Wrinkles are a concern for many of us. Here are some ways you can reduce crow’s feet naturally!
By Chere Di Boscio
Crow’s feet—the fine lines that radiate from the outer corners of the eyes—are often the first signs of ageing to appear on the face.
Sometimes called “laugh lines” or “character lines,” these creases are medically known as lateral canthal lines and are caused by a combination of repeated facial movements and the natural decline in skin resilience over time.
Fortunately, with the right care and tools, you can delay their appearance, and even reduce existing crow’s feet, naturally.
What Are Crow’s Feet, Exactly?
Crow’s feet are typically categorised into two types:
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Dynamic wrinkles, which appear only when facial muscles are in motion—like when you smile or squint.
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Static wrinkles, which remain visible even when your face is at rest.
As we age, our skin’s ability to bounce back from these expressions weakens due to a drop in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. Starting in our late 20s to early 30s, this decline becomes more noticeable.
Add to that environmental stressors, like UV radiation, pollution, and smoking, and those tiny lines can deepen more quickly than you’d expect.
Genetics also play a significant role. If your parents developed early wrinkles, chances are you might too. But good skincare and lifestyle choices can dramatically influence how soon and how severely they show up.
Why the Eye Area Ages First
Studies show that crow’s feet typically start to appear in the 30s, although some may not notice them until their 40s, depending on genetics and skincare habits.
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body. It’s around 0.5 mm thick compared to the 2mm thickness elsewhere on the face. This delicate nature makes it especially vulnerable to damage. Plus, it has fewer oil glands, meaning it’s prone to dryness and less equipped to retain moisture and elasticity.
Daily expressions such as blinking, smiling, or rubbing your eyes can further accelerate wear and tear in this area. That’s why crow’s feet tend to develop before forehead lines or laugh lines around the mouth.
The Most Effective Treatments for Crow’s Feet
From advanced dermatological procedures to at-home topical solutions, there are many ways to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet naturally.
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective options:
1. Topical Treatments
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Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives, including over-the-counter retinol and prescription-strength tretinoin, help reduce crow’s feet naturally. That’s because they increase collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and smooth out fine lines. Start with low concentrations and use only at night, as they can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
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Peptides: These small proteins stimulate collagen and elastin production. Look for eye creams containing Matrixyl or copper peptides for plumper, firmer skin over time.
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Stem Cell Skincare: Dermatologists now recommend stem cell skin products like the Eye Contour Lifting Cream from Calecim Professional, which is proven to be safe and effective. It contains stem cell-secreted growth factors and exosomes that reduce crow’s feet naturally. They tighten the eye area and enhance texture and elasticity by boosting collagen and elastin production.
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Antioxidants: Eye creams with vitamin C, E, ferulic acid, or niacinamide can brighten, protect against UV-induced ageing, and reduce fine lines by fighting oxidative stress.
2. Botox (Botulinum Toxin)
Botox is one of the most widely used treatments for dynamic wrinkles, including crow’s feet. And no wonder. It works! By temporarily relaxing the orbicularis oculi muscle, it smooths the skin and prevents further deepening of expression lines. Results are visible within days and typically last 3–6 months. For best outcomes, seek a board-certified dermatologist or licensed injector.
Not into the idea of Botox? Feel it’s not natural? Try these Botox alternatives instead!
3. Dermal Fillers
For more pronounced static lines, natural hyaluronic acid-based fillers can restore volume and reduce the depth of wrinkles. These are often used in conjunction with Botox for a more comprehensive rejuvenation strategy.
4. Chemical Peels
Light to medium-depth chemical peels, using ingredients like glycolic acid or TCA (trichloroacetic acid), exfoliate the skin and promote regeneration. These are particularly effective for surface-level fine lines. However, note that chemical peels require real caution around the sensitive eye area.
5. Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy boosts collagen and elastin synthesis. Known as the “vampire facial,” this treatment can reduce crow’s feet naturally, soften fine lines and improve texture over time.
Prevention Strategies
Prevention is easier and more effective than correction. To keep crow’s feet at bay:
1. Always Wear Sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Yes, even when it’s cloudy! The skin around the eyes is easily sun-damaged, so consider sunscreens specifically formulated for sensitive areas or wear sunglasses to minimise UV exposure and prevent squinting.
2. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Moisturising helps maintain skin elasticity and can reduce crow’s feet naturally. Look for products containing:
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Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
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Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier
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Caffeine or green tea extract to reduce puffiness and improve circulation
3. Adopt an Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Feed your skin from the inside out. Vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and selenium help neutralize oxidative damage and support healthy collagen levels. Berries, leafy greens, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish are all excellent options.
4. Ditch the Cigarettes
Smoking dramatically accelerates the skin aging process by depleting oxygen and nutrients in the skin, damaging collagen and elastin, and narrowing blood vessels. Cutting it out is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
5. Practice Gentle Eye Care
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Always remove eye makeup gently using micellar water or oil-based removers.
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Pat—don’t rub—when applying skincare around the eyes.
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Use your ring or pinkie finger to tap in eye cream, applying with a light touch to avoid stretching the skin.
Bonus Tips for Daily Eye-Area TLC
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Sleep on your back: Side-sleeping or stomach-sleeping can cause the skin around your eyes to crease overnight.
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Use a silk or satin pillowcase: This reduces friction and helps maintain skin smoothness.
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Cool tools like jade rollers or ice globes: These can boost circulation, reduce morning puffiness, and help decongest the area.
Conclusions
Crow’s feet are a natural sign of ageing. But they don’t have to define your appearance!
With a combination of science-backed treatments, targeted skincare, and healthy habits, you can reduce crow’s feet naturally, and soften these lines and maintain a youthful, radiant eye area for years to come.
Most importantly, remember that crow’s feet often come from laughter, smiles, and a life fully lived. While it’s absolutely valid to want smoother skin, it’s just as important to appreciate the beauty of expressive, authentic ageing.
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