Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTreatmentProtection
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Treatment
Protection
Crow’s feet are the fine lines around the outer corner of your eyes. They can extend to your temple or upper cheek. These common types of wrinkles are considered a sign of aging.
While crow’s feet are not a health risk, many people treat them to achieve a more youthful look and improve self-esteem. There are several ways to smooth this are for those who want to do so.
This article explains how crow’s feet form and treatments to reduce them. It also describes ways to care for your skin to help prevent them.
Halfpoint / Getty Images
Causes of Crow’s Feet
The area around your eyes, known as the periocular area, is more prone to signs of aging and fatigue than many other areas of the body. This skin is thinner than other regions of your face. It also has fewer oil glands and is subject to repetitive contractions during movements like smiling and frowning. As a result, this area is among the first to show signs of aging with the appearance of crow’s feet.
Factors that contribute to the formation of crow’s feet include:
When Smiling
With Neutral Expressions
Crow’s feet that occur during neutral expressions are called static facial lines. They are always present regardless of your activity. These lines exist even during sleep.
Static facial lines in the eye area result from a history of smiling, squinting, and making other expression in the eye area. They can become more severe due to other factors like sun damage. Once facial lines become static, they may appear worse when you smile or make other facial expressions.
Skin Elasticity: What It Is and How to Protect It
How to Decrease Crow’s Feet Lines (If You Want)
Crow’s feet don’t harm your health or cause pain. While some people accept their crow’s feet as a natural part of aging, you don’t have to. If you’re dissatisfied with the way your crow’s feet make you look and feel about yourself, you can choose from several options to reduce their appearance.
Eye Creams
Eye creams tend to be the first line of treatments to reduce signs of aging most people try for crow’s feet. These treatments offer the most convenient and least expensive option. The challenge in using eye creams is finding the one that works best for you. No single product alone works for everyone.
Before you begin using a new eye cream, perform a patch test to determine whether the ingredients will cause a skin irritation orallergic reaction. To perform a skin test, do the following:
It may take trial and error before you find an eye cream that provides the desired results. Look for the followingingredients commonly used in eye creams:
Oral Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid, is naturally found in many body fluids and tissues. Its unique characteristics allow it to bind and retain water molecules. While a common ingredient in topical moisturizers or dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid can also be used as a supplement. Results of a study that involved the oral ingestion of 120 milligrams a day (mg/day) for 12 weeks indicated that oral hyaluronic acid suppresses wrinkles and promotes more lustrous and supple skin.
Botox Injections
This treatment is available under the Botox name and several other brands used to treat crow’s feet and other wrinkles. They all contain the same active ingredient (botulinum toxin type A) but differ in their formulation. This affects the dosage used, how the product spreads after injection, and how fast you notice changes.
This treatment is offered in the following brands and forms:
Your healthcare provider can advise you on the the best product for you based on your anatomy, goals, and other factors. Botox-type injectables are a nonsurgical, in-office procedure. Results can take from three to seven days to appear. While individual results vary, results typically last from three to six months, though Daxxify may last up to nine months for some patients.
Comparing Daxxify vs. Botox: Which One Is Better?
Chemical Peels
Chemical peelsare a solution that typically contains acid, such assalicylic acidoralpha hydroxy acid. This removes the damaged top layer of old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less wrinkled in appearance.
During a chemical peel, a solution is brushed onto your skin. The solution remains in place for a specified period then removed with a neutralizing wash. A cool compress may be used to relieve stinging.
It is common to experience redness and peeling within three to seven days after treatment. During this process, the old skin peels off to reveal new, healthier-looking skin.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing, also called laser peeling, uses a wand-like instrument to deliver short, concentrated, and pulsating beams of light to the crow’s feet. This allows for the precise removal of damaged upper layers of skin one layer at a time. The light also heats the underlying skin to promote collagen production. With healing, the treated area reveals firmer and smoother skin.
Treated skin reacts like a sunburn with peeling and redness. Extreme reactions can produce raw, oozing skin and blistering. Your skin will dry and peel in about five days to a week after your treatment to reveal new, rejuvenated skin.
