Crow’s Feet: Types, Causes, Treatments and Prevention

Written by aesthetic content writer Catherine. Reviewed by Medical Director Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
Published on: October 30, 2024
Dermal Filler

how to get rid of crow's feet

Wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow’s feet, can sneak up on us as we age, but their appearance isn’t set in stone. Is there a way to slow down their arrival or reduce them once they’re here? Ageing is unavoidable, but there are ways to slow it down. Learn how to get rid of crow’s feet by knowing their causes & exploring treatments – from natural remedies to professional options. So, let’s know what triggers crow’s feet, how to prevent them, and effective treatments to reclaim smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

What Is Crow’s Feet?

As you grow older, you may observe the emergence of fine lines around the outer corners of your eyes. These lines, known as lateral canthal lines or crow’s feet, develop from the repetitive contractions of small muscles near the eyes during various facial expressions like laughter, stress, or sadness. Initially visible when smiling or squinting, these lines can deepen over time, becoming noticeable even at rest.

The levels of collagen and elastin, which are essential for youthful skin elasticity, naturally decline as we age. This reduction leads to the development of fine lines like crow’s feet and frown lines. 

Different Types of Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet are the fine lines and wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes. There are two types: 

Dynamic Wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles, or crow’s feet, form when the tissue beneath the skin moves with facial expressions. Smiling or laughing can create lines around the eyes or forehead. Vertical lines between the eyebrows or around the mouth may also appear. These wrinkles are dynamic because they fade away when the face is relaxed and not making expressions.

Static Wrinkles

Static wrinkles, including crow’s feet, remain visible even when the underlying tissue is not moving. These lines persist when your face is at rest. They develop due to a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen provides structural support to the skin, while elastin maintains its elasticity & firmness.

Causes Of Crow’s Feet 

Check out the primary causes of crow’s feet around your eyes below – 

Sun Damage

Sun damage is a leading cause of many skin issues, including wrinkles. While moderate sun exposure has benefits, excessive UV rays can harm the skin’s cellular structure, which leads to dryness & permanent wrinkles.

Normal Facial Expressions

Your everyday facial expressions will eventually cause wrinkles. But, it’s unavoidable, right? So, don’t stop smiling, laughing, or frowning to prevent them. Instead, focus on taking better care of your skin. 

Weight Fluctuations

Believe it or not, weight changes can significantly contribute to wrinkles, including crow’s feet. As we gain and lose weight, the skin on our face stretches and must snap back, similar to an overused hair tie. Over time, this repeated stretching causes the skin to lose its elasticity, which makes wrinkles more permanent & deep.

Squinting

Whether it is due to bright sunlight or an outdated prescription, frequent squinting can contribute to the formation of crow’s feet. Ensure you address any vision concerns by visiting an optometrist, and consider getting computer glasses to prevent eye strain from prolonged screen time.

Smoking

Smoking significantly impacts your skin’s health. Reduced oxygen intake leads to poor circulation, which makes it harder for your skin to regenerate smoothly. Quitting smoking can help delay the onset of crow’s feet & promote healthier skin.

Ageing

Age plays a significant role in the appearance of a crow’s feet. As we grow older, our facial muscles experience a decline in tone, which leads to the development of fine lines & wrinkles around the eyes. Also, the natural decrease in collagen production in the skin contributes to reduced elasticity, which makes it more prone to wrinkles like crow’s feet & frown lines.

Treatment Options: How To Get Rid Of Crow’s Feet?

While you can’t completely prevent crow’s feet, there are various cosmetic treatments to diminish their appearance – 

Dermal Fillers

A dermal filler treatment contains substances like hyaluronic acid, a natural component found in connective tissues, which fills in spaces under the skin. It effectively plumps the skin, which provides great improvements when used to treat crow’s feet & wrinkles. If crow’s feet are caused by loss of volume, dermal fillers placed carefully in the temple area can lift and reduce the crow’s feet.

