Many of us rub our eyes instinctively when we’re tired, have an itch, or get something in our eyes. But could this habitual rubbing be causing wrinkles around our eyes over time? Let’s take a closer look at whether rubbing your eyes can lead to premature aging in the delicate skin around the eyes.
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles form as a result of several factors that cause the skin to lose its elasticity and start sagging over time. The main causes are:
- Aging – As we get older, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and supple.
- Sun exposure – UV radiation from the sun breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin.
- Smoking – Chemicals in cigarettes damage skin cell DNA, leading to wrinkles.
- Facial expressions – Repeated facial movements and expressions, like squinting or frowning, can cause fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- Sleeping positions – Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause wrinkles on the face and neck.
- Genetics – Some people are just genetically predisposed to getting wrinkles earlier than others.
How eye rubbing could contribute to wrinkles
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate area on the face. This means it’s more prone to showing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles earlier than other areas.
Rubbing the eyes may contribute to wrinkles in a few ways:
- Stretching and tugging – Rubbing exerts outward pressure on the skin that can stretch and distort the delicate skin around the eyes over time.
- Breakdown of collagen – The friction and pressure can damage collagen and elastin fibers.
- Increased blood flow – Rubbing stimulates blood vessels, leading to dark circles and puffiness temporarily.
- Formation of folds – Repeated folding of the skin can make temporary folds become etched in as permanent wrinkles and creases.
Some research has found connections between frequent eye rubbing and visible wrinkling in the eye area. One study found that 60% of people who habitually rub their eyes show a pattern of fine lines and wrinkles radiating outward from the corners of the eyes, compared to only 3% of those who don’t rub their eyes.
Are certain ways of rubbing eyes worse than others?
Vigorous or aggressive eye rubbing is likely to be more damaging to the skin compared to gentle rubbing. Rubbing the eyes withfingers pressed deep into the socket will result in more tugging, pulling, and friction on the thin eye skin.
Rubbing the eyes horizontally or side-to-side can encourage horizontal wrinkles to form, while rubbing up and down may lead to vertical wrinkles. Rubbing the eyes in a circular motion can exacerbate crow’s feet around the corners of the eyes.
Those who suffer from eye allergies tend to rub their eyes more forcefully to relieve itching, which can be particularly hard on the skin around the eyes over time. Having long or sharp fingernails can worsen the effects of rubbing by creating tiny scratches or cuts on the delicate skin as well.
Can certain eye creams or treatments prevent wrinkles from eye rubbing?
Using eye creams or treatments specially formulated for the delicate eye area may help strengthen the skin and make it less prone to damage from rubbing. Here are some ingredients and treatments to look for:
- Retinoids – Vitamin A derivatives like retinol increase collagen production and skin cell turnover to plump skin and reduce wrinkles.
- Peptides – Peptides help boost collagen synthesis in the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid – Hydrates the skin and gives it a plumper, more youthful appearance.
- Growth factors – Substances that stimulate collagen production and cell growth.
- Caffeine – May constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- Hydroxy acids – Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliate the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Ceramides – Help strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.
- Antioxidants – Protect against free radicals that damage skin cells.
- Moisturizers – Hydrate the skin to improve texture and suppleness.
- Laser/light therapies – Non-invasive procedures like laser resurfacing that smooth the skin.
Using eye creams with these ingredients may help repair some damage from rubbing and slow signs of aging. However, they cannot completely override the physical stretching and trauma caused by frequent aggressive eye rubbing. The less eye rubbing that occurs, the better.
Lifestyle changes to prevent eye wrinkles
In addition to using topical creams and avoiding rubbing whenever possible, making certain lifestyle changes can promote youthful, wrinkle-free skin around the eyes:
- Wear sunglasses – Protect the delicate eye skin from sun damage.
- Don’t smoke – Avoid cigarette smoke exposure.
- Get adequate sleep – Allow the skin to fully rest and repair overnight.
- Eat a healthy diet – Consume foods rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids for skin health.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to maintain moisture levels in skin.
- Manage allergies – Control environmental allergies that lead to rubbing and skin irritation.
- Use humidifiers – Low moisture levels can dry out skin and make it more prone to wrinkling.
- Avoid squinting/frowning – Reduce repetitive facial movements that can etch lines into the skin over time.
Medical treatments
For moderate to severe wrinkles that develop around the eye area, medical treatments may help reduce the signs of aging and damage caused by repetitive rubbing:
- Topical prescription retinoids – Stronger vitamin A creams like tretinoin and tazarotene can help build collagen, improve skin tone/elasticity.
- Chemical peels – Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels exfoliate the outer layers of skin to reveal newer, smoother skin underneath.
- Laser resurfacing treatments – Using fractionated lasers to resurface the delicate skin around the eyes can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
- Dermal fillers – Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvederm can temporarily fill in wrinkles around the eyes and restore lost volume.
- Neurotoxins – Botox injections temporarily paralyze muscles around the eyes to prevent repetitive squinting/wrinkling.
These in-office procedures should be performed by an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Maintenance appointments are needed a few times a year to sustain results.
The bottom line
Rubbing our eyes is a natural reflex we often do without thinking, but evidence suggests this habit can accelerate aging changes like crow’s feet, under-eye wrinkles, and crêpe-y skin over decades of repetitive friction and pressure to the thin skin surrounding the eyes. The more forcefully and frequently someone rubs their eyes, the worse wrinkling is likely to be, especially with age as skin loses elasticity. While topical creams and healthy skin habits may provide some protection, medical treatments are most effective for undoing deep wrinkles related to chronic eye rubbing. The best approach is making efforts to touch the eye area as little possible and treat any underlying eye conditions that are causing rubbing urges. Allowing the delicate skin around the eyes extra gentle care helps keep this area looking as smooth and youthful as possible.