Fine Lines Under the Eyes: What Works in Pakistan

The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the face, with few oil glands and constant movement from blinking and smiling, so fine lines appear there first. Most of these lines come from sun, dryness and repeated expression, not from lack of sleep. Skincare can soften them and prevent more, but it cannot erase deeper creases. This guide explains the causes and what actually helps. The advice is meant for people in Pakistan, where sun exposure, hot weather and screen time all add to the lines.

Key takeaways

Under-eye skin is thin, dry and moves constantly, so fine lines show early
Sunscreen and sunglasses prevent most new lines; moisturizer softens dryness lines
Retinoids and peptides may help over months, but irritation is a risk near the eyes
Deep creases, bags and hollows are structural and may need a doctor’s advice

Why do lines form under the eyes?

The skin around the eyes is only about half a millimetre thick, has fewer oil glands and loses water easily. Every blink, squint and smile folds it. Sun exposure breaks down collagen, so the skin recovers less well after each fold. A review of skin ageing and topical rejuvenation explains that photoageing is the main driver of wrinkles on the face, and a review of periorbital changes describes how structure, pigment and skin quality combine around the eyes. Dehydration lines, which are shallow and fine, can look much better after moisturizing.

Genetics matters, as do smoking, pollution and rubbing the eyes. Allergy and eczema around the eyes lead to rubbing, which speeds creasing.

Type of line	Cause	What helps
Fine, shallow lines	Dryness, dehydration	Moisturizer, humidifier
Lines from squinting	Sun glare, expressions	Sunglasses, sunscreen
Crepey texture	Thin skin, sun damage	Sunscreen, retinoid
Deeper creases	Collagen loss, expression	Doctor-led options
Lines with puffiness or hollowing	Structural changes	Doctor assessment
Lines with itchy, red skin	Dermatitis, allergy	See a doctor

What helps most?

Start with protection. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen around the eyes every morning, taking care not to get it in the eyes, and wear sunglasses and a hat. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer on the area morning and night. These simple steps prevent more damage and soften dryness lines within weeks. A network meta-analysis of topical interventions for facial photoageing shows that retinoids are among the best-supported agents, though irritation limits their use near the eyes.

If you are considering a retinoid, introduce it slowly, apply a little to the outer edges of the eye area only if the product label allows it, and buffer with moisturizer. Our guide on retinol sandwich method shows how to reduce irritation.

Sunscreen around the eyes every morning
Sunglasses and a hat in strong sun
Gentle moisturizer morning and night
Do not rub or pull the skin
Patch test any eye-area product

Do eye creams work?

Some do a modest job. Moisturizing eye creams hydrate and smooth the look of fine lines, and a study of a multi-component topical anti-aging eye product reported improvements in participants’ skin around the eyes, though most such studies are short and sponsored by manufacturers. Ingredients such as peptides, caffeine, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are common. Expensive creams are not necessarily better than a plain moisturizer used consistently, and no eye cream erases deeper wrinkles or reverses bags.

Check that the product is intended for the eye area, and avoid heavy fragrance, which irritates thin skin. Introduce one product at a time, and stop if your eyes sting or swell.

Ingredient	What it does	Notes
Hyaluronic acid, glycerin	Hydrates, plumps the look	Gentle, well tolerated
Peptides	May support smoother look	Modest evidence
Retinoids	Smooth texture and lines	Irritation risk near eyes
Vitamin C	Antioxidant, tone	Can sting
Caffeine	Temporary de-puffing	Short-lived
Sunscreen	Prevents new lines	Most important

What should you avoid?

Avoid rubbing and pulling the skin when removing makeup, using strong acids or high-strength retinoids near the eyes, unregulated creams and home remedies like lemon or raw potato. Avoid sleeping in makeup. Avoid unproven devices that promise to remove lines at home. Do not buy injectables from non-medical providers.

The Hydration Moisturizer is made for the face; use it near the eyes only if the product instructions say so, and always patch test. Our guide on dark circles and puffy eyes in the morning cover related concerns.

