Can retinol increase collagen under eyes and improve sunken eyes/tear troughs?

Question

If I use retinol under eyes, will it help increase collagen to improve sunk eyes?

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your good question. Retinol is an excellent ingredient for improving the appearance of the skin, but it’s benefits will be limited. For dark circles and hollowing, I usually recommend injections of small amounts of dermal filler. By adding subtle volume to the area, we can reduce the discoloration and refresh the eye area. This treatment requires expertise and precision to perform correctly. I use a micro-cannula for these injections to reduce side effects and achieve a smoother look. Make sure the doctor you choose has board certification and extensive training in treating this area to ensure an optimal outcome.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @baze92! Retinol helps decrease inflammation, unclog pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. However, it will not help improve sunken eyes. I would recommend a HA dermal filler like Juvederm Voluma or Restylane.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

retinol can improve color and fine wrinkles around the eyes but not hollowing, puffiness, or sunken look.
There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat will be the best long term.  There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat will be the best long term.  However, non invasive less downtime options such as fillers, lasers, microneedling/PRP, cosmelan peels and stem cells can all help give some improvement. I suggest. You get a formal consultation to see what is best for you and your goals.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Prem Tripathi, MD · Answer

Prescription strength Retin-A/Tretinoin is a great maintenance product for fine lines and uneven skin tone when used long term, and can improve the overall quality of your skin. However, it will not likely generate enough collagen to fill a hollow area. For hollowing, dermal fillers like Restylane are a great option for camouflaging the sunken area and blending it with your cheek contour. For a longer lasting option, fat transfer is great alternative. Good luck.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Yes, retinol can help with fine lines and to stimulate collagen production in the skin around the eyes. This is one reason a small amount of retinol is included in a lot of the over the counter eye creams. However, it will not help much with tear trough deformity or sunken eyes. HA fillers like Restylane are commonly used to treat tear trough deformities.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Retin-A increases the amount of collagen in the skin only. if you have hollow eyes and tear trough deformity, I would recommend that you undergo fat grafting which will produce natural and long-lasting results. Good luck from New York City

Marguerite A. Germain, MD · Answer

Hi there!! Thanks so much for your question. Retinol has clearly been shown to increase collagen production but the skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin on the body so using the right retinol product in combination with other ingredients that tighten the skin, decrease dark circles and decrease swelling is so important. You did not include a picture but sunken eyes are mostly due to genetics so even if the eye cream helps a little, the results may not meet your expectations. It is however worth a try. I recommend Germain Rx Magic Eyes. It has retinol, vitamin K, arnica, firming and chelating peptides, and antioxidants. Basically all the best ingredients possible to improve the skin around the eyes. Use that for three months and if things have not improved enough then see a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to evaluate what can be done in addition.

Can retinol increase collagen under eyes and improve sunken eyes/tear troughs?

Answers (7)

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