The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest and most delicate areas of the body, which makes it especially prone to sagging, fine lines, and loss of elasticity over time. As collagen production slows with age, many people begin to notice loose skin, drooping around the eyelids, or crepey skin beneath the eyes.
While aging is the most common cause, factors like sun exposure, smoking, diet, and sleep habits can also contribute to premature skin laxity around the eyes.
The good news is that there are several ways to help prevent sagging skin and improve skin firmness, ranging from healthy lifestyle habits to modern skin tightening treatments. Below, we’ll explore the common causes of sagging skin around the eyes and the treatments available to help improve skin firmness and appearance.
What Causes Sagging Skin Around the Eyes?
Like many ailments of the human body, if the skin around your eyes begins to sag, it’s usually due to age. As we grow older, so does the collagen and elasticity in our faces. It also becomes more difficult for the body to produce more collagen. On top of that, all of the little muscles and connective tissues will weaken with time as well. As a result, the skin begins to break down and lose its structure.
How Sun Damage Contributes to Sagging Skin
Age is the primary driver for sagging skin around the eyes, but it’s not the only culprit.
UV damage from the sun can accelerate the degradation of collagen and structural tissues in the face. We’ve all seen those elderly folks who are beautifully bronzed with plenty of wrinkles from years of sunbathing.
Lifestyle Factors That Can Accelerate Skin Aging
Aside from UV damage and the standard aging process, you can advance the development of sagging skin with certain lifestyle choices. Smoking is one of those choices, which destroys collagen and reduces blood flow throughout the face.
There is also growing evidence suggesting that your diet can accelerate sagging skin and collagen in the face. But it’s difficult to pinpoint which foods specifically are causing damage. What we do know is that carotenoids (bright red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables), collagen, lipids, fatty acids and polyphenols (found in berries, tea, coffee, and dark chocolate) may help support skin elasticity. In addition, it’s very possible that high sugar intake can stiffen collagen and advance sagging skin, and high salt intake can increase fluid retention and contribute to puffiness and changes in skin appearance.
Sleep is another big factor. The body renews itself when we sleep, so when we consistently deprive ourselves of sleep over time, the signs of aging will become more evident more quickly.
How to Prevent Sagging Skin Around the Eyes
One of the best ways to prevent the development of aging and sagging skin around the eyes is to protect yourself from the sun. When you’re out in the sun, be sure to wear sunglasses with built-in UV protection and apply skin-safe sunscreen.
You can also slow the aging process and protect your skin with daily lifestyle choices, such as:
- Avoiding smoking. Not only can smoking cause a number of cancers including skin cancer, it can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the skin, as smoking blocks oxygen and other nutrients.
- Eating a diet of mostly whole foods while avoiding excessive sugar.
- Staying properly hydrated. There is strong data available that shows that more hydration in someone’s diet might positively impact skin physiology and biomechanical behavior.
- Getting a good night’s sleep, consistently. Generally speaking, 7-9 hours of quality sleep is sufficient for repairing cells, recharging the body, and preventing premature sagging and loss of elasticity.
- Avoiding alcohol, which has detrimental effects on sleep.
Treatments for Sagging Skin Around the Eyes
There are a number of aesthetic treatments available that can rejuvenate the skin around your eyes for a younger, healthier look.
One of those treatments is called Morpheus 8, which has gained notoriety from the results it’s been able to produce – particularly among celebrities on social media. It works by using epidermal resurfacing and subdermal adipose remodeling devices to stimulate collagen growth beneath the skin. Thanks to radiofrequency energy delivered with pin electrodes, the skin is heated, which activates the body’s natural healing response.
Forma is another popular treatment. It works similarly to Morpheus 8, but acts as a better option for those who are uncomfortable with the pins used in microneedling. Forma uses built-in temperature controls, which adds an element of safety while allowing the treatment to reach clinically proven optimal temperatures without the guesswork.
Both treatments can be highly effective, although Morpheus 8 is typically associated with longer-term results while Forma is often preferred for shorter-term maintenance and skin tightening.
At Inner Harbour Optometry, we’re able to offer both the Morpheus 8 and Forma treatments for sagging skin around the eyes. Learn more about which treatment is best for you: Skin Tightening Therapy & Rejuvenation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sagging Skin Around the Eyes
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The most common cause is natural aging and collagen loss. Sun exposure, smoking, poor sleep, dehydration, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to loose or sagging skin around the eyes.
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While aging cannot be completely prevented, healthy habits like wearing UV-protective sunglasses, using sunscreen, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking may help slow the development of sagging skin.
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Yes. UV exposure can break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which may accelerate wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging around the eyes.
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Popular non-surgical skin tightening treatments include Morpheus8 and Forma, which use radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness.
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Morpheus8 combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to target deeper layers of the skin, while Forma uses radiofrequency heat without needles. Both treatments are designed to improve skin tone and elasticity.
If you’re interested in skin aesthetics treatments and skin rejuvenation in Victoria, contact Inner Harbour Optometry today to book an appointment.