Loving your skin at every stage means loving every part of it – even those creases under your eyes! Wrinkles are a natural part of aging and they can’t (and honestly it should not) to be deleted completely. After all, they are the marks of all the laughs, smiles and experiences you’ve had in life.
But if you struggle with deep wrinkles or sagging under the eyes, certain vitamins can soften their appearance. Even if you can’t erase wrinkles completely, vitamins and a moisturizing routine can make your under-eye area look smoother, less puffy, and more awake.
5 vitamins for wrinkles under the eyes
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a superstar ingredient known for its ability to brighten skin and promote collagen production. The most unstable form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is not suitable for the area under your eyes. It has difficulty penetrating fatty tissue, which can accumulate in this area as we age. Instead, choose a serum with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: it’s more stable and less irritating.
Retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative best known for its anti-acne and collagen-boosting benefits. It’s less irritating than its sister, retinoic acid – but did you know that these two vitamin A formulas prevent and treat wrinkles on exactly the same way?
When you apply retinol, your skin must convert it into retinoic acid. This vitamin A formula works more slowly, which makes it less irritating to your skin. In the long run, however, it’s still powerful on the wrinkles under your eyes! Look for an eye cream with retinol to gently reduce the depth and severity of fine lines in this area.
CoQ10
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that we produce naturally – it’s in every one of our cells! This antioxidant is responsible for the energy Our cells need to repair skin damage and ensure skin health. As you get older, this energy diminishes and slows down. Your body gradually loses the supplies it needs to repair itself, leading to wrinkles under the eyes.
The good news is that you can help replenish your supply with a skin care product or CoQ10 supplement. Even better news: it plays nice with your other active skincare products.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is best paired with vitamin C for a double dose of steady antioxidant, UV neutralization. On its own, however, it is a famously well-tolerated skin care ingredient that goes well with other active ingredients.
If you cannot tolerate vitamin A (retinol) or vitamin C under your eyes, then vitamin E may be the best option for under eye wrinkles. You only need about one 0.5-1% concentration of vitamin E to benefit from its antioxidant and antiaging effects. An added bonus: it might even help you black circles in the orbital region of the eyes.
Vitamin D3
Unlike the other vitamins on this list, vitamin D3 is an oral supplement. While there are vitamin D derivatives in skin care, vitamin D3 is a form that works on your skin. If you are low in vitamin D, you may suffer from skin inflammation and reduced insulin sensitivity. This can worsen conditions such as acne, rosacea and eczema.
Reduced insulin sensitivity can also lead to stiff and premature aging collagen, worsening of wrinkles under the eyes. You naturally get vitamin D when you go out in the sun – but at the risk of free radical damage. Opt for a vitamin D3 supplement if you’re low on this antioxidant!
PRO TIP: A super blend of these 5 vitamins can be found in our Multivitamin Eye Treatment.
3 Supporting Ingredients for bright, youthful under eyes
These ingredients are packed with antioxidants that help with elasticity, radiance and moisture – known enemies of fine lines and wrinkles. For best results, they should be used in conjunction with the 5 vitamins for wrinkles under the eyes.
Rosehip oil
Extracted from the flowering fruits of the rosehip, this oil is rich in linoleic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C. In addition to its impressive store of skin-plumping vitamins, this oil is also gentle enough to use under the eyes. That’s what makes rosehip oil a perfect little number for light hydration while reducing the appearance of under-eye wrinkles.
Pomegranate oil
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid. These antioxidants help eliminate free radicals that damage the collagen and elastin in your skin and eventually lead to wrinkles. Rich enough to lock in hydration, this oil can also reduce the appearance of existing under-eye wrinkles.
Essences
Not only are grapefruit, bergamot and orange essential oils a pleasant surprise for your nose, these citrus oils also contain brightening properties for the under-eye area. Most of this brightening power comes from the abundance of vitamin C present. Not to mention, grapefruit is antibacterialbergamot is high in AHA exfoliants, and orange is light enough for sensitive skin. A big plus: all three citrus oils stimulate circulation to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
For a full distillation of antioxidant power (and a supporting potion of hydrating oils), check out PM Multivitamin + Antioxidant Power Eye Treatment. This under eye treatment contains all the ingredients listed above, and then some!
This richly concentrated golden elixir is light in color, but strong in power. A revolutionary texture of hybrid oil and serum leaves your skin with a dewy glow. Incorporate this serum into your evening routine and enjoy a subtle orange scent while improving the appearance of hard-earned under-eye wrinkles.
Frequently asked questions about wrinkles under the eyes
Which vitamins are most effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes?
The most effective vitamins for reducing the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A (retinol), vitamin K, and vitamin B3 (niacinamide). Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts collagen production and brightens the skin. Vitamin E helps to hydrate and repair the skin. Retinol accelerates cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. Vitamin K can help reduce dark circles and niacinamide improves skin elasticity and reduces inflammation.
How does vitamin C help treat wrinkles under the eyes?
Vitamin C is vital for treating under-eye wrinkles because of its role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that gives skin firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps fight free radical damage and can brighten the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Can retinol be used safely for wrinkles under the eyes?
Yes, retinol can be used safely for under-eye wrinkles, but it should be done with caution. Retinol promotes skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, which can help reduce wrinkles. However, as the skin under the eyes is sensitive, it is important to use a lower concentration of retinol and increase gradually as your skin adjusts. Always apply sunscreen in the morning, as retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
What are the benefits of vitamin E for the under eye area?
Vitamin E is known for its moisturizing and healing properties, making it beneficial for the under-eye area. It helps nourish and hydrate sensitive skin, preventing dryness and keeping skin firm, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties that protect against environmental damage.
How does niacinamide improve the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes?
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, improves the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes by enhancing skin elasticity and reducing inflammation. Strengthens the skin’s barrier function, retaining moisture and improving skin texture. Niacinamide also helps reduce pigmentation, which can minimize the appearance of dark circles and make the under-eye area look brighter and more rejuvenated.