What can a dermatologist offer?

For persistent lines, a dermatologist may suggest prescription retinoids, chemical peels, lasers, radiofrequency or botulinum toxin and fillers for specific problems. These treat different issues and carry risks, including irritation, marks and, around the eyes, more serious complications if done by untrained providers. Choose a qualified doctor, ask about experience with your skin tone and understand the realistic outcome.

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if the skin around your eyes is itchy, red, swollen or scaly, if you have sudden changes or one-sided swelling, or if you want procedures. Do not delay care for eye pain, vision changes or severe swelling.

How should you apply eye-area products?

Use a very small amount, about the size of a grain of rice for both eyes, and dab it gently with your ring finger along the bony edge of the eye socket, not on the eyelid. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin, wait a minute, then apply the rest of your routine. Never pull or drag the skin. If you wear contact lenses, wash your hands first and keep products away from the lash line, where they can migrate into the eye. Introduce one eye product at a time, since the area reacts quickly.

At night, a slightly richer cream can help, while in the morning a lighter formula sits better under sunscreen and makeup.

What about makeup and removing it?

Eye makeup, especially waterproof formulas, needs gentle removal. Soak a cotton pad with a gentle remover, hold it on closed eyes for a few seconds and wipe in one direction rather than rubbing back and forth. Repeated rubbing stretches thin skin and may add to lines. Replace eye makeup every three to six months to reduce infection risk. If your eyelids become itchy or swollen, stop the product and see a doctor.

Does diet or sleep change the lines?

Good sleep and a balanced diet help overall health, and you may look more rested, but they do not prevent lines in the way that sun protection does. Smoking is clearly linked to earlier and deeper lines. Staying hydrated helps comfort, but moisturizer is what hydrates the surface of skin. Focus on sunscreen, sunglasses, gentle habits and realistic expectations, and avoid products that promise to erase lines in days.

A final point on expectations: under-eye lines are normal, and almost everyone has some by their thirties. Aim to keep the skin comfortable, protected and healthy rather than smooth like a photograph. Patient, gentle care over months makes the area look fresher without risking irritation.

If you are unsure whether a product is safe for the eye area, ask a pharmacist, and when in doubt, stick to plain moisturizer and sunscreen. These two steps do most of the useful work.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I have fine lines under my eyes?

Thin skin, dryness, sun damage, squinting and genetics are the main causes. Sleep has little to do with it.

Do eye creams remove wrinkles?

They can hydrate and soften the look of fine lines, but they cannot erase deeper wrinkles.

Can I use retinol under my eyes?

Only if the product is meant for that area, introduced slowly, as the skin is thin and irritation is common.

Is sunscreen safe around the eyes?

Use a gentle formula, apply carefully and avoid getting it in the eyes. Mineral sunscreens are often less stinging.

Do sunglasses help?

Yes. They reduce squinting and block UV, which helps prevent lines.

Does drinking water prevent under-eye lines?

Not by itself. Moisturizer and sun protection matter more.

Can I use my face serum around the eyes?

Only if it is labelled safe for the eye area.

When should I see a dermatologist?

For itchy, red or swollen eyelids, sudden changes, or if you want procedures.

Sources

Griffiths TW et al.. Skin ageing and topical rejuvenation strategies. Br J Dermatol. 2023. PubMed 37903073
Yang F et al.. Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream. Skin Res Technol. 2024. PubMed 38932444
Lin L et al.. Comparative efficacy of topical interventions for facial photoaging: a network meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2025. PubMed 40707570
Sarkar R et al.. Periorbital Hyperpigmentation: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016. PubMed 26962392

A gentle reminder

Skincare helps the look and feel of your skin; it does not treat medical conditions. Patch test any new product behind the ear or on the inner arm first, and introduce one new active at a time. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have a skin condition such as eczema, ask your doctor before adding active ingredients. See our FAQ for more, or build your own routine.