Ideally, we would all love to have thicker skin, especially when it concerns the more sensitive areas of our body like under our eyes. Generally speaking, thicker skin looks healthier, is more resilient to external hazards, and stays looking youthful for longer, whereas thinner skin makes us look older and more worn out.
Unfortunately, many people are pulling their hair out in frustration trying to thicken up their thin skin. This is where we come in.
We have researched and experimented with different methods in order to create the best guide you will ever need to learn how to get thicker skin under your eyes. So sit back, relax, and prepare to say goodbye to thin skin forever.
The causes of thin under-eye skin
To understand how we can thicken the under-eye skin, we need to learn what causes thinning in the first place. This way, you’ll be able to identify the problem and solution for your individual situation and then act accordingly for the benefit of your skin.
Alright, let’s dive in.
Genetics
Genetics determine basically everything about us. Our height, our looks, and of course, our skin. Thin skin in the under-eye area is usually a genetic trait that has been passed down in the DNA. In this scenario, thin skin is simply a natural development of the skin. However, this doesn’t mean it can’t be improved, as we’ll discuss later.
Aging
It’s a fact that as we age, our skin gets thinner. This is because our bodies produce less collagen the older we get, which then reduces the amount of elasticity present in the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining healthy skin, as it is the protein that helps build and combine the different layers of skin, which gives it its thickness and youthfulness.
Tanning & sun damage
Spending too much time in the sun in pursuit of the perfect golden tan can actually have a detrimental impact on the skin. The sun’s powerful UV rays can dry out the skin, and over time, accelerate the visual aging process leading to the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Also, the sun can damage the collagen in the skin, causing sensitive areas such as under the eyes to get thinner and drier. Be careful when spending time in the sun.
Bad sleep
Sleep is one of the most vital parts of living a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, a lot of people are getting poor-quality sleep, or in some cases, suffering from quite severe sleep deprivation. Not getting enough good sleep can have a hugely negative impact on the skin’s appearance, especially under the eyes. We’ve all woken up with bug ugly bags before, but when this becomes a common occurrence, the skin suffers.
Drinking alcohol & smoking
Look, we’re not here to judge, but it’s an unavoidable fact that certain lifestyle habits can leave a strain on the skin. More specifically, drinking too much alcohol and smoking can damage collagen, dry out the skin, and accelerate the aging process.
Inflammation
Inflammation, wherever it occurs, can be harmful to the body. Skin inflammation is no different. Allergic reactions and bacterial infections can trigger the skin into an inflammatory response, which can retain too much fluid in the under-eye area. This can be taxing on the already thin skin and leave us looking tired, ill, and aged.
How to identify thin skin under the eyes
There are many symptoms that can signal when you have thin under-eye skin. Taking the time to properly analyze the skin to identify these possible symptoms can be the first step in figuring out how to fix the problem. Here are some of the most common.
- Dark circles
- Excessive dryness
- Eyes look more sunken
- Baggy or sagging under-eye skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
If you can see one or multiple symptoms from the list above, the likelihood is you have thin under-eye skin and can benefit from thickening it up.
The best methods to thicken under-eye skin
If you don’t like what you see when you look in the mirror, there are several extremely helpful methods you can implement in order to help thicken your under-eye skin.
Keep in mind that everyone is different, so the results of all of these techniques can vary between people. However, we believe that they can be a huge assist in boosting the health and thickness of under-eye skin.
Use retinol
Retinol is an extremely powerful ingredient found in a host of anti-aging skincare products. Derived from Vitamin A, retinol is excellent at smoothing wrinkles, lines, and other visual signs of aging, while also helping to stimulate collagen production in the skin. More collagen leads to more elasticity, and the potential to balance skin tone by reducing areas of pigmentation and dark spots.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a physical skin procedure that involved penetrating the skin with hundreds of tiny needles over a short period of time to elicit a bodily response. Many people undergo microneedling therapy to encourage the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which will increase the chances of the skin being able to heal damaged cells.
Microneedling is a useful treatment, but it doesn’t come without risks. Read our in-depth article about microneedling to learn more before deciding whether it’s for you.
Concealer makeup
As a purely temporary solution, concealer makeup can be a good shout. While it won’t heal thin skin, it can cover it for a short time, allowing you to go about your day stress-free. Additionally, the concealer can actually give a boost in hydration to the skin, which can plump it up momentarily.
Lifestyle adjustments
As we mentioned further up, certain lifestyle habits can be harmful to your skin. More specifically, smoking and drinking too much alcohol can dry out the skin, accelerate the aging process, and make us look tired and strung out. We’d suggest limiting your alcohol intake and cutting out cigarettes altogether. We know it’s easier said than done, and sometimes after a stressful day at work we want nothing more than to find comfort in our vices, but your skin will thank you for embracing moderation.
DIY treatments
If you’re finding yourself short on time and want to try and improve your skin from the comfort of your own home, doing some good old DIY home skincare remedies might be right up your street. Applying cool pressure to the thin under-eye skin can help to smooth the skin, soothe any irritation, and flatten puffiness. The best example of this would be placing cut cucumber slices over the problematic areas, which will hydrate the skin over time.
Surgery
If none of the above solutions are doing it for you, surgery is always an option. From lift surgery, sclerotherapy, to under-eye dermal fillers, there are plenty of options. Of course, these treatments are of a much more invasive nature and require the professional expertise of a doctor. If you are considering any of these avenues, speak to your doctor or a qualified dermatologies first.
Conclusion
Thin under-eye skin is something that can affect us all. Thankfully, there are many solid methods to thicken under-eye skin and get it back looking its healthy and youthful best.
Follow the advice above and do some experimentation with your skin. Over time, that unsightly thin under-eye skin could turn into thick, juicy, radiant skin instead.