“Why do I have lines under my eyes?" If you've found yourself asking this question while peering closely into the mirror lately, you're not alone. 

Those delicate creases under your eyes can feel like uninvited guests showing up to a party – but understanding them is half the battle.

In this article, we'll dive into why those sneaky lines appear under your eyes (hint: it's not just about aging), and what you can actually do about them. Plus, we'll share dermatologist-backed solutions that are helping thousands of people tackle their under-eye concerns.

Whether you're in your 20s and noticing the first whispers of fine lines, or you're looking to address more established creases, we've got you covered. Let's unpack the science behind under-eye lines and discover practical solutions that actually work. 

Why Do I Have Lines Under My Eyes 

Here's what you should know about why these lines start popping up. The thinnest skin can be found under our eyes, making this delicate skin the very first to show signs of aging, irritation, or skin dehydration. 

Here are a few reasons you might be seeing lines under your eyes:

• Dehydrated skin: You may or may not even have fine lines, but you may have very thirsty skin. When your skin is dehydrated the natural lines we all have, become exaggerated. 
• Repetitive movements and expressions: The under-eye skin is vulnerable to the thousands of eye movements we make every day. Squinting, frowning, and furrowing our brows all put stress on this thin skin. 
• Environmental factors:  If you deal with seasonal or pet allergies this can cause what's called “Dennie-Morgan” lines. They are caused by inflammation and swelling of the skin due to repeated irritation from rubbing itchy eyes, leading to visible creases under the eyes. This is typically associated with allergies like hay fever or pet dander.
• UV damage: The sun breaks down collagen fibers which directly causes premature aging. 
• Smoking: Smoking can cause puffiness, dark circles, and bags under the eyes.

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Fair Warning: Fine Lines Appear Before Deeper Wrinkles Set In

If you’re seeing fine lines, consider that a sign to start leveling up your skin care. Consider introducing things like eye creams, anti-aging retinoids, vitamin C, and (as always) sunscreen. 

Wherever you’re seeing fine lines, think of that as the blueprint where deeper wrinkles will set in over time — unless you employ the use of anti-aging skincare and preventative measures. You can tackle those issues before they become more prominent. 

Next, let’s talk about 5 tips for improving the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkle development. 

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5 Tips For Treating Under-Eye Lines 

These strategies for treating under-eye lines combine both immediate improvement and long-term prevention, starting with the most fundamental aspects of skin health.

1. Skin Hydration Is Your New Best Friend, Seriously

Any fine lines will be exacerbated by dehydrated skin, so before anything else, hydrate your skin. 

I had a bit of an aging crisis around 28 (I know, that's a bit silly) but hey, that was the first time I ever really noticed little lines under my eyes. 

But with a little moisturizer applied to damp skin, everything was gone, and stayed gone. “Oooh my skin was just thirsty!” 

That was my crash course in skin hydration. Fine lines, or dull skin all look 5x more exaggerated when skin is dehydrated. Which is true for everyone. 

So if you’re dealing with lines under your eyes – first and foremost, hydrate your skin. Every day, plump those under eyes with proper moisturization (look for moisturizers that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid). Drinking enough water daily also helps hydrate from the inside out. This alone can smooth fine lines. 

Tip: Apply your moisturizer to damp skin. Don’t be shy with the water. I fully wet my hands, pump my lotion/cream, and then apply it to my face. This is adding to the water already in the moisturizer and the humectants can help trap that extra H20. It's wetter and takes a moment to absorb but it’s worth it. 

2. Retinoids: Your Anti-Aging Secret Weapon (When Done Right) 

When it comes to tackling under-eye lines, retinoids are the gold standard in anti-aging skincare – but here's the catch: the skin under your eyes is actually 60% thinner than the rest of your face. This means you can't just use any retinoid product around your eyes and hope for the best.

Enter Strut Eye Cream, specifically formulated with an ultra-gentle 0.001% concentration of tretinoin (a prescription-only form of retinoid). This gentle concentration is the sweet spot for effectively targeting those under-eye lines while respecting the nature of this delicate skin. 

