Crepey Skin Under Eyes: What Causes It and 7 Things That May Help

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Crepey skin under the eyes can look thin, dry, loose, or almost like crinkled tissue paper. It may show up as tiny lines, saggy texture, or skin that doesn’t bounce back the way it used to.

I started noticing this around my own eyes earlier than I expected, so I know how frustrating it can be.

This page focuses on crepey under-eye skin, but if you’re also dealing with crow’s feet, deeper under-eye lines, or that dry crinkly look, I pull everything together on my eye wrinkle treatments page.

What does crepey skin under the eyes look like?

Crepey under-eye skin usually looks thin, dry, loose, or slightly wrinkled — almost like soft tissue paper. It may show up under the lower eyelid, near the outer corners, or down toward the upper cheek area.

You may notice:

• Skin that looks crinkly even when your face is relaxed
• Fine lines that look worse when the area is dry
• A loose or slightly saggy texture under the eyes
• Skin that doesn’t look as firm or “springy” as it used to
• Makeup or concealer settling into tiny lines

Crepey skin under the eyes can look more noticeable when you smile, but the skin usually looks thin, loose, or finely crinkled rather than forming a grid-like pattern.

The easiest way to think of it is this: crepey skin is more about texture than wrinkles.

How is crepey under-eye skin different from wrinkles?

Crepey skin and under-eye wrinkles can overlap, but they are not exactly the same thing.

Regular under-eye wrinkles are usually individual lines or creases. Some show up when you smile or squint, while others stay visible when your face is relaxed.

Crepey skin is more of a thin, papery texture. The whole area may look dry, loose, or finely crinkled instead of having just one or two clear lines.

Criss-cross lines look a little different. Those look more like a tiny grid or mesh pattern under the eyes, especially when you smile or squint.

So if the skin under your eyes looks thin, loose, dry, or papery, crepey skin is probably the better description. If you see more of a grid-like pattern, my page on criss-cross under-eye lines explains that texture in more detail.

What causes crepey skin under the eyes?

Crepey skin under the eyes usually happens when the skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic over time. The under-eye area is already delicate, so even small changes can show up fast.

Common causes include:

• Collagen and elastin loss: These proteins help skin look firm and smooth. As they decline, the under-eye area can start to look thinner and looser.
• Dryness: Dry skin makes tiny lines and crepey texture look more obvious.
• Sun exposure: UV damage can weaken collagen and make the skin look older faster.
• Hormonal changes: Menopause and hormone shifts can make skin feel drier and less firm.
• Diet and lifestyle: Smoking, too much sugar, poor sleep, and stress can all make the skin look duller and less resilient.
• Genetics: Some of us are just more prone to thin or crepey skin around the eyes.

My under-eye area started showing signs of aging in my late 20s, so I learned early that this area needs extra care.

Can crepey skin under the eyes improve?

In my experience, yes — but it usually takes time and consistency.

I don’t think one cream or one trick fixes crepey under eyes overnight. But I have seen this area look smoother and firmer with the right mix of hydration, gentle skincare, massage, and patience.

In my before-and-after photo below, I had more crepey under-eye texture in my 40s than I do now in my 60s.

That’s why I still believe small, steady habits can make a real difference.

Before and after pictures of my under eyes. Notice less crepey skin under eyes when I'm smiling.

What helps crepey skin under the eyes?

If you’re wondering how to fix crepey skin under the eyes, the best approach is usually a combination of hydration, collagen-supporting skincare, and a few healthy habits.

No single cream can magically erase papery skin overnight. But over time, the right routine can help the under-eye area look smoother, firmer, and less crinkly.

These are the things that have helped me the most.

1. Hydration and barrier repair — for dryness

When the skin under your eyes is dry, every little line seems to show up more. That’s why hydration is usually the first place I start with crepey under-eye skin.

I look for lightweight eye creams with ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and nourishing oils because they help comfort the skin and support that delicate under-eye barrier.

Sometimes, just getting this area well moisturized can make it look softer, smoother, and less papery within a few days.

If dryness is a big part of what you’re seeing, I share more of my favorite hydrating eye creams for dry under-eyes on this page.

2. Retinol or bakuchiol — for thinning skin and collagen loss

If you want to know how to thicken skin under the eyes, retinol is one of the most researched ingredients available. Retinol helps support collagen production, which may gradually improve the appearance of thin, crepey skin over time.

If your skin is sensitive, bakuchiol can be a gentler alternative that offers similar benefits without as much irritation.

The key is to start slowly and be patient. Improvements in this delicate area usually take several months.

3. Vitamin C — for collagen support and sun damage

Vitamin C is one of my favorite ingredients for aging skin because it does a few helpful things at once.

It can help brighten dull-looking skin, support collagen, and protect against everyday environmental damage. For crepey under-eyes, that matters because this area already tends to look thin, dry, and tired faster than the rest of the face.

I use vitamin C on my whole face, including carefully around the eye area, as part of my morning routine. If you’re curious about how I use it, I share more on my page about vitamin C for wrinkles.

4. Gentle massage and eye exercises

Massage and targeted eye exercises may help the under-eye area look smoother and less tired over time. I’ve personally noticed subtle improvements by combining these techniques with good skincare and consistent hydration.

Want to try the exact eye massage I use? This step-by-step eye massage and exercise video walks you through it.

5. Temporary firming serums

Sometimes you just want your under-eye area to look better right now.

That’s where instant firming serums can be helpful. These products temporarily tighten the surface of the skin and can make crepey under eyes look smoother for several hours.

The results are temporary, but they can be a nice confidence boost when you’re looking extra tired or puffy. Curious which ones actually worked for me? My under-eye firming serum reviews compare the products I’ve tested over the years.

6. Hyaluronic acid — for dry, crinkly texture

Hyaluronic acid helps attract water to the skin, which can temporarily plump fine lines and improve the appearance of dry, crepey texture.

I’ve found it works best when applied under a moisturizer, which helps seal in the hydration.

Used this way, it can make the under-eye area look softer and less crinkly.

7. Sun protection and healthy habits — to help prevent further damage

If you want to prevent crepey skin from getting worse, daily sun protection is one of the most important things you can do.

UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, which are the very things that help keep skin firm and smooth. Wondering if sunscreen really makes a difference? My guide on whether sunscreen helps prevent wrinkles explains why I never skip this step.

Healthy habits matter too. Good sleep, stress management, a nutrient-rich diet, and staying hydrated all support healthier-looking skin over time.

A quick safety note: Because the under-eye area is delicate, patch test new products first and stop using anything that causes burning, swelling, or ongoing irritation.

Takeaway

If you’re wondering what to do about crepey skin under the eyes, start with hydration and be consistent.

For me, the biggest improvements came from keeping the under-eye area well moisturized, using collagen-supporting ingredients, and adding gentle massage to my routine.

The changes were gradual, but even subtle improvements made my eyes look less tired and more refreshed.

Crepey skin under eyes: FAQ

About the Author:

Linda Robison is a Certified Facial Fitness Specialist and founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone, where she shares practical tips, products, techniques, and at-home options for women over 40. She personally tests many of the methods she writes about.

Experience: Linda spent nearly 15 years as an Anti-Aging Health Advisor at the Life Extension Foundation and has over 30 years of experience testing facial anti-aging techniques, including training in Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Her work has been featured in GB News and Beauty Box Magazine. You can view her background on LinkedIn and follow her on Pinterest.

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