What are Crow’s Feet and What Causes Them?

Signs of ageing commonly affect the eye area first, as the skin is delicate. If you’re wondering “what are crow’s feet?” read on to find out.

Find Your Nearest Skinbase™ Therapist Today

If you are wondering “what are crow’s feet?” you’ve come to the right place. Signs of ageing commonly affect the eye area first, as the thinner, more delicate skin is more prone to damage. Though we all know that fine lines around the eyes are normal and ageing is a privilege, we do not have to sit back and let it happen. Before considering treatment, let’s find out what are crows feet, and what the causes of crow’s feet are.

Download a FREE beauty guide

Discover our collection of free beauty guides.

ageing skin guide

What are Crow’s Feet?

Crow’s feet are the fine lines that form around your eyes and stretch out to the temple. As their name suggests, they often appear as a group of lines, positioned by the eye similarly shaped as a crow’s foot. At first, you may notice the lines are temporary, and only visible when moving. However, as time goes on, they are likely to stay on the skin regardless of movement, as temporary lines become permanent. So, what causes crow’s feet and what can you do about it?

Causes of Crow’s Feet

Ageing

Ageing is a natural, unavoidable process that results in fine lines appearing on our skin. As we age, collagen and elastin levels in the skin drop, meaning the skin loses some of its ability to stretch and remain plump. As the eye area is particularly sensitive already, with minimal oil glands, fine lines can be even more visible. However, you will be pleased to know that only minimal signs of ageing result from the years advancing. Most of the lines and marks on the skin are accelerated by external, and preventable causes.

Facial Expressions

As you go about your day and blink, talk, laugh and react, the muscles by your eyes are constantly contracting. On average, we blink between 12 and 20 times per minute, and they all add up throughout the day. Though it is impossible to avoid making any facial expressions to minimise the risk of crows feet, there are external factors that can be combated to keep the skin plump and smooth.

Sun Exposure

Excess sun exposure is incredibly damaging, and aggravates a number of skin concerns – especially crows feet. UV rays penetrate the skin, damaging cells and affecting collagen production. A lack of collagen in the skin speeds up the process of temporary fine lines becoming permanent. Squinting often happens in the sun too, causing the eye muscles to contract more regularly than they need to.

Smoking 

If you are a smoker, your skin is likely feeling the effects of decreased oxygen and blood flow. Smoking stimulates the production of MMP’s, an enzyme that breaks down collagen within the skin. As a result, the skin loses structure, making skin laxity and fine lines more likely. The physical act of smoking also causes the eye muscles to contract as if you are squinting, further contributing to the risk of crow’s feet developing.

Find a Therapist

Believe in better skin. Find your nearest SkinBase™ therapist here.

how does collagen lift work

Sign Up for your FREE SkinBase Microdermabrasion Trial

  • Complete the form and we will be in touch with more information shortly, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 01782 770810.

  • By completing this form you are agreeing to receive information from SkinBase™ by email.
    SkinBase collect your data in this form in order to respond to your enquiry. We value your privacy. Your data will be held securely and never passed to anyone else. Our privacy policy.
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book a Trial of SkinBase™ Collagen Lift

  • Complete the form and we will be in touch with more information shortly, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 01782 770810.

  • By completing this form you are agreeing to receive information from SkinBase™ by email.
    SkinBase collect your data in this form in order to respond to your enquiry. We value your privacy. Your data will be held securely and never passed to anyone else. Our privacy policy.
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Hayami Cosmetics

Client Testimonial: “Jodie is extremely professional and knowledgeable throughout the IPL treatment sessions. She explains the process and what to expect so that you are put at ease from the first consultation. During my IPL sessions, Jodie marked up the areas and avoided any moles or damaged skin, then preps using the cooler handle before a light shot. The light shot itself really doesn’t hurt, it’s done in seconds. The fact the skin is cooled first makes this an easy process to tolerate. I genuinely didn’t feel in pain at all and Jodie applied a lovely aloe balm to soothe the skin straight away. If anything I felt my appointments were more of a therapy as I knew I would be hair free come my holiday. After each session I came away feeling the progress getting better and better and by week 5 there was hardly any hair growth. I didn’t feel the need to shave anymore. I felt more confident and there is much less maintenance at home now which means I have more time for other things. I would highly recommend IPL hair removal by SkinBase and with Jodie as she made me feel at ease from the moment I asked about it and the difference it makes is life changing for someone who wasn’t so confident in her skin. I can’t wait for Summer and my holiday. Thanks Jodie & SkinBase.”