How to Smooth Criss-Cross Lines Under Eyes (That Grid of Wrinkles!)

Linda Robison, Facial Fitness Specialist
Linda Robison, Facial Fitness Specialist.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases and may earn from other affiliate links.

Do you have tiny under-eye wrinkles that form a faint mesh or crosshatch pattern when you smile or squint? Me too.

Unlike crepey skin, which looks more loose and papery, criss-cross lines tend to look like a delicate grid of tiny intersecting wrinkles. They can spread from the lower lid toward the upper cheeks and make concealer or eyeliner settle into the area.

On this page, I’ll explain what causes these criss-cross wrinkles under the eyes, why they become more noticeable over time, and what has helped me soften them naturally.

Quick answer: Criss-cross under-eye lines are those tiny intersecting wrinkles that can make the skin look dry, thin, or textured — especially when you smile. They’re not quite the same as crepey skin or crow’s feet, and that difference matters. Once you know what’s causing that little grid pattern, it’s much easier to soften the look.

If these lines are starting to bother you, my page on eye wrinkle treatments that actually help covers the main things that have made the biggest difference for me.

Close-up showing fine criss-cross lines under the eye—common in aging skinThese lines form a subtle mesh pattern that becomes more noticeable as under-eye skin thins with age or dryness

What are criss-cross under-eye lines and how are they different?

Criss-cross under-eye lines are tiny fine lines that overlap and form a faint mesh or crosshatch pattern. They often show up more when you smile, squint, or when the skin under your eyes feels dry.

They’re different from one deep crease or classic crow’s feet. Criss-cross lines look more like a delicate little grid that can spread from the lower lid toward the upper cheek.

They’re also a little different from crepey under-eye skin, which tends to look more loose, thin, and papery. Criss-cross lines are usually more surface-level at first, but they can become more noticeable as the skin gets thinner, drier, or less elastic.

And yes, they can mess with makeup. Concealer can settle into those tiny lines, and eyeliner that used to glide on smoothly may start to smudge or draw attention to the texture. If that sounds familiar, Tip #8 in my eyeliner guide may help.

What causes that tiny crosshatch pattern?

Criss-cross lines usually show up when the under-eye skin is dry, thin, or losing some of its bounce. Because this area is so delicate, even small changes in moisture, collagen, or facial movement can make those tiny hatch-like lines look more obvious.

The most common triggers are:

  • Dryness: When the under-eye area is dehydrated, fine lines look sharper and makeup settles faster.
  • Thinning skin: As collagen and elasticity change with age, the skin under the eyes can look less smooth and more textured.
  • Smiling and squinting: These little movements fold the same area over and over, so the tiny lines can start to look more noticeable.
  • Sun exposure: UV damage can make thin under-eye skin look drier and less elastic over time.
  • Makeup buildup: Too much concealer, powder, or heavy eyeliner can collect in the tiny grid and make it stand out more.

The key is to figure out which one is making your lines look worse that day. Sometimes it’s not “more wrinkles” — it’s dryness, makeup, or squinting making the little grid easier to see.

How to reduce criss-cross lines under the eyes

These tips are for those tiny hatch-like lines that catch makeup or look more obvious when you smile — not deep under-eye folds or heavy bags.

Some fixes are temporary, like firming serums and smoothing primers. Others work more slowly, like hydration, retinol, sunscreen, and gentle massage.

I like combining both: something that makes the area look smoother today, plus a routine that keeps the skin calmer and less dry over time.

1. Temporary smoothing: firming eye serums

For a fast fix, a firming eye serum can help blur those tiny criss-cross lines so they don’t catch the light as much. This is especially helpful before makeup, when concealer tends to settle into every little hatch mark.

These serums don’t rebuild the skin permanently. But a good one can make the area look tighter, smoother, and less crinkly for a few hours.

I’ve been testing under-eye serums since 2012, and some made a much bigger difference than others. My best under-eye serums page shows the ones that actually helped smooth my under-eye area in real photos.

Here’s what criss-cross lines under the eyes can look like—and how mine started to fade

This before-and-after photo shows the faint criss-cross texture under my eyes, which softened after a few months of daily massage and hydrating serums.