Treating Crow’s Feet Without BotoxThere are many options for treating crow’s feet without Botox. These natural therapies include the following:Vitamins C, A, and E for dietary intake and skin applicationPolyphenol dietary intake and skin applicationDietary intake of the following:Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatsOmega-6 polyunsaturated fatsZinc,copper, andseleniumCarnitineResveratrolCurcuminCocoa derivativesAlpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in skin care productsHoneybee productsMarine-derived compoundsProbioticsWater
Treating Crow’s Feet Without Botox
There are many options for treating crow’s feet without Botox. These natural therapies include the following:Vitamins C, A, and E for dietary intake and skin applicationPolyphenol dietary intake and skin applicationDietary intake of the following:Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatsOmega-6 polyunsaturated fatsZinc,copper, andseleniumCarnitineResveratrolCurcuminCocoa derivativesAlpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in skin care productsHoneybee productsMarine-derived compoundsProbioticsWater
There are many options for treating crow’s feet without Botox. These natural therapies include the following:
Crow’s Feet Skin Protection
You can’t stop the natural aging process and its impact on your skin. The inevitable loss of skin firmness and other signs of aging occur with time due to intrinsic aging, or the natural aging process.
Environmental and lifestyle choices can contribute to premature aging. This type of aging, called extrinsic aging, can accelerate the effects of the natural aging process. Changing these processes can help slow the effects that extrinsic aging has on your skin and the formation of crow’s feet.
It’s never too early to start protecting your skin. Don’t let young children and teens establish bad skincare habits. Help them follow a healthy diet, lifestyle, and routines that include reducing sun exposure, applying sunscreen daily, and getting enough sleep.
Doing this may reduce the effects of aging years later, but it may also help lower their risk of other skin problems, such asmelanoma, a type of skin cancer, in the future.
In Your 20s and 30s
Investing in the following strategies can help slow the appearance of crow’s feet before they become severe:
In Your 40s and Up
The decision to treat crow’s feet is a personal choice. If having crow’s feet is affecting your self-image and the way you feel about yourself, consult with a dermatologist about your options for treatment.
A Word From VerywellBefore receiving treatment for crow’s feet, consider the following: The skin around the eyes is thinner, so there is a risk of bruising, and it takes about two weeks after treatment to notice the results.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Before receiving treatment for crow’s feet, consider the following: The skin around the eyes is thinner, so there is a risk of bruising, and it takes about two weeks after treatment to notice the results.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Before receiving treatment for crow’s feet, consider the following: The skin around the eyes is thinner, so there is a risk of bruising, and it takes about two weeks after treatment to notice the results.
—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Crow’s feet are a normal part of aging. Factors such as genetics, smoking, and sun exposure can make them worse. At any age, taking precautions like using sunscreen, moisturizing, and eating a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of crow’s feet or slow their return after treatment.
Professional treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing can smooth crow’s feet and make you look and feel younger. Other options like eye creams and natural treatments can improve crow’s feet, though not as quickly or as extreme as office treatments.
