How Can I Reduce Under Eye Fine Lines?

eyebalm application

Fine lines under eyes have a way of showing up right when you don’t feel ready for them. Sometimes it’s after a late night, sometimes it’s when you smile, and sometimes it’s just… there, even when you’re only 30 and thinking, wait, already?

Here’s the good news: while you can’t stop time, you can reduce under eye wrinkles and keep your skin looking smooth, fresh, and cared for. At TULA, we don’t believe in harsh quick fixes. We believe in gentle, effective skincare powered by probiotics and superfoods, because supporting your skin barrier is what keeps results lasting. We work with your skin’s biology, not against it.

So if you’re wondering how to get rid of fine lines under eyes, read on.

What Causes Fine Lines Under the Eyes?

You might be wondering, “why do I have fine lines under my eyes at 30?”. Totally fair question.

Those tiny creases can show up earlier than you expect (sometimes even in your 20s) and honestly, it’s just part of being human. The skin under your eyes is the most delicate spot on your face, so it’s usually the first to spill your secrets (whether it’s late nights, too much sun, or just time doing its thing).

Here are some causes of fine lines under eyes:

Skin biology factors

The under-eye area is thinner and more fragile than the rest of your face. On top of that, it has fewer oil glands, which means it gets drier more easily. And dry skin = fine lines that show up faster.

Intrinsic aging

This is just your body’s natural rhythm. Collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin smooth and bouncy) slowly decline. Cell turnover slows down too. It’s less about “something you did wrong” and more about biology doing its thing.

Extrinsic factors

Then there’s everything that happens outside of your body. Sun exposure (which causes DNA + collagen damage), not enough water, pollution, even sitting in a stuffy office all day… These things can chip away at your skin’s resilience.

Lifestyle + habits

Sleep-deprived? Stressed? Living on sugar and lattes? (we’ve all been there). These could also be hidden culprits. That’s because stress hormones break down collagen, sugar stiffens and damages it, and sleep deprivation slows your skin’s repair cycle. Add smoking or alcohol, and those little lines set up camp faster. And it’s no secret that smoking and drinking too much alcohol contribute to this, too.

Repetitive motion

Every smile, squint, or late-night eye rub adds up. Over time, those micro-movements leave tiny signatures on your skin. Don’t stop smiling though, it’s the reason why eye lines are celebrated as a natural sign of skin that’s lived and expressed itself.

How to Reduce Under Eye Fine Lines (and Wrinkles)

If you’re searching for ways to reduce under eye wrinkles, you’ve got options:

Daily habits

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: your skin needs hydration, and it shows when it’s thirsty.
SPF, always: UV rays age us so much faster, and it’s no different for the eye area.
Be gentle: no tugging when you remove mascara, no rubbing your eyes halfway through your first morning coffee.

Targeted skincare

Opt for gentle exfoliation: enzymes or PHAs are your best choice here.
Treat the area: go for eye creams and serums with peptides, antioxidants, and probiotics.

Lifestyle adjustments

Cut back on alcohol + smoking: both dry skin out and mess with collagen.
Good sleep + less stress: your skin loves a solid 8 hours and a little breathing room.
Nourish from within: berries, greens, and omega-rich foods are skin’s favorite snacks.

Best Ingredients for Treating Fine Lines

When you’re scanning labels, here’s what to look for:

Peptides and Retinol (Encapsulated or Low Strength)

Peptides basically tell your skin to make more collagen, while retinol is the gold standard for smoothing. These together work to improve your skin’s texture. But under your eyes, you want it gentle: low strength or encapsulated retinol only. The best eye cream for fine lines will pair retinol with soothing sidekicks like ceramides or niacinamide, as it will help prevent any potential irritation.

Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin

These are tried and trusted hydration heroes. They pull water into your skin, plumping fine lines on contact while keeping the area soft and bouncy over time. With these ingredients, keeping on top of hydration for fine lines is easy: simply layer hydrating creams with HA and / or glycerin with your favorite eye cream for under eye fine lines.

Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Caffeine)

You’ve most likely come across caffeine eye creams and serums with vitamin C for under eye fine lines. But why? The main reason is that they’re antioxidants, meaning they work to reduce oxidative stress and brighten the under-eye area.

Here’s what these little powerhouses do:

Vitamin C = brightness + collagen support.
Niacinamide = barrier strength + smoother look.
Caffeine = depuffed, wide-awake vibes (your morning espresso, but for eyes).

Probiotic Extracts (TULA’s Focus)

Probiotics are our signature ingredients because they calm skin, strengthen its barrier, and make sure your under-eyes stay happy, not irritated. Add in superfoods, and you’ve got skin that doesn’t just look healthier: it is healthier.

Our formulas are clean and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Plus, they’re always backed by science, so you know you’re getting tried-and-tested, effective formulas.

Professional and Natural Treatments

Professional Treatments

Some days, you want at-home fixes. Other times, you may consider professional under eye fine lines treatments, such as:

Microneedling to boost collagen.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy.
Fractional laser resurfacing or light chemical peels.
Hyaluronic acid fillers for deep creases.
Botox for expression lines.

Yes, professional under eye fine lines treatments can make a big difference, faster. But they’re a lot more invasive, and they’re not for everyone, so always consult a board-certified derm first to find what’s right for you.

At-Home Remedies and Natural Solutions

Want to know how to reduce wrinkles under eyes naturally? Here are some simple ways to reduce wrinkles under eyes naturally, no appointment required.

Chilled spoons, or a cold compress, and cucumbers can all naturally press your skin’s instant refresh button.
A quick gua sha or roller session can help boost circulation and de-puff.
A dab of rosehip, almond, or vitamin E oil add hydration, naturally.
A DIY mask with honey + aloe is soothing, simple, and surprisingly effective (mix one tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel with one tablespoon of organic honey, then apply the creamy paste to your undereye area and leave for 20 mins. Make sure to steer clear of your eye, and rinse off with cold water).

TULA Eye Care Favorites for Fine Lines

If you’re on the hunt for the best eye cream for fine lines, here are TULA’s go-tos:

Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm: An espresso shot for your eyes! Infused with caffeine & hyaluronic acid, it’s an instant pick-me-up so you look refreshed & feel energized.

Revive & Rewind Revitalizing Eye Cream: The do-it-all eye cream that works as hard as you do. This nourishing eye cream reduces the appearance of wrinkles & improves the look of firmness & elasticity around the delicate eye area.

Woman applying skincare product with a phone in the foreground

Prevention Tips for Long-Term Eye Area Health

The best strategy? Don’t just treat fine lines - prevent them from deepening. Here’s how to prevent under eye wrinkles and tighten skin under eyes for the long haul:

Use SPF, every day (yes, even if it’s cloudy).
Apply products gently with your ring finger, as it naturally uses less pressure.
Prioritize sleep + stress management. Your repair cycle happens overnight, so quality rest is everything.
Use your TULA under eye wrinkles cream consistently.
Prioritize sleep. 7–9 hours is the sweet spot for skin repair.
Cut smoking, reduce your alcohol consumption, and load up on antioxidants and healthy fats.
Give your eyes a break. For this, you can follow the 20-20-20 screen time rule (every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
Make sunglasses your BFF. They block UV rays and save you from squinting.