We've paired it with soothing ingredients like chamomile extract and tacrolimus to prevent irritation before it starts.

3. The Power of Vitamin C + Niacinamide 

When it comes to brightening and protecting the delicate under-eye area, the combination of vitamin C (2%) and niacinamide (2%) in our Strut Eye Cream is a science-backed powerhouse. 

These two ingredients work in perfect harmony to:

• Fight free radical damage that leads to premature aging
• Even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark circles
• Strengthen the skin barrier (especially important for thin under-eye skin)
• Boost collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin
• Reduce inflammation and redness

The best part? While the vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and brightening benefits, niacinamide helps regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores, making this duo particularly effective for all skin types.

4. Lock In Those Results 

Here's something many people overlook: preventing Transdermal Water Loss (TDWL) is crucial for maintaining results, especially around your eyes. Because the under-eye skin is so thin, it loses moisture more quickly than other areas of your face.

Think of your skincare in stair steps:

• Exfoliation/Cleansing
• Hydration products (lotions and creams) 
• Humectants (like hyaluronic acid) 
• Actives (like our Strut Eye Cream)
• Occlusives (locks in moisture)  

We've specifically formulated Strut Eye Cream with ingredients that help prevent moisture loss while delivering active ingredients. 

But you can enhance these benefits even further with the following tips:

• Apply your normal hydrating creams to slightly damp skin
• Layer properly: thinnest (watery) to thickest (oil) products
• Consider using an occlusive product at night to seal in moisture
• For extra hydration, apply a hyaluronic acid serum before your under-eye cream 
• In dry climates or seasons, use a humidifier while you sleep

Think of it like this: all the active ingredients in your eye cream work better if you have well-hydrated skin. By preventing moisture loss, you're not just keeping your skin hydrated – you're maximizing the benefits of every ingredient in your treatment.

5. Combine Quick Fixes With Long-Term Skincare Strategy

If under-eye lines are bothering you, you'll be happy to know you don't have to wait months to see improvements. Our Strut Eye Cream is formulated to tackle lines both immediately and over time.

For those lines you're seeing right now:

• DMAE (3%) provides an instant tightening effect that visibly smooths the appearance of fine lines
• Caffeine (1%) immediately firms and tightens the under-eye area, making lines look less noticeable
• Our hydrating ingredients quickly plump the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines

While those quick fixes are making you look better right away, these powerful ingredients are working deeper to prevent and reduce lines over time:

• Tretinoin (0.001%) stimulates collagen production to gradually smooth out existing lines
• Vitamin C (2%) strengthens skin and prevents new lines from forming
• Niacinamide (2%) improves skin structure to help prevent future lines
• Tacrolimus (0.025%) and Chamomile Extract (2%) help keep skin calm, and resilient

Think of it this way: while you're getting instant gratification from seeing those lines look better right away, you're also investing in keeping them at bay long-term. 

The key is consistency – retinoids like tretinoin work by gradually promoting collagen production and cell turnover. Each application builds upon the last, creating cumulative improvements over time. By making your eye cream part of your daily routine, you're supporting your skin's natural renewal process and helping maintain the health of your delicate under-eye area.

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Target Under-Eye Lines with Prescription Treatment

While over-the-counter hydrating eye creams from the drugstore play a supporting role in skin health, many are limited to addressing surface-level dryness. For real improvement in under-eye lines, you need active ingredients that can stimulate collagen production and cell renewal – and that's where prescription ingredients come in.

Feeling ready to address those under-eye lines with a science-backed solution? Getting your prescription Strut Eye Cream online is simple with Strut Health.  Simply fill out our online medical questionnaire - it takes less than 15 minutes. One of our US-licensed medical providers will review your information, and if appropriate, prescribe your custom eye cream. 

Once approved, we'll compound your formula fresh and ship it directly to your door.

Take the first step toward brighter, lifted-looking eyes. Start your free consultation now to see if our multiple active-ingredient prescription eye cream could be right for you.

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