How to Care for Your Smile Lines

Gentle hydration, targeted serums, and consistent sun protection keep the delicate eye area smooth and prevent premature creasing.

Smile lines happen to people who actually smile, which is better than having perfect skin and looking miserable, but consistent hydration and SPF will keep yours looking intentional rather than accidental.

1. Cleanse gently. Use a gentle, oil-based cleanser around the eye area with your ring finger. The skin here is thinner than anywhere else on your face, so treat it like silk. Pat, never rub.
2. Apply targeted treatment. Use an eye cream with peptides or retinol alternatives like bakuchiol for nighttime. For day, choose something with caffeine to reduce puffiness. Apply from the inner corner outward in gentle tapping motions.
3. Layer moisture strategically. Follow with a lightweight face moisturizer over the eye cream if your skin is dry. The eye area needs more hydration than the rest of your face but can't handle heavy formulas.
4. Never skip SPF. Use sunglasses and apply SPF 30 or higher daily, including the upper eyelids. Squinting creates lines faster than aging does. Mineral sunscreens work best here since they won't sting if they migrate into eyes.