You do not have to treat crow’s feet. However, if you choose to do so, consult a healthcare provider, such as adermatologistor cosmetic surgeon, to discuss options. They can advise which treatments can help you achieve the results you desire.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center.Crow’s feet.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Crow’s feet.Kaufman J, Callender V, Young C, Jones P, Wortzman M, Nelson D.Efficacy and tolerability of a retinoid eye cream for fine to moderate wrinkles of the periorbital region.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(9):932-937. doi:10.36849/JDD.6815Cao Y, Yang J ping, Zhu X gang, et al.A comparative in vivo study on three treatment approaches to applying topical botulinum toxin a for crow’s feet.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:6235742. doi:10.1155/2018/6235742American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Good Housekeeping.Everything to know about using peptides for your skin.Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, et al.Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267-273. doi:10.2147/CCID.S141845Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.Botulinum neurotoxin injections.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Botox-type injectables guide.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Everything you need to know about chemical peels.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels for crow’s feet.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing skincare procedure.Bjørklund G, Shanaida M, Lysiuk R, et al.Natural compounds and products from an anti-aging perspective.Molecules. 2022;27(20):7084. doi:10.3390/molecules27207084American Association of Dermatology Association.11 ways to reduce premature skin aging.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Sun damage: does age matter?The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the most common signs of aging around the eyes, and what can be done about it?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin care in your 40s and 50s.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center.Crow’s feet.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Crow’s feet.Kaufman J, Callender V, Young C, Jones P, Wortzman M, Nelson D.Efficacy and tolerability of a retinoid eye cream for fine to moderate wrinkles of the periorbital region.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(9):932-937. doi:10.36849/JDD.6815Cao Y, Yang J ping, Zhu X gang, et al.A comparative in vivo study on three treatment approaches to applying topical botulinum toxin a for crow’s feet.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:6235742. doi:10.1155/2018/6235742American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Good Housekeeping.Everything to know about using peptides for your skin.Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, et al.Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267-273. doi:10.2147/CCID.S141845Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.Botulinum neurotoxin injections.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Botox-type injectables guide.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Everything you need to know about chemical peels.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels for crow’s feet.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing skincare procedure.Bjørklund G, Shanaida M, Lysiuk R, et al.Natural compounds and products from an anti-aging perspective.Molecules. 2022;27(20):7084. doi:10.3390/molecules27207084American Association of Dermatology Association.11 ways to reduce premature skin aging.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Sun damage: does age matter?The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the most common signs of aging around the eyes, and what can be done about it?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin care in your 40s and 50s.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center.Crow’s feet.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Crow’s feet.Kaufman J, Callender V, Young C, Jones P, Wortzman M, Nelson D.Efficacy and tolerability of a retinoid eye cream for fine to moderate wrinkles of the periorbital region.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(9):932-937. doi:10.36849/JDD.6815Cao Y, Yang J ping, Zhu X gang, et al.A comparative in vivo study on three treatment approaches to applying topical botulinum toxin a for crow’s feet.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:6235742. doi:10.1155/2018/6235742American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443Good Housekeeping.Everything to know about using peptides for your skin.Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, et al.Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267-273. doi:10.2147/CCID.S141845Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.Botulinum neurotoxin injections.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Botox-type injectables guide.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Everything you need to know about chemical peels.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels for crow’s feet.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing skincare procedure.Bjørklund G, Shanaida M, Lysiuk R, et al.Natural compounds and products from an anti-aging perspective.Molecules. 2022;27(20):7084. doi:10.3390/molecules27207084American Association of Dermatology Association.11 ways to reduce premature skin aging.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Sun damage: does age matter?The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the most common signs of aging around the eyes, and what can be done about it?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin care in your 40s and 50s.
Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center.Crow’s feet.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Crow’s feet.
Kaufman J, Callender V, Young C, Jones P, Wortzman M, Nelson D.Efficacy and tolerability of a retinoid eye cream for fine to moderate wrinkles of the periorbital region.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(9):932-937. doi:10.36849/JDD.6815
Cao Y, Yang J ping, Zhu X gang, et al.A comparative in vivo study on three treatment approaches to applying topical botulinum toxin a for crow’s feet.Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:6235742. doi:10.1155/2018/6235742
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to test skin care products.
Zasada M, Budzisz E.Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443
Good Housekeeping.Everything to know about using peptides for your skin.
Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.The hype on hyaluronic acid.
Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, et al.Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:267-273. doi:10.2147/CCID.S141845
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.Botulinum neurotoxin injections.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Botox-type injectables guide.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Everything you need to know about chemical peels.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels for crow’s feet.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing skincare procedure.
Bjørklund G, Shanaida M, Lysiuk R, et al.Natural compounds and products from an anti-aging perspective.Molecules. 2022;27(20):7084. doi:10.3390/molecules27207084
American Association of Dermatology Association.11 ways to reduce premature skin aging.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Sun damage: does age matter?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the most common signs of aging around the eyes, and what can be done about it?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin care in your 40s and 50s.
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