While we cherish the memories that created them, the wrinkles around our eyes are a different story. Crow’s feet wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging – but that doesn’t mean you can’t minimize them. That’s why we’ve put together these tips for you on how to fight fine lines and sought an answer to the question, is there a way to prevent them?
Since the skin around our eyes is the thinnest and extremely delicate, it is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, especially fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, it is important to take care of this area of the face in time to limit the worsening of the problem.
What causes crow’s feet wrinkles?
Any movement around the eyes—we’re talking squinting, laughing, frowning—stresses these muscles, ultimately causing crow’s feet. Wrinkles around the eyes are caused by the action of the orbicularis oculi muscle. This is a circular muscle that goes around the eye.
When we smile or express with our eyes, it shrinks and pulls inward.
It is directly attached to the upper skin and therefore the skin is pulled with it. Repeating this action over the years will cause furrows or lines to form on the skin.
When do they start appearing?
There is no hard and fast rule as to when you can expect to first see fine lines around the eyes as each person is different. However, for most people, these lines will start to become visible in their mid-30s. Depending on genetic and environmental factors, a person may notice crow’s feet as early as age 20.
However, genes are not the only determining factor. Behavior and lifestyle play a huge role. Smoking, overexposure to tanning or UV rays, and even skipping moisturizer can cause crow’s feet to appear earlier.
Sun exposure and tanning beds will cause exposure to UV light, which is one way to accelerate the breakdown of collagen in the skin.
The thin skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to these effects. As we lose collagen, the skin has less support and lines will form much more easily.
What is the best way to prevent crow’s feet?
Sunscreen is your best friend. Look for one with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin.
To avoid overly visible lines around the eyes, always moisturize and use a thicker, richer eye cream with SPF.
Sunglasses also provide extra UV protection and reduce glare so you don’t squint, causing unnecessary muscle strain.
Products with ingredients that strengthen the delicate skin under the eyes are your best bet. Look for hyaluronic acid and peptides that boost hydration and collagen.
Eye creams aren’t the only option to prevent and minimize fine lines.
There is little evidence that home red light therapy can be helpful in stimulating collagen production. You may also find red light masks commercially available to try at home.
What is the best treatment for crow’s feet?
Injectables are one of the most effective treatments for preventing and treating crow’s feet. They work to relax these muscles of expression so that lines do not form on the skin. They also prevent future lines from getting deeper by preventing constant muscle contractions and tension.
Firming procedures can also provide results, such as radiofrequency therapy, which can help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet by tightening collagen and helping to stimulate the growth of new collagen.
Lasers are particularly effective in reducing the appearance of crow’s feet. There are many types of lasers that can produce results, so be sure to discuss with a dermatologist the best treatments for the results you want to achieve. Lasers and microneedles can help, but must be used with absolute precision around the eyes to avoid any damage.
Another option for reducing the appearance of fine lines is microneedling. The small skin injuries caused by microneedles can help induce new collagen growth as well as tighten the skin.
