Crow's feet, also known as laugh lines or character lines, are the fine lines and wrinkles that appear at the outer corners of the eyes. These wrinkles typically become more noticeable when you smile or squint and they tend to deepen over time as you repeat certain facial expressions. Crow's feet are ubiquitous because we all make these facial expressions and because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than other parts of the face.
Many factors contribute to crow's feet, and most of us fall victim to not one but several of them. These factors include:
Men and women experience crow's feet differently. Although there are exceptions to every rule, women tend to get crow's feet earlier in life, but they appear as fine lines. Men typically get crow's feet later in life than women but are more likely to have very deep lines. These differences occur due to a variety of factors, including hormones, skincare routines, skin aging rates, muscle structure, and skin thickness.
Just as men and women experience crow's feet differently, so can people with different skin types. Dry skin, for instance, produces less oil, leaving the skin prone to flakiness, tightness, and dehydration. It can appear dull, with a rough texture, and often feels tight. People with dry skin are more likely to develop crow's feet at an early age because their skin is less hydrated and therefore less elastic.
Oily skin produces more sebum, giving it a shiny appearance. It is typically thicker and less prone to dryness. It often develops crow's feet later in life since the oil naturally moisturizes the skin and acts as a barrier against environmental damage. Oily skin is often thicker, as well, which helps it retain its elasticity longer and delays crow's feet.
If you have sensitive skin, its frequent redness, irritation, and inflammation may cause crow's feet to appear sooner. Chronic inflammation can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, making skin more prone to fine lines and wrinkles at an earlier age.
Perhaps because crow's feet are so common, myths about them abound. It's important to separate fact from fiction, however, so you don't waste time and money barking up the wrong tree when it comes to dealing with these wrinkles. Here are several common myths:
Although you may feel differently when you notice crow's feet in the mirror for the first time, these wrinkles don't spring up overnight. Crow's feet often appear in stages. Again, there are exceptions to every rule, but the typical pattern goes something like this:
Follow a good skincare routine that includes eye cream since these creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides, and ceramides to keep the skin plump and hydrated. Start with creams that have a low concentration of retinol to avoid irritation, as the skin around the eyes is sensitive. And be sure not to skip the moisturizer.
UV rays are a major cause of premature aging and collagen breakdown, which can lead to crow's feet. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 around your eyes and face every day, even in cloudy weather. Sunglasses that block UV rays can do double duty—they block the sun's harmful rays and help prevent squinting in the sunlight, both of which can contribute to crow's feet. Baseball hats and others with wide brims can also do the job.
Chug, chug, chug! Okay, you don't have to chug since your frat party days are probably behind you, but you should drink lots of water every day. Moisturizers can hydrate your skin from the outside, but only water does it from the inside. A balanced diet is also important for nourishing your skin and keeping it looking young. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial to your skin.
A great way to dramatically improve your skin health and stave off crow's feet is to quit smoking. Smoking significantly accelerates the aging process by reducing blood flow to the skin and depleting it of essential nutrients like oxygen and vitamin C. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, causing the skin to wrinkle and sag, particularly around the delicate eye area.
Facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the eyes, increase blood flow, and improve skin elasticity, all of which may help prevent or minimize the appearance of crow's feet. Here are a few effective facial exercises to help prevent crow's feet:
Eye Squeeze Exercise
Crow's Feet Smoothing Exercise
Eye Socket Press
It may not be possible to completely prevent crow's feet, but that doesn't mean you have to live with them when they appear. If you agree that crow's feet belong on birds and not on your face, you'll be happy to know that there are many treatment options available.
If going under the knife just isn't your thing, know that there are several non-invasive treatments you can try. These treatments are:
Available in creams both over-the-counter and by prescription, retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can help reduce the appearance of crow's feet. It's important to be aware, however, that these creams can't eliminate lines or wrinkles. They may make them less noticeable, but they will still be present. We don't offer or recommend any particular topical treatments, but you can experiment on your own or speak to your dermatologist.
You don't have to accept crow's feet when there is a surgical solution to the problem. Blepharoplasty , or eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct drooping eyelids, excess skin, and excess fat around the eyes. This indirectly improves the appearance of crow's feet by smoothing and tightening the skin around the eyes.
Whether you need (or want) surgery is a conversation for you and a surgeon you trust. Once crow's feet reach the moderate and advanced stages, plastic surgery is the only way to get rid of them. Non-invasive procedures like Botox and chemical peels need to be repeated periodically to maintain results while the results of plastic surgery last for many years. Lasting results at these stages will require the help of surgery.
But you don't have to wait that long to consult a plastic surgeon. If you're starting to notice and be bothered by crow's feet, a plastic surgeon can help you decide if it's time for surgery. They can also explain to you exactly what to expect so you have a realistic vision of what surgery can and cannot do for you. At Mia Aesthetics we offer free virtual consultations so you can get the answers you need.
Unfortunately, yes. We tend to associate crow’s feet with age, which is a factor. But your skin type, sun exposure, smoking history, and other things can all impact your crow’s feet timeline. In your 20s and 30s, crow’s feet are usually dynamic, appearing when you make certain facial expressions but disappearing again when your face is at rest.
Dynamic crow’s feet are those that come and go as you make certain facial expressions and then relax your face again. These fine lines may appear when you smile, for instance, but disappear again when your face is in a more neutral position. Static crow’s feet are always visible, even when your face is at rest. Over time, dynamic crow’s feet become static.
Crow’s feet generally can’t be completely reversed or erased, but static crow’s feet can often be reduced, and their dynamic counterparts temporarily erased. Botox and dermal fillers are the most commonly used methods of reducing the appearance of crow’s feet.
Yes. Retinols are effective at reducing crow’s feet, and tretinoin is simply a prescription-strength retinoid. Retinoids work by encouraging skin cells to turn over more quickly and by increasing collagen production. Although they won’t prevent crow’s feet, retinoids can slow them down when used early and reduce their appearance later.
Botox is typically best for treating dynamic crow’s feet, also known as fine lines. Dynamic wrinkles appear only when you make certain muscle movements and then disappear again. Because Botox temporarily weakens the muscles, they don’t pull as hard when you move your face, which minimizes the appearance of the wrinkles. Note that Botox should not make your face look frozen. When this happens, it’s because too much Botox was administered. Choose your injector wisely.
Botox usually lasts about three to four months. Dermal fillers last about six to 12 months, depending on your metabolism. Retinoid creams help as long as you use them. If you stop, crow’s feet can become more apparent pretty quickly. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) produces the longest-lasting effect, minimizing the appearance of crow’s feet for many years.
Yes. Dermal fillers and Botox are both known to be temporary solutions, and even surgery can’t fend crow’s feet off forever. Although we can grant you crow’s feet relief for a time, we can’t stop the aging process. Your skin will continue to age, potentially deepening your crow’s feet.
Generally, Botox is the best option for treating dynamic lines, and dermal fillers are the preferred choice for treating static wrinkles. Blepharoplasty can help with either but is generally used to minimize static wrinkles since surgery is a more invasive option.