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No one wants to see crow's feet. Are you familiar with the ways to prevent them?
iStockphoto/ThinkstockAge and its effects on our skin are inevitable. Crow's feet, also known as 'laugh lines' or 'character lines,' are wrinkles that start to appear at the corners of your eyes, usually in your mid-20s. They may develop sooner if you neglect your skin, or later if you care for it properly.
Regardless, crow's feet and other wrinkles are part of the aging process. As we age, our skin loses its natural elasticity, and certain areas of our body begin to sag. This is largely due to the decreased production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that give our skin its firmness and elasticity. However, you don’t have to give in entirely to the effects of time. Here’s how:
- Avoid the sun and smoking: One of the best ways to prevent crow's feet is by shielding your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays with a high-SPF sunscreen. UV exposure is a major culprit in breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin, which leads to the loss of its elasticity. If you're a smoker, you’re putting your skin at an even greater risk, as smoking speeds up the processes that age your skin prematurely.
- Use a cream: Over-the-counter moisturizing creams, when applied consistently, may reduce the appearance of crow's feet. However, they won’t stop wrinkles from forming or restore skin elasticity. Look for creams containing ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and copper peptides, which are the same as those found in prescription-strength creams, but at lower concentrations. If over-the-counter options don’t work, a dermatologist may recommend stronger alternatives. While these creams can be pricey, they’re generally less costly than cosmetic procedures like Botox and can provide satisfactory results over time.
- Consider Botox: Crow's feet become most visible when the muscles around your eyes contract, such as when you smile, laugh, or squint. Botox, a form of botulinum toxin, relaxes these muscles, preventing them from contracting. Although Botox treatments are FDA-approved and generally safe, there are risks, particularly if the toxin spreads. Be sure to only use certified professionals for injections. The benefits of Botox are that treatments are quick, taking only a few minutes, but the downsides are that it involves needles, can be expensive, and the results are temporary, lasting anywhere from three to six months.
- Try natural remedies: Natural solutions for crow's feet are also available, such as vitamin E-based home treatments. For instance, flaxseed oil is rich in vitamin E, B, and C, offering several health benefits when ingested. Alternatively, you can puncture a vitamin E capsule and gently apply it around your eyes. Egg white facemasks are another popular remedy. Apply egg whites to your face, allow them to dry completely, then wash off with warm water. This will help tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of crow's feet.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, including foods like eggplant, asparagus, fish, and olive oil, can help protect your skin. On the other hand, certain foods, such as full-fat milk, may contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Drinking plenty of water daily is essential for keeping your skin hydrated. Maintaining a healthy weight is equally important, as weight fluctuations can stretch the skin, especially in the face, making it more prone to wrinkling.
While crow's feet are inevitable as you age, there's no need to worry. Many treatments are available to minimize their visibility. Keep reading to learn more about how to reduce the appearance of crow's feet.
