Crow’s feet are the fine lines and wrinkles that appear at the outer corners of the eyes as a result of aging. They are a natural part of the aging process, but there are several factors that can cause crow’s feet to develop earlier or appear more pronounced. Here are 10 of the most common causes of crow’s feet:
Sun Exposure
Extended exposure to UV rays from the sun is one of the biggest contributors to the early development of crow’s feet. The sun’s UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which are the proteins that keep skin smooth, firm, and supple. Chronic sun exposure causes skin damage that leads to wrinkles and age spots over time.
Smoking
Chemicals from cigarette smoke are toxic to the skin and accelerate aging. Smoking triggers the breakdown of collagen and also damages elastin, causing sagging skin and wrinkles. Studies show smokers tend to get crow’s feet 10 years earlier than non-smokers, which is a good reason to quit as soon as possible.
Squinting and Facial Expressions
Repeated facial movements and expressions, like squinting, smiling, or frowning can gradually cause crow’s feet over time. These motions contract the facial muscles, which allow lines to form and deepen around the outer eyes. The more you squint and frown, the more lines you’ll end up with. This is where Tox injections can really help, as they relax the muscles around the eyes and minimize the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet.
Dehydration
Staying hydrated helps keep skin moisturized and supple. But when the skin lacks moisture, it loses elasticity. Dehydration causes the skin to become dry and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet. Drinking plenty of water daily helps combat skin dehydration. Experts recommend 2.5 liters of water a day, and more if you sweat a lot.
Loss of Facial Fat
As we get older, we begin to lose fat in the face. This facial fat helps support and pad the skin. But fat loss can cause sagging skin and more prominent wrinkles around the eyes. It is an inevitable part of aging but facial fillers can help minimize the effects.
Environment Toxins and Pollution
Environmental toxins and pollution sources can accelerate skin aging. Things like cigarette smoke, smog, harsh chemicals, and pollutants damage skin cell DNA and promote wrinkles. Antioxidants can help fight environmental skin damage if you live in a busy city where environmental pollution is much more prevalent.
Genetics
Your genetics and natural aging process play a key role. Some people inherit thinner skin or lowered collagen levels, which makes them prone to getting crow’s feet and facial wrinkles at an earlier age. Genetics determine up to 70% of how your skin ages. If you want to see what you will look like in 20 or 30 years, check out your parents. If they developed crow’s feet in their 30s, chances are you will too.
A Poor Diet
Eating too much sugar causes glycation, which damages collagen. Not eating enough healthy fats and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables leads to nutritional deficiencies. This can degrade the skin over time. A nutrient-rich diet supports healthy skin cell function, so start snacking on nuts and things like avocado and fresh fruit more often.
A Lack of Sleep
Not getting enough quality sleep has a big impact on skin health and accelerates signs of aging. Sleep deprivation causes dark under-eye circles and allows wrinkles to form. It also triggers inflammation, which damages skin cells. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep daily, and if you have a poor night’s sleep, go to bed earlier the following night so you don’t build a sleep debt.
Stress
High stress levels increase cortisol production, which breaks down skin proteins like collagen and hyaluronic acid. This loss of essential proteins shows up as crow’s feet and sagging skin. Managing stress and promoting relaxation can help reduce facial wrinkles. Unfortunately, stress isn’t always easy to avoid, especially if you have a stressful job. If you feel stressed, try listening to calming music or journaling to release some of your tension.
Crow’s feet are a natural result of getting older. But factors like sun exposure, smoking, squinting, dehydration, pollution, genetics, poor diet, lack of sleep, and stress can all exacerbate their development. Carefully protecting your skin from sun damage, staying hydrated, eating healthy, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help slow down premature aging and delay the appearance of crow’s feet and wrinkles. While getting older is inevitable, there are many lifestyle approaches that can minimize fine lines and skin aging overall. You can also try procedures like fillers and tox injections.
Contact us on 480-504-5047 to learn more.