The skin around the eyes is often the first place fine lines appear. It's thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, moves constantly, and has fewer oil glands, so it's prone to dryness and crepey texture. That also means it needs extra care. Here's how to work on under-eye lines and crow's feet safely at home.
The short answer: needle cartridges aren't suitable for the delicate skin around the eyes. Instead, use nanoneedling: a Nano cartridge at the lowest setting, staying on the bone of the eye socket and never on the eyelids or waterline. Done gently every 1 to 2 weeks, it can help under-eye skin look smoother, brighter and better hydrated.
Why the eye area needs a different approach
- The skin is much thinner than on the cheeks or forehead.
- It sits close to delicate structures, including the eye itself.
- It's prone to puffiness and bruising.
That's why we recommend nanoneedling only around the eyes. It works on the surface without breaking the skin, so it's gentle enough for this area.
What nanoneedling can help with
- Fine lines and crow's feet, especially lines made worse by dryness
- Crepey texture, helping skin look smoother
- Dull, tired-looking skin, for a brighter look
- Hydration, by helping eye serums absorb more effectively
Nanoneedling won't change deep hollows, significant puffiness or dark circles caused by genetics or the shape of the face. For those, speak to a professional.
Where to nanoneedle, and where not to
| Safe to nanoneedle | Never treat |
|---|---|
| The bony ridge below the eye (the orbital bone) | The eyelids, upper or lower |
| The outer corners, where crow's feet form | The waterline or lash line |
| The brow bone, below the eyebrows | Any area inside the bony eye socket |
A simple guide: if you can feel bone beneath your fingertip, you're in the right place.
Your gentle eye-area routine
- Remove all eye makeup thoroughly, then cleanse and pat dry.
- Disinfect your hands and pen, and let everything dry.
- Attach a new, sealed Nano cartridge and set the lowest setting and the lowest speed.
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free hyaluronic acid along the orbital bone and outer corners. Keep it away from the eye itself.
- Look up and away from the area you're working on, and gently support the skin with a finger on the cheekbone.
- Glide very lightly along the bone in short strokes, with the pen flat to the skin. No pressure.
- Keep it short. One or two passes per side is enough.
- Finish with a gentle, fragrance-free eye cream.
Repeat every 1 to 2 weeks. If you also microneedle the rest of your face, nanoneedle the eye area in the same session, or at least a week apart from it.
Aftercare
- Skip eye makeup until the next day.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Pause retinol eye creams and acids for 72 hours.
- Wear sunglasses and SPF in daylight.
The best products for the eye area
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Peptide eye creams for firmer-looking skin
- Ceramides to support the delicate skin barrier
- Caffeine eye products on other days, which some people find helpful for puffiness
Always choose fragrance-free formulas made for the eye area.
When to stop
Stop if you notice redness that doesn't settle within an hour or two, swelling, stinging, itching or any product getting into your eye. Rinse with clean water if that happens, and speak to a pharmacist if irritation continues.
Gentle eye care with Olapen
Our Nano cartridge is the only Olapen cartridge we recommend around the eyes. It works with every Olapen pen, and with five speed settings you can keep things at the gentlest level. For the rest of the face, see microneedling for wrinkles and fine lines.
Frequently asked questions
Can you microneedle under your eyes?
Not with needle cartridges. Use a Nano cartridge on the bone of the eye socket only.
Does nanoneedling help crow's feet?
It can help them look softer, especially lines made worse by dryness.
Can nanoneedling help dark circles?
It may help skin look brighter, but dark circles caused by genetics or face shape won't change much.
How often can I nanoneedle around my eyes?
Every 1 to 2 weeks.
Can I nanoneedle my eyelids?
No. Never treat the eyelids, waterline or anywhere inside the eye socket.
The bottom line
The eye area needs a gentler approach than the rest of the face. Use nanoneedling only, stay on the bone, keep pressure light and sessions short, and pair it with a good, fragrance-free eye cream. Over time, it can help under-eye skin look smoother, brighter and more rested.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.