March 1, 2026
Nasojugal lines run on a diagonal, from the inner corner of the eye down toward the upper cheek. You will see this groove under a couple of different clinical names. Most papers call it the tear-trough deformity, while older surgical texts call it the nasojugal groove.
It sits in a narrow strip about 2 to 3 cm long, right along the lower edge of the eye socket. Even when the groove is shallow, the shadow it casts is usually the first thing that makes someone look tired in photos.
Nasojugal lines come from a depression that runs between the eye and the nose. It starts at the inner corner of the eyelid, follows the bony rim under the eye, and ends near the outer corner.
Some people are born with this depression, and others develop it as they age. Either way, it tends to draw the eye and can make you look older than you are.
A negative vector orbit means your cheekbones are flatter and less developed, so they sit further back than your eyeballs. That setup leaves the area under the eye unsupported, which is one of the things that brings on nasojugal lines. (1)
Orbital fat prolapse is when the fat under the eye starts to shift and move around. Aging and surgery can both weaken the membrane that normally holds that fat in place. This is part of why men tend to get nasojugal lines more often than women. (2)
Aging thins the skin and strips away its elasticity. Once the skin can no longer hold the fat beneath it, you start to see hollows and small bulges in the area between the eye and the nose. The groove deepens over time, and in this case it is simply a sign of getting older. (3)
Some people are born with a difference in skin and tissue thickness between the cheek and the area around the eye. If nasojugal lines run in your family, you may develop them over time. People with that genetic tendency usually have more noticeable lines, and they tend to deepen with age. (4)
Some people are more expressive with their faces than others, and the collagen that supports the skin fades as we age. If the lines already run in your family, heavy expression can make them worse. It is also why some people simply look more tired than others. (5)
Smoking and stress wear the face down. They speed up collagen loss, trigger inflammation, and cut the blood reaching your skin. Stress in particular is hard on your features.
Poor sleep adds to it too. Insomnia can bring on under-eye bags, which deepen the look of nasojugal lines and make them stand out more. (6)
Plenty of home remedies and skincare products can soften nasojugal lines and freshen up your face. It is worth trying these first to see whether the lines fade before you start thinking about anything surgical.
A number of facial exercises are suggested for wrinkles and lines like these. Some people call them facial yoga, since they relax the muscles in your face and help tighten the skin. (7)
Calming inflammation in the face relaxes it and softens the signs of aging. Try to quit smoking, cut out the unhealthy food, and treat any allergies you have. (8)
Dry skin makes nasojugal lines more obvious, and gentle exfoliation helps by encouraging new skin cells to grow. Some skincare products are made specifically for the wrinkles under the eyes, so it is worth tracking those down.
Stay away from harsh, low-quality products that could damage the delicate skin there. (9)
Some skincare products genuinely help with nasojugal lines. The good ones boost blood flow and encourage new cell growth. Look for retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid, and reach for gels and serums, since those tend to work best. (10)
Sun and UV exposure make nasojugal lines worse. Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 whenever you are out in the sun. Sunglasses and a hat add another layer of protection. (11)
Foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E help your skin make new cells and fight off inflammation and oxidative stress. Eating well does more for firm, youthful skin than products do, especially if you also cut back on junk food. (12)
Chemical peels are a common choice for nasojugal lines, fine wrinkles, and loose skin. They clear away dead skin cells and encourage new ones to grow. Paired with the preventive steps above, the lines tend to fade gradually. (13)
Dermal fillers work well here, since the lines come from hollows and grooves in the first place. They add volume to the face and the area around the eyes, though the effect is temporary and lasts anywhere from six months to two years. Restylane and Juvederm are the usual choices for this area. (14)
Microdermabrasion is a good fit if your grooves are mild and your skin is sensitive. It clears away dead skin cells and boosts blood flow, which freshens up the muscles in your face and tightens the skin. (15)
Lasers can treat nasojugal lines too. There are many kinds for facial wrinkles, but fractional lasers are the best option for this area. (16)
Microneedling uses tiny needles to prick the skin, followed by creams and serums that help it heal and produce more collagen. After a session, the lines start to fade and your skin texture improves noticeably. (17)
For Botox, a small dose of botulinum toxin goes into the area between the eyes and the nose. It relaxes the targeted muscles, which softens the wrinkles over time. Most people see real results after three to five days, and after about four months the lines can disappear completely. (18)