Close-up of fine criss-cross lines under the eyesThese are my own results after 3 months of gentle massage and skin-supporting serums. Notice how the criss-cross texture softens around the lower lid.

The difference is subtle in photos, but it was much more noticeable in person. I don’t want to pretend one product did everything, because I used a mix of gentle massage and hydrating serums. But when you want to soften the look of tiny criss-cross lines, a good serum can be a helpful shortcut.

2. Gentle retinol or bakuchiol

A gentle retinol may help soften the look of fine criss-cross lines over time by supporting smoother-looking skin.

But under the eyes, more is not better. If retinol makes the area dry, red, or flaky, those little hatch marks can look worse.

Start slowly, moisturize well, and consider bakuchiol if your skin is sensitive.

3. Hydrate so the tiny grid looks softer

For me, dryness makes criss-cross lines look much worse. When the under-eye area is well hydrated, those tiny hatch marks usually look softer and less etched.

Look for lightweight moisture support — things like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, or nourishing oils. The goal is to plump and comfort the area, not make it greasy or puffy.

ABZ Tip: Avoid alcohol-heavy eye products if your under-eyes already feel dry. They can make the texture look sharper.

4. Protect the area from sun and squinting

Sun exposure can make thin under-eye skin look drier and less elastic over time. And squinting folds that same little area again and again.

So yes, sunscreen matters — but sunglasses matter too.

Use a gentle broad-spectrum SPF around the eye area if your skin tolerates it, and keep sunglasses handy when you’re outside or driving.

For a deeper look at why sunscreen helps protect smoother-looking skin over time, see my page on whether sunscreen really helps prevent wrinkles.

5. Gentle massage for criss-cross under-eye lines

Gentle massage is one of the things that helped my under-eye area look smoother, especially when the skin looked dry, tired, or a little puffy.

The key is to use enough slip and very light pressure. You never want to drag or stretch the skin under your eyes.

I like massage here because it helps spread serums and oils more evenly, and it gives the under-eye area a softer, more refreshed look over time. In my photos above, I used a mix of daily massage and hydrating serums — not just one product.



How to Do It:

  • Use clean hands or a skincare tool like a Gua Sha or jade roller.
  • Apply a few drops of a nourishing oil to provide slip.
  • Using light pressure, make gentle circular motions around the under-eye area.
  • Use tapping motions with your fingertips to boost circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage.
  • Repeat for 1-2 minutes per eye, morning and night.

ABZ Tip: Massage should make the area look calmer and smoother, not stretched or irritated.

6. Use very gentle exfoliation — only if your skin tolerates it

If the texture is partly from dry buildup, gentle exfoliation may help the under-eye area look smoother.

But this is not the place for scrubbing. I’d avoid anything gritty right under the eyes. A very mild enzyme or gentle acid used carefully is usually a better fit.

ABZ Tip: Don’t exfoliate on the same night you use retinol. Too much can make the area dry and crinkly, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.

When at-home care may not be enough

If the lines are deep, etched in, or mixed with hollows, bags, or loose skin, at-home care may only soften the look. That’s when it’s worth talking with a dermatologist or qualified cosmetic provider.

But for tiny criss-cross texture, I’d start with the simple stuff first: hydration, gentle skincare, sunscreen, massage, lighter makeup, and a smoothing serum when you want a quicker fix.

Why criss-cross lines can look worse some days

One thing I’ve noticed is that these little lines don’t always look the same. Some days they’re barely there. Other days they look sharper, especially if my skin is dry, irritated, or I used too much makeup.

Here’s what can make that tiny grid stand out:

  • Dry skin can make the lines look deeper.
  • Too much concealer or powder can settle into the pattern.
  • Squinting can make the lines show faster.
  • Sun exposure can make thin under-eye skin look less smooth over time.
  • Irritation from strong products can make the area look more crinkly.

The goal isn’t to attack the area. I get better results when I keep the under-eye skin hydrated, protected, and calm.

My simple routine for criss-cross under-eye texture

For this specific little under-eye grid pattern, I keep the routine simple.

Morning: I hydrate the area, use sunscreen, and go light with concealer so it doesn’t settle into the tiny lines.