Dermal filler treatment London administration is relatively slow, usually taking about an hour. Its effects are temporary, necessitating one or two injections annually for maintenance. The size of the filler particles determines the extent of plumping: larger particles are used for deeper wrinkles, while smaller ones are suitable for milder ones.

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are a skin rejuvenation treatment that utilises DNA fragments to repair and regenerate skin tissue, which enhances hydration & firmness for a youthful look. Unlike dermal fillers, they do not add volume or alter facial features. Instead, polynucleotides work by stimulating cell regeneration and boosting collagen production from within, which results in a natural & radiant anti-ageing effect. The initial treatment involves 2-3 sessions spaced a month apart, followed by maintenance sessions every six months.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a widely used and safe treatment option for addressing crow’s feet. During this procedure, a mild chemical solution is applied to gently remove the outer layer of aged skin. This reveals smoother, fresher skin while encouraging collagen production to enhance skin strength & firmness. Depending on your goals, you can choose from three types of peels to achieve the desired results.

  • Superficial Peels: This is the mildest option, often administered by certified estheticians. They are nearly painless and require minimal to no downtime. These peels can be repeated every two to four weeks for ongoing benefits.
  • Medium-depth Peels: These are more intense than superficial ones, necessitating administration by an experienced doctor. They may involve some downtime and discomfort, depending on the peel used. Medium-depth peels can be repeated every six to twelve months for continued benefits.
  • Deep Peels: These are the most intensive type, requiring administration by an experienced doctor and possibly anaesthesia. They can be repeated every six to twelve months for ongoing results.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing treatments use ablative lasers to safely address crow’s feet. By heating the skin’s upper layers, collagen production is stimulated, which results in smoother & rejuvenated skin. This treatment tightens the skin & can provide significant rejuvenation, making you look younger by 10 to 20 years. Pain medication may be needed for this procedure, followed by dressing. Although recovery can take several weeks, the benefits can last up to 10 years.

Sculptra 

Sculptra is an injectable treatment that stimulates collagen production to gradually improve skin texture and reduce crow’s feet. Administered through a series of injections, Sculptra encourages natural collagen growth over time, which offers long-lasting & natural results that can last for up to 2 years. Common side effects such as swelling and redness at the injection site are temporary, while less frequent issues like small lumps under the skin can be managed by your doctor. This treatment needs patience because results show up slowly, making it suitable for those seeking natural-looking rejuvenation without frequent touch-ups. Regular follow-up visits ensure the treatment’s effectiveness & allow for adjustments as needed. So, if you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment to remove your crow’s feet, opt for Sculptra treatment in London and get the best results. 

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

When administered by an experienced doctor, anti-wrinkle injections effectively reduce crow’s feet wrinkles while preserving natural facial expressions. Results usually become noticeable within 5-14 days post-treatment, which ensures a refreshed appearance without a stiff or unnatural look. 

Tips To Prevent Crow’s Feet

Here are some essential tips to help you prevent crow’s feet and maintain youthful-looking skin around your eyes – 

Follow A Healthy Diet

Maintain a healthy diet rich in unsaturated fats to support both heart health and vibrant skin. Foods like fatty fish (e.g., salmon), avocados, nuts, seeds, and extra virgin olive oil provide essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain skin elasticity and hydration. 

Keep An Eye On Your Sugar Consumption

Focus on choosing healthy foods and avoiding unhealthy ones, especially sugar, to help prevent crow’s feet. High sugar levels in the blood can bind to collagen, which makes it less effective, a process known as glycation. Reduce your sugar intake to protect your skin & avoid habits like rubbing your eyes, which can irritate and inflame the delicate skin around them.

Quit Smoking

Tobacco smoke significantly speeds up premature ageing and may lead you to seek treatment for crow’s feet earlier than non-smokers. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke trigger inflammation and introduce harmful free radicals into your body, which can persist for days.

