The skin under your eyes is some of the most delicate, and it’s also the area that a lot of people are most self conscious about. Dark under-eye circles, crow’s feet, and crepey skin are some of the most common concerns people raise about their skin! Many wonder how to plump up skin under your eyes, and if it’s even possible.

There are a couple avenues you have to plump up the skin under your eyes — you can do treatments, use products, and form better habits. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about plumping up your under-eye skin below!

Treatments

Microneedling

Microneedling is a treatment that is commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eye. Because it increases collagen production, it can plump up your skin, giving you firmer, more youthful-looking skin — even on the delicate skin around your eyes.

There are products that claim to be at-home microneedling treatments, like dermarollers, but it’s not recommended that you do these treatments by yourself. Not only are they not nearly as effective, but they can also damage your skin, especially on the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Fillers

If you’re still not satisfied with your results and want to more permanently plump up the skin under your eyes, you can opt for fillers or injectables. During these treatments, a professional will inject a substance, such as hyaluronic acid or silicone, into your skin. These will, as the name suggest, fill the area slightly to give it the appearance of being plumped up! Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can last up to 9 months, and silicone fillers can last longer, albeit at the risk of sometimes having to be surgically removed.

Injectables like Botox (also called neuromodulators) paralyze the muscles of the face, preventing wrinkles from forming. This is most commonly used around the eye area on crow’s feet.

Products

Eye Creams

To plump up the skin under your eyes, you want to gently apply products that will intensely moisturize this sensitive area. Look for products that contain ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene, and avocado oil.

To apply these products, put a small amount onto your ring finger, and gently pat into the area under your eyes, being careful not to drag your finger across the skin or rub in too hard.

Retinol

Retinol is the dermatologist's gold standard when it comes to anti-aging — it’s a powerhouse ingredient that increases cell turnover to make your skin appear younger and more plump. Many people don’t think about also applying retinol to the skin under your eyes!

Apply the retinol product similarly to you would eye cream — gently patting into the skin with your ring finger. Make sure not to get it into your eye, and don’t get too close to your eye! And always make sure your retinol product is safe to use on the skin under your eyes before applying.

Preventative Habits

Drink Water

Hydrating your skin is the most significant way to plump up the skin under your eyes — and that starts from the inside! Make sure you’re drinking enough water each day. You can find recommendations based on your height and weight online to find the best amount for you. But just keep a full bottle or glass of water next to you all day so you can stay hydrated!

Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is the best preventative action you can take to plump up skin under your eyes! And not only is this good for your under-eye skin, it’s great for your skin overall! A good sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are some of the main causes of signs of aging — fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. For even more protection, add Thom Elzner Total Defense to your skincare routine. A reinvention of full spectrum skin protection, this product contains HEV Light Filter and Pollution Shield to sooth and shield your skin from the visible effects of UV rays, air pollution, and the blue light emitted from screens. 

Get Enough Sleep

A good night’s sleep can do wonders for the sensitive skin under your eyes. Getting 8 or more hours of sleep a night can drastically improve the appearance of your skin, especially if you’re usually sleep-deprived. You’ll notice your eyes will appear brighter, you’ll see lessened dark circles, and the skin under your eyes will be plumper.