water in the superficial layers of our skin (barrier function). Problems start when there is a lack of water.

What are the characteristics of the skin around the eyes?

The skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to the aging process because it is very thin, 3 to 5 times thinner than the rest of the face. This implies fewer sebaceous glands, which means less oil to retain moisture. Without retention, water evaporates, and when its concentration in the epidermis drops below 10%, the skin becomes dull, tighter, takes longer to heal, and the muscles no longer respond as they should. And voilà, wrinkles appear.

There is an additional genetic component linked to the passage of time. Below the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is the dermis, which consists of a network of collagen and elastin fibers. Imagine different layers separated by cushions that provide support and elasticity to the entire structure. Over time, collagen and elastin decrease, and these layers collapse onto each other, losing the ability to respond to muscle contractions activated by our expressions.

How can I prevent wrinkles around the eyes?

Now that we have identified the crux of the matter, we still need to answer the big question: how to prevent the appearance of crow's feet. If you have searched for literature on this topic, you may have found that to combat these fine lines, we should start by adopting a healthier lifestyle: improving diet, getting more sleep, quitting smoking, reducing sun exposure, and not smiling as much... (we don't pay attention to that last one). But considering that not everyone has the same ease — or willingness — to make these changes, what other alternatives are there?

Easy, opt for a treatment that can maintain high levels of hydration in the eye contour area while compensating for the loss of collagen and elastin.

Which eye contour product should I choose?

It is difficult for us to answer this question, and we prefer to leave the decision in your hands. As for us — yes, we're biased — we will talk about Velvet Hibiscus Eye Depuff Serum, a product we know very well. It is a natural treatment for the eye contour area whose effectiveness has been demonstrated by an independent specialized laboratory.

The botanical ingredients in Velvet Hibiscus act on elasticity and hydration in the eye contour area thanks to a combination of 7 active ingredients at a concentration of 13%.

It is formulated with active ingredients including bakuchiol, which many are talking about as a substitute for retinol — read more in this article — and hibiscus extract at 4%, which help counteract oxidative damage to our skin, promoting elastin synthesis and acting on collagen fibers. All this aims to achieve greater firmness and flexibility, helping the skin tissue respond better to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that become more pronounced with expressiveness.

If I already use a face cream, do I need a specific cosmetic for the eye area?

The answer is a YES (in capital letters), as the eye contour area is very delicate, poorly vascularized, with very thin skin and a higher pH than the rest of the facial skin. In this area, we should avoid, for example, emulsions that contain very greasy oils as they could add too much weight and weaken the elastin fibers, which could be counterproductive in the appearance of under-eye bags.

We should also avoid formulas rich in essential oils that, although they have many beneficial properties, could cause irritation when applied to this delicate area.

In this sense, Velvet Hibiscus is fragrance-free and has the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of calendula, ideal for sensitive skin that requires gentle care. In addition, Velvet Hibiscus has a pH of 6.5–7, in line with the pH of tears.

If you want to know the details of the rest of its ingredients, here is its data sheet, and if you have already tried it, please share your impressions below. We would love to hear from you.

Remember that Velvet Hibiscus, like all UMOA products, beyond its benefits for skin treatment, is conceived with a beautiful purpose: to also care for vulnerable individuals who suffer from discrimination due to their misunderstood diversity. We tell you more about it here.

What did you think of this article? Please share your thoughts 🙏🏼 ✍🏼.

About the author

Pharmacist and co-founder of UMOA Cosmetics, Mafalda Soto has over 15 years of experience researching and caring for one of the most delicate skin types in the world: albinotic skin. Her professional journey has been deeply connected to health and social inclusion for people with albinism in Africa, where she founded the NGO Beyond Suncare, recognized by the United Nations as a “Best Practice” for its work preventing skin cancer and improving access to healthcare for this community.

Through UMOA, Mafalda promotes a new way of understanding cosmetics — effective, respectful, and purpose-driven. Her vision blends scientific innovation with a genuine commitment to conscious care, where every act of beauty can also be an act of solidarity.

👉 Discover how UMOA began