Avoid Over-Washing Your Face

Harsh tap water can strip your skin of essential moisture, natural oils, and protective lipids that help prevent crow’s feet and wrinkles, especially if the water is hot. Washing your face too frequently can remove its protective barrier. When you cleanse as part of your skincare routine, use cold water and promptly apply a moisturiser to retain skin hydration and protection.

Wear Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen consistently. It is very important in your efforts to prevent crow’s feet. Sun exposure without protection accelerates ageing by causing wrinkles and weakening skin resilience to UVA and UVB rays.

Get Reading Glasses

Squinting, especially as you age and your vision declines, can contribute to crow’s feet by repeatedly contracting the skin around your eyes. Whether you are at work or home, wearing reading glasses when needed helps prevent this habit and reduces the risk of developing crow’s feet.

Bonus Tip: Want to know how to get rid of neck fat? Skim through our guide and know the best tips and non-invasive treatments to remove neck fat.

To Wrap Up: How Do You Get Rid Of Crow’s Feet?

Not happy seeing wrinkles around your eyes? Ageing is something everyone goes through and wrinkles are a part of that. Remember, your crow’s feet show the joy of all the smiles you’ve had. To get an answer to the question ‘How do I get rid of crow’s feet?’, talk to your doctor about aesthetic treatments and follow the above-mentioned essential tips that can help smooth out those lines & boost your confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions on Crow’s Feet

Q: Is crow’s feet permanent?

A: Crow’s feet can be treated with options that can effectively reduce their appearance, though usually temporarily. Treatments like dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, Polynucleotides, chemical peels, and Sculptra are available to minimise the signs of crow’s feet.

Q: At what age do you get crow’s feet?

A: Excessive exposure to sunlight or tanning beds can reduce collagen and skin elasticity, causing it to loosen over time. Crow’s feet may start to appear in both men and women as early as around age 20.

Q: Can massaging help with crow’s feet?

A: Yes, massaging can help minimise the appearance of crow’s feet. Gently massaging the muscles around the eyes daily can create a lifting effect, which reduces the visibility of wrinkles and creases. Additionally, using the eye serum can further minimise crow’s feet.

Q: How do people get crow’s feet?

A: The thin skin around the eyes is susceptible to wrinkles caused by frequent muscle movements and decreased elasticity as we age. Crow’s feet primarily form due to smiling, squinting, and reduced skin firmness over time.

Q: Can diet help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet?

A: Consuming a healthy diet rich in antioxidants may help minimise the appearance of crow’s feet.

Q: Can crow’s feet be prevented naturally?

A: Yes, you can help prevent crow’s feet by protecting your skin from the sun, quitting smoking, and using skincare products with retinol and peptides. Additionally, using under eye serum can reduce fine lines and creases around your eyes.

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About the Author

Catherine

Expert Aesthetic Writer At Perfect Skin Studio Catherine is an expert content writer. Specialised in the aesthetic industry, she deeply understands aesthetic concepts and crafts informative and accessible content about them. At Perfect Skin Studio, Catherine's writings cover diverse skin, eyes, beauty, and aesthetic concerns, providing clear insights and practical solutions. She explores and addresses the latest trends, techniques, and treatments to keep our readers informed and engaged.

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Director, Perfect Skin Studio

Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over 24 years of experience in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is widely acknowledged as one of the most trusted and experienced practitioners in the UK. Her expertise, extensive training & compassionate approach have earned her the reputation as the preferred choice for patients seeking top-tier cosmetic treatments.

Dedicated to enhancing each patient’s natural beauty and instilling confidence at every age, Dr. Sabrina and her team customise treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.

Dr. Sabrina’s excellence has been recognised through prestigious awards like the UK Safety in Beauty Diamond Award for “Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2023” and the Aesthetic Award for “Highly Commended Consultant Surgeon 2022,” and “Best Consultant Surgeon 2021” & “Best Surgical Result 2021”. As a well-respected figure in aesthetics, she was honoured as one of the Global 100 Most Influential Aesthetic Practitioners of 2019 by the My Face My Body Awards.