Wrinkles around the eyes, also known as crow’s feet, happen because of a mix of things inside and outside our bodies. Here are the main reasons why these wrinkles show up:

• Aging: Collagen and elastin are like building blocks that make our skin firm and stretchy. As we get older, our body makes less of these, making our skin less firm and more prone to wrinkles.
• Facial Movements: The skin around our eyes is very thin and can wrinkle easily, especially when we make facial expressions like smiling or squinting. Doing these expressions a lot can create small lines around our eyes.
• Sunlight: The sun’s rays, especially the UV rays, can speed up the breakdown of collagen and elastin. This makes our skin age faster, and wrinkles, including those around our eyes, can show up sooner.
• Not Enough Water: Keeping our skin hydrated is important. When our skin doesn’t have enough water, it can become dry, and dry skin is more likely to get wrinkles. The skin around our eyes is sensitive, so it needs extra care.
• Genes: The way our skin ages can be inherited from our parents. Some people might get wrinkles earlier or more than others because of their genes.
• Smoking: Smoking is bad for our skin. It makes our skin age faster by breaking down collagen and elastin. So, smokers are more likely to get wrinkles, including around the eyes.
• Not Taking Care of the Skin: Forgetting to use moisturizers or not protecting our skin from things like pollution can make wrinkles appear sooner.
• Sleeping Positions: How we sleep can also affect wrinkles. Pressing our face against a pillow a lot can cause lines to form, including around the eyes.
• Rubbing Your Eyes: If you rub your eyes a lot, whether because of allergies or being tired, it can cause the skin to break down and wrinkles to form.

• Common Side Effects (Don’t Worry, They’re Temporary!):
  • Little Bruises: You might notice some tiny bruises where you got the injections. They’re like little love taps from the needles and usually disappear pretty quickly.
  • A Bit Swollen or Red: The treated areas might look a tad swollen or red right after the procedure. But don’t stress – this usually goes away on its own.
• Less Common, but Still Good to Know:
  • Headache: Some people might get a mild headache for a short while. It’s like your head is adjusting to the new look around your eyes. But, it’s not that common.
  • Eyelid Droop (Rare but Mentionable): In super rare cases, one eyelid might decide to take a little nap and droop slightly. The good news is, it’s temporary and eventually perks back up.

Most side effects are temporary and go away on their own. Give your body a little time to adjust. If anything feels off or if you’re concerned, talk to your skincare professional. They’re there to guide you through this journey and address any worries.

Preventing crow’s feet involves a combination of healthy habits and protective measures. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to keep those fine lines around your eyes at bay:

Sunscreen is Your Superpower:

• Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 around your eyes daily, even on cloudy days.
• Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from the sun.

Stay Hydrated for Happy Skin:

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
• Use a good-quality eye cream to lock in moisture, especially before bedtime.

Give Your Eyes a Break:

• Take regular breaks if your work involves a lot of screen time.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Mind Your Facial Expressions:

• Be mindful of excessive squinting or frowning, as these movements can contribute to crow’s feet.
• Consider wearing reading glasses if you strain your eyes often.

Healthy Lifestyle, Happy Skin:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support skin health.
• Avoid smoking, as it accelerates skin aging and contributes to the formation of wrinkles.

Beauty Sleep is Real:

• Ensure you get enough quality sleep each night to allow your skin to rejuvenate.
• Sleep on your back to reduce pressure on the delicate skin around your eyes.

Gentle Skincare Practices:

• Use a mild cleanser to remove makeup and debris without irritating the skin.
• Pat, don’t rub when applying skincare products around the eyes to avoid unnecessary friction.

Regular Eye Check-ups:

• Have regular eye exams to address any vision issues promptly.
• Squinting due to poor vision can contribute to the development of crow’s feet.

Consider Botox as a Preventive Measure:

• Some people opt for Botox treatments to prevent the formation of crow’s feet. Discuss this option with a qualified healthcare professional.

Limit Alcohol Intake:

• Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin. Moderation is key for overall skin health.

Cool Down the Puffiness:

• Use cool compresses or chilled cucumber slices to reduce puffiness around the eyes.

Stay Stress-Free:

• Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga. Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process.

Regular Exercise:

• Engage in regular exercise to promote overall well-being and healthy circulation.

Lowe NJ, Ascher B, Heckmann M, Kumar C, Fraczek S, Eadie N. Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Response Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Subjects with Crow’s Feet. Dermatologic Surgery. 2005 Mar;31(3):257-262. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31070.

Harii K, Kawashima M, Furuyama N, Lei X, Hopfinger R, Lee E. OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) in the Treatment of Crow’s Feet Lines in Japanese Subjects. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2017 Oct;41(6):1186-1197. doi:10.1007/s00266-017-0844-9.

BHSkin. Botox for Crow’s Feet. https://bhskin.com/blog/botox-for-crows-feet/ Accessed 2023 Dec 03.

Healthline. Botox for Crow’s Feet. https://www.healthline.com/health/botox-for-crows-feet. Accessed 2023 Dec 03.