Are you starting to develop crow’s feet? And is there a way to treat them? This post takes a look into exactly what crow’s feet wrinkles are and what you can do to prevent/reduce them.
What are crow’s feet wrinkles?
‘Crow’s feet’ is a nickname for the wrinkles that some people get around the outer corners of the eyes as they get older. The way that these lines flay out towards the temple resembles a crow’s foot (hence the name).
The scientific name for these wrinkles is lateral canthal lines. They are also commonly referred to as ‘laugh lines’.
What causes crow’s feet wrinkles?
When we squint or laugh, creases can form around the corners of our eyes. Over time, as our skin loses its elasticity, these creases can turn into permanent wrinkles.
Development of these wrinkles could be a sign that you’ve spent a lot of time laughing throughout your life (which isn’t a bad thing). Of course, it could also be a sign that you’ve spent your life squinting as a result of not looking after your eyes.
Bad habits like smoking and not wearing sun lotion in sunny weather can speed up production of these wrinkles by causing your skin to lose its elasticity sooner. There are also links between stress and premature wrinkles.
How can you get rid of crow’s feet wrinkles?
A number of topical skin products may help to reduce wrinkles around the eyes in the early stages. It’s worth looking for creams and oils that contain retinol, as this is a chemical that is proven to reverse wrinkles.
Chemical peels can also help to get rid of these wrinkles. This involves removing the outer layer of skin using a carefully applied dose of chemicals. Chemical peels must be applied by a professional.
Botox can also be a treatment worth looking into. In fact, the corners of the eyes are one of the most common Botox areas on the face. Botox injections work by relaxing muscles around the eyes to get rid of creases. They are a temporary measure, but an effective one.
Can you get surgery for crow’s feet? A blepharoplasty may be able to help reduce wrinkles around the eyes including crow’s feet and eye bags. This is more expensive that other treatments, but is the most effective long-lasting solution.
How can you ward off crow’s feet wrinkles?
Certain good habits may be able to ward off the development of crow’s feet wrinkles. For example, you can reduce excessive squinting (one of the main causes of crow’s feet) by wearing sunglasses in the sun and by wearing prescription glasses if you have vision loss.
Giving up smoking may also help to delay the development of crow’s feet, along with other facial wrinkles. Wearing sun lotion on a hot sunny day can also protect your skin from sun damage, helping you to also delay production of facial wrinkles.
Moisturizing daily may help to prolong wrinkles too. Moisturizer creams can introduce oils into the skin that prevent collagen breakdown. Consider buying yourself some moisturizer and apply it every day as part of your morning routine.