How To Smooth Crow’s Feet

Crow’s feet—those etched wrinkles that begin at the outer corner of the eye area and fan out—got their name due to the fact that the pattern they form resembles a crow’s foot, and sadly, they really do.

Unlike fine lines, which tend to "plump up" and respond amazingly well to superbly formulated moisturizers, crow's feet are much less responsive. They are more stubborn because the skin around the eyes is constantly engaged by facial expressions, much like the forehead. As a result, the areas of the face that move the most, age the fastest.

As a result, it can be more difficult to minimise the appearance of crow's feet. So while there are no skincare products that can remove crow’s feet, following our skincare recommendations will get you the best results possible.

What You Can Do

Aside from not smiling, and we certainly don’t want you to do that, the number one thing you must do every day to help prevent crow's feet is to start by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater around your eyes (and the rest of your face, too) every day. This is because most signs of aging on the face, including crow's feet, are largely caused by cumulative sun damage. This exposure results in a loss of firmness and an increase in wrinkles, including those etched lines you'd rather not see.

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen for the eye area, look for SPF products that contain the mineral actives of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which are generally mild enough for use in that area.

Along with daily sun protection, it's critical to follow a gentle skincare routine with products that are loaded with anti-wrinkle ingredients such as antioxidants, skin-replenishing ingredients, and skin-restoring ingredients. These are the types of essential substances the skin needs twice a day to maintain its integrity and help defend it against environmental stressors. These remarkably beneficial anti-aging ingredients help minimise other visible signs of aging too, like uneven skin tone. You’ll find these ingredients in certain eye creams, including our RESIST Anti-Aging Eye Cream, as well as facial moisturizers that can also be used around the eyes.

Among the most noteworthy ingredients for skin are niacinamide and retinol. There is a lot of new and exciting research about how retinol (vitamin A) and niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) work on skin. They partner with other components of the skin to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, as well as prime the skin against moisture loss and increase suppleness and feeling of firmness.

If your current skincare routine doesn't contain a product with niacinamide or retinol, a good way to add these important ingredients is with our BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster and our CLINICAL Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream. Both can work beautifully with your current skincare routine.

Many people don’t think of exfoliating as being part of their anti-aging skincare routine, but the research shows it plays a key role. We don’t mean using a scrub or a too-aggressive cleansing brush which actually damages skin.

You can exfoliate around the eye area, but avoid the eyelid and the skin directly along the lower lash line. All Paula’s Choice leave-on AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliants are formulated to be safe up to the orbital bone. After cleansing and toning, apply a light layer and gently blend outward, keeping in mind that products naturally migrate as they warm to body temperature.

When used correctly, an AHA or BHA exfoliant around the eye area can help smooth texture, improve plumpness, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. For more details on how to exfoliate the skin and its many benefits, see our detailed article on exfoliants.

These are the steps you can take right now to immediately improve the appearance of crow's feet, and at the same time help prevent new ones from showing up. Shop Paula’s Choice collection of eye creams and eye gels.

References for this information

• PLos One, December 2014, issue 12, e8021
• Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
• Indian Journal of Dermatology, September-October 2012, issue 5, pages 335-342
• Clinical Interventions in Aging, December 2006, pages 327-348
• Cosmetic Science, July-August 2006, pages 261-277
• Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 31, Part 2, 2005, Discussion 865
• Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2004, pages 88-93
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, October 2003, issue 5 supplement, pages 33S-39S