Crow’s Feet Treatment And Prevention Options

Crow’s feet are wrinkles at the corner of the eyes that branch out into the shape of, you guessed it, crow’s feet. These wrinkles develop as we age thanks to years of facial muscle contractions. Because the skin around our eyes is up to 40% thinner than the rest of our body, crow’s feet often develop far sooner than other facial wrinkles and are among the first signs of aging.

There are two types of crow’s feet, static and dynamic. Static crow’s feet are constantly visible, even when the facial muscles are relaxed. Some facial expressions can make static crow’s feet appear even deeper and more severe. In contrast, dynamic crow’s feet are those that appear only when the muscles around the eyes, cheeks or temples contract. This form of crow’s feet is not apparent when the face is at rest.

An example of crow’s feet

What Causes Crow’s Feet?

Crow’s feet are a natural result of aging. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and the skin’s level of collagen and elastin production decreases:

Collagen is a protein that contributes to the plump, youthful look of our skin. Without this protein scaffolding, skin sags, appears thinner, and wrinkles become deeper.

Elastin contributes to the skin’s ability to recover from being stretched or compressed. As elastin production declines, wrinkles develop.

Decreased levels of these proteins make the skin more susceptible to sagginess and the development of lines and wrinkles. In addition to aging, lifestyle and environmental factors such as sun exposure, pollutants, lack of hydration or inadequate nutrition can all contribute to a loss of collagen and elastin.

Crow’s feet are typically one of the first signs of facial aging that occur, as they can begin to become visible at an early age (often mid-20’s). The reason for such an early development is due to the thin and delicate nature of the skin around the eyes, which experiences the loss of elasticity faster than surrounding skin.

Preventing Crow’s Feet

Unfortunately, there is no way to fully prevent crow’s feet. Nearly everyone will get crow’s feet at some point in their lifetime. However, measures can be taken to reduce both the severity and depth of crow’s feet. Effective measures to prevent crow’s feet include:

• Limit Sun Exposure: UV light is damaging to both collagen and elastin. Limit time in the sun, and avoid tanning beds completely. If you must be outdoors for extended periods of time, wear protection.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoke and other air pollutants speed up the aging process by damaging collagen and elastin. This causes premature skin sagging and wrinkles.
• Eat Healthy: Collagen requires amino acids, vitamin C, and minerals such as zinc and sulfur. Eating healthy meals with a variety of fruits and vegetables provides these nutrients.
• Exercise: Movement increases the heart rate, circulates blood and nutrients, and keeps skin oxygenated. This increases collagen production for a glowing, youthful look.
• Moisturize: Eye creams and moisturizers with retinol, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid help plump skin by stimulating collagen production, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Treating Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet are not harmful but may be aesthetically unpleasing. There are several cosmetic treatment options that may reduce or eliminate the appearance of crow’s feet, including the following:

Botox

Botox smooths wrinkles that result from repetitive muscle constriction by paralyzing the muscles that form the wrinkles. This safe and effective treatment is temporary, but very effective in those between the ages of 30-50 whose wrinkles are just beginning to appear. Treatments last anywhere from 3-6 months and additional period maintenance sessions can maintain results over a longer period.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are effective for static crow’s feet, those that appear even when the face is relaxed. Dermal fillers plump the skin making wrinkles less visible. Some dermal fillers work by provoking an increase in the body’s own collagen production. Dermal fillers last 3-12 months or longer, depending upon the type used.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels work by removing the outer layer of skin, triggering a healing process. The skin that grows back is newer, younger and smoother. Wrinkles are diminished with a deep chemical peel, although the procedure can also be done at medium and light depths. Chemical peels last 1 month to several years, depending upon the depth of the peel.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing works similarly to a chemical peel, but is more precise. The upper layers of skin are removed, which reveals younger looking skin. New skin has more collagen and elastin, making it less susceptible to wrinkles. The effects of laser resurfacing last for many years

Microneedling 

Microneedling uses a hand-held device to create tiny punctures in the skin. This triggers the release of growth hormones that increase collagen production. As the skin heals, it becomes more youthful and elastic. Microneedling results typically last for approximately 4-6 weeks after treatment.

Each of the above treatment options will reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. The best treatment for each patient depends several factors including the severity of their crow’s feet, patient age, and skin type. Seeing a Board Certified Dermatologist for an in-person consultation is the best way to find out which treatment will work for your specific needs.

Dr. Tatiana Sousa is a board certified dermatologist who completed her undergraduate degree in biology at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey. She earned her medical degree and completed her internal medicine internship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. Dr. Sousa went on to complete her dermatology residency at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as chief resident in her final year.