The skin around the eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging, and summer doesn’t do it any favors. Hot weather, squinting in the sun, and dehydrating air from A/C can all work together to highlight crow’s feet and fine lines that seemed barely noticeable just months ago. For those over 45, these changes can feel sudden and frustrating, especially if your regular routine isn’t delivering the same results it once did.
But eye-area wrinkles aren’t inevitable. With the right care, it’s absolutely possible to soften these lines and give your skin the support it needs to bounce back. The delicate skin around the eyes requires targeted hydration, collagen-boosting ingredients, and protection from sun and screen exposure. Addressing these concerns early can help keep your eyes looking rested and radiant all year long.
Squinting
We squint more than we realize. Whether it’s from bright sun, reading glasses that need an update, or too much screen time, repeated squinting creates tension in the muscles around the eyes. Over time, these small movements leave a lasting impression in the form of fine lines. For aging skin that’s already losing elasticity, these lines deepen faster and can become harder to smooth out.
Reducing squinting is step one! Think wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and regular eye exams. But skincare matters too. A hydrating, firming eye treatment like the Eye Recovery Serum can cushion the skin, making it more resilient to movement and stress. Ingredients that boost collagen and increase elasticity can help the skin recover from repeated squinting and soften the appearance of lines before they deepen.
Dehydration
Even if you drink water all day, your eye area might still be dehydrated. The skin here is thinner and lacks oil glands, which makes it especially vulnerable to dryness. In the summer, dehydration becomes even more pronounced thanks to air conditioning, sun exposure, and outdoor heat. Dehydrated skin loses its plumpness, making fine lines stand out even more, and concealer doesn’t always hide it.
The fix? Use an eye product that delivers deep, lasting hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and soothing plant extracts. These can help lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and restore that smooth, firm look we associate with youth. Daily use can replenish lost moisture, soften the texture of the skin, and improve how makeup applies and wears throughout the day.
Sun Damage
The eye area is often forgotten when applying sunscreen, and that’s a big mistake. Because this skin is so delicate, it’s especially prone to UV damage. The result? Thinning, discoloration, crepiness, and fine lines - sometimes all at once. And since the damage can take weeks or months to surface, many don’t connect their worsening eye wrinkles to a lack of protection.
You don’t need to slather SPF into your lash line, but be sure to apply a lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen gently around the orbital bone, and reapply throughout the day if you’re spending time outside. Pair that with an eye cream formulated to repair and rebuild the skin with ingredients that target sun damage, like antioxidants and peptides. With consistent use, your eyes can look smoother, brighter, and far more youthful, even during peak sun season.
New eye wrinkles don’t have to be a permanent summer souvenir. With smart protection and the right skincare support, it’s possible to hydrate, firm, and smooth the delicate eye area, even if signs of aging are already setting in. A little extra attention around the eyes now can make a big difference in how you look and feel later.
