Crow’s feet, or laugh lines, are the tiny wrinkles that develop at the corners of your eyes due to years of smiling and squinting. Eventually, they may remain even when your face is at rest. Laugh lines are a hallmark of a well-lived life, but developing them prematurely can be frustrating.
Fortunately, a combination of natural remedies, moisturizers and dermatological treatments can minimize crow’s feet and help you feel more confident in your skin.
What Causes Crow’s Feet?
With age, your skin undergoes gradual changes, allowing static and dynamic wrinkles to develop. You lose elastin and collagen — the proteins responsible for giving skin its youthful resilience and plumpness. The delicate eye area is especially susceptible to signs of aging. The thin skin there has few oil glands, making it more prone to dryness that can exacerbate the look of fine lines.
All facial movements ultimately cause wrinkles. Hormonal changes and lifestyle choices like excessive sun exposure can accelerate this process, and the loss of elasticity combined with repetitive muscle contractions can lead to crow’s feet over time. You might notice crow’s feet in your 30s, but depending on your skin care regimen and genetics, they may not appear until later.
How to Prevent Crow’s Feet
While crow’s feet are a natural sign of aging, you can limit their severity or slow their development:
- Wear sunscreen: Too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can accelerate aging by damaging your DNA. Even if you’re only outdoors for a short period, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Also, remember a hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes and prevent squinting.
- Eat a clean diet: The foods you choose can improve your vitality and prevent crow’s feet. Eat plenty of unsaturated fats like fish, avocados, nuts, seeds and extra-virgin olive oil. Fresh fruits, whole grains and healthy oils also protect your skin from damage by free radicals.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. It also accelerates premature aging, including crow’s feet and other wrinkles. Smoking triggers the inflammation process while introducing free radicals that can linger for days.
Natural Remedies for Crow’s Feet
If you already have crow’s feet, try these tips to reduce their appearance.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating can minimize wrinkles that have already started forming. It removes dead, tired skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Adding an exfoliant to your skin care routine can enhance volume and smooth lines. After exfoliating, use a moisturizer with collagen and antioxidants to add nourishing hydration back to your skin.
Eye Creams With Vitamins and Minerals
Eye creams with vitamins A and C are an excellent addition to your anti-aging arsenal. Retinoid eye creams are vitamin A derivatives, which can reduce wrinkle depth, increase skin thickness, reduce pigmentation and improve texture.
Additionally, vitamin C can protect your skin against UV damage while stimulating collagen production.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated, supple and elastic, which may reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. Follow it up with hydrating skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid and help retain moisture.
Certain Foods
While a healthy diet can slow the development of crow’s feet, some foods may improve your appearance. For instance, soy supplements can heal sun damage and improve your skin’s firmness and structure. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants that may improve oxygen circulation and blood flow to skin cells, helping it retain moisture and making your complexion look and feel smoother.
Best Treatments for Crow’s Feet
Many treatment options may reverse the signs of crow’s feet or reduce their severity.
Topical Creams
Peptides are amino acids that occur naturally in the skin, and these come in gels and creams to combat lines. When applied to your skin, your body interprets the amino acids in peptides as damaged collagen and produces more to repair the damage, which can plump fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, retinols stimulate collagen and elastin — two proteins that provide a plump, youthful appearance. These creams are usually available over the counter, but you’ll need to consult your dermatologist if you need a higher dose, as retinol treatment has possible side effects.
MicroLaser Peel
A MicroLaser Peel may reduce your crow’s feet by removing a thin layer of skin to address surface-level issues like fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure involves a laser handpiece that delivers near-infrared energy to the skin. The water in your skin cells then absorbs the laser, heating up to stimulate collagen and elastin production. As the skin heals, new cells replace the old ones to reveal a tighter, healthier-looking complexion.
At Berman Skin Institute, our MicroLaser Peel takes only one hour. Thanks to topical anesthesia, most patients experience little to no discomfort, though it’s common to feel heat or a tingling sensation. Healing takes one to two days, and you should see results within three months after your final MicroLaser Peel session. Results usually last one to two years, depending on your lifestyle and skin care routine.
BOTOX®
BOTOX® injections can reduce crow’s feet in two ways. First, the treatment relaxes hyper-dynamic muscles to soften or eliminate wrinkles within days. Second, the relaxed muscles thin in the following months, providing further cosmetic benefits for unwanted wrinkles. With no recovery time, you can receive BOTOX® treatments and resume your usual activities the same day.
BOTOX® is the world’s most popular cosmetic procedure, with a safe track record. The needle we use is so fine that 99% of patients do not require a topical anesthetic. However, we are happy to apply such a cream upon your request. While this neuromodulator’s effects are temporary, you can prolong them with periodic touch-up injections.
Reduce Crow’s Feet With Advanced Treatments at Berman Skin Institute
While crow’s feet are a natural sign of aging, there are many ways to reduce their appearance and improve your confidence. At Berman Skin Institute, we blend state-of-the-art technology and research with dedication to your welfare and healing. Our professional staff can deliver the best possible dermatologic care — including the advanced MicroLaser Peel and BOTOX® injections for crow’s feet.
During your consultation, we’ll ask questions to understand your concerns and perform an exam. From there, our team will develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your needs. We also accept many types of insurance and offer patient financing for your convenience.
If you’re interested in crow’s feet treatments, reach out to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your skin goals!