Before makeup: If I want a smoother look fast, I use a firming serum or smoothing primer and let it fully dry before applying anything over it.

Night: I cleanse gently, moisturize well, and use retinol or bakuchiol only on the nights my skin feels calm enough.

A few times a week: I add a short, gentle massage with enough slip so I’m not pulling the skin.

The goal is not to attack the area. It’s to keep the under-eye skin calm, hydrated, and smooth-looking so that little crosshatch pattern doesn’t stand out as much.

FAQ:

What causes criss-cross wrinkles under the eyes?

Criss-cross wrinkles under the eyes are usually caused by a mix of thin skin, dryness, collagen loss, sun exposure, and repeated facial movements like smiling or squinting.

They can look like a tiny mesh or crosshatch pattern instead of one single crease.

What are crosshatch wrinkles under the eyes?

Crosshatch wrinkles are fine lines that overlap or intersect, creating a faint grid-like pattern under the eyes.

They often show up more when you smile, squint, or when the under-eye area is dry.

Why do my under eyes crease when I smile?

When you smile, the skin under your eyes naturally folds with movement. If the skin is dry, thin, or losing elasticity, those folds can look more like tiny criss-cross lines or under-eye creases.

That doesn’t always mean something is “wrong.” It just means the area may need more hydration, protection, and gentle care.

How can I reduce criss-cross lines under my eyes?

You can help soften the look of criss-cross lines with hydration, gentle retinol or bakuchiol, sun protection, light exfoliation, and careful massage.

The goal is to keep the under-eye area smoother and less dry, not to scrub or treat it aggressively.

What’s the fastest way to hide criss-cross lines under my eyes?

The fastest fix is usually a temporary firming serum or a smoothing primer made for fine lines.

A light hand with concealer helps too. Too much product can settle into the crosshatch pattern and make the lines look more obvious.

Can under-eye massage help criss-cross lines?

Gentle massage may help the area look smoother by improving circulation, reducing puffiness, and helping skincare spread more evenly.

Just don’t pull or drag the skin. The under-eye area is delicate.

Is retinol safe for criss-cross lines under the eyes?

A gentle retinol may help soften the look of fine lines over time, but the under-eye area can get irritated easily.

Start slowly, use a small amount, and moisturize well. If your skin is very sensitive, bakuchiol may be a gentler option.

Can sunscreen help prevent these lines from getting worse?

Yes. Sun exposure can weaken collagen and make fine under-eye lines more noticeable over time. I like using daily SPF and sunglasses because they help protect the skin and reduce squinting.

Note: choose a mineral-based SPF with PA+++ protection and no alcohol or harsh chemicals. Always wear sunglasses to reduce squinting.

Takeaway: Criss-cross under-eye lines

Criss-cross under-eye lines are those tiny hatch-like wrinkles that can make the area look dry, thin, or textured. They’re not always deep wrinkles, which is good news.

For me, they look better when I focus on hydration, gentle massage, light makeup, sunscreen, and a temporary smoothing serum when I want a faster fix.

You may not erase every little line, but you can often make the area look softer, smoother, and less crinkly with the right routine.

Want the bigger eye-wrinkle overview? My complete eye wrinkle treatment guide covers oils, exercises, creams, vitamin C, massage, and other at-home options.



You might like these


Want More?

I share quick routines, beauty tweaks, and what’s working for me — straight to your inbox. Join the Club and get this free Cheek Shaper Video.

Preview of a free 1-minute cheek shaper facial exercise video


Linda Robison, certified facial fitness specialist and anti-aging advisor for women over 40

About the Author:

Linda Robison is an anti-aging advisor for women over 40, sharing natural methods, facial exercises, and beauty routines she's personally tested over the years for smoother, firmer-looking skin. She spent nearly 15 years as an Anti-Aging Health Advisor at the Life Extension Foundation and has been testing facial anti-aging techniques for over 30 years, including training in Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Her tips have been featured in GB News and Beauty Box Magazine. You can also view her background on LinkedIn. For more everyday tips follow along on Pinterest.

Found this helpful? Tap the 💙 in the bottom right corner

SHARE OR SAVE THIS 💗


SHARE OR SAVE FOR LATER: