Your Ultimate Guide To Preventing And Diminishing Crow's Feet

Since the area around our eyes is the thinnest skin on our body and, therefore, most delicate, it’s no surprise that it's one of the first areas to show signs of sleeplessness (think, dark circles and puffiness), dehydration, and aging—particularly in the form of fine lines and wrinkles such as crow's feet.

Don't get us wrong—smile lines, bunny lines, and crow's feet are all signs of a life well-lived, as they're often caused by the facial action of laughing and smiling. But if you would like to minimize their appearance, you can explore plenty of preventative measures, in-office procedures, and even at-home treatments, like topical eye creams, and face taping. We tapped dermatologists Neal Schultz, MD, and Anna Guanche, MD, to answer all of your anti-aging crow's feet questions, plus offer up their favorite treatment options.

Keep scrolling to learn more about what causes crow's feet and how to prevent or minimize their appearance.

Meet the Experts

• Neal Schultz, MD, is a leading New York City dermatologist at Park Avenue Skincare with over 35 years of experience. He is also the creator of the skincare line Beauty Rx and the host of DermTV.com.
• Anna Guanche, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert. She is the founder of Bella Skin Institute in Los Angeles.

What Are Crow's Feet?

Crow's feet are the perpendicular pull lines around the eyes—specifically where the muscles insert into the skin—that resemble the foot of a crow. Some refer to these crow's feet as "smile lines," as these wrinkles are most visible when smiling or laughing.

Causes of Crow's Feet

Crow's feet are primarily caused by everyday facial movements that cause creases in the skin to form, such as squinting, laughing, and smiling, as well as the loss of collagen and elastin as we age. The thin skin of the eye area is also more susceptible to environmental damage from UV rays and pollution and contains fewer oil glands, leaving the skin prone to dryness and less supple than before.

When Do Crow's Feet Start to Appear?

Generally, crow's feet begin to develop in your mid-30s. Based on skin type, genetics, and lifestyle, they can also develop for some as early as their mid-20s. "Preventative care is key," Schultz says.

How to Treat and Prevent Crow's Feet