While beauty standards are evolving to embrace diversity and authenticity, research suggests that many women still seek ways to address visible signs of aging. According to a beauty survey by The Benchmarking Company, 54% of women consider products labeled “anti-aging,” while 82% believe women should take pride in looking their natural age. This highlights a shift in priorities—today’s women are not aiming to stop the clock but to prevent premature signs of aging. With this in mind, let’s focus on one specific concern: how to prevent crow’s feet, the fine lines that often form around the eyes.
In this article, we’ll explore practical and effective strategies for keeping this delicate area smooth and youthful while celebrating the natural beauty of aging gracefully.
Understanding Crow’s feet
Crow’s feet—the fine lines that appear around the eyes—are often among the earliest visible signs of aging. These wrinkles are primarily caused by a natural loss of volume in the skin as we age, but they can also be influenced by genetics or lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or sun exposure. While treatments like creams or Botox offer temporary or semi-permanent solutions, adopting proactive habits can play a significant role in prevention. By making thoughtful lifestyle changes, you can reduce the likelihood of crow’s feet appearing early or worsening over time, promoting healthier, more resilient skin.
Here are 3 easy and effective ways to prevent premature Crow’s feet…
#1. Wear protective sunglasses
Two of the most common external causes of crow’s feet are overexposure to the sun and repeated facial expressions that move this area. With this in mind, wearing sunglasses can effectively hit two birds with one stone. Furthermore, you can go the extra mile by opting for polarized sunglasses. These specialized lenses are coated with a filter that blocks out painful glare, reducing the likelihood of squinting.
Additionally, they provide 100% UV protection, safeguarding your eyes and the delicate skin around them. For optimal results, consider wraparound models like those from Costa and Oakley, as they offer more comprehensive coverage. This ensures minimal exposure to harmful sun rays or sudden bursts of light, keeping your vision and eye area well-protected.
#2. Use sunscreen properly
Although you may already be applying sunscreen regularly, there’s a chance you’re not using it correctly. According to a HuffPost report, many people tend to overlook the immediate eye area when applying sunscreen. This often happens because they believe the area is too sensitive for the product or less exposed to sunlight. In reality, the delicate skin around your eyes actually requires more protection.
Therefore, it’s essential to apply a thin, even coat of sunscreen around your eyes to prevent crow’s feet caused by collagen breakdown from sun exposure. For the best results, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. To further reduce the risk of irritation, opt for a lightweight mineral formula, such as Coola Refreshing Water Cream, which is gentle on the sensitive eye area.
Shop Coola Refreshing Water Cream here
#3. Exercise your facial muscles
As previously mentioned, repeated facial movements can contribute to crow’s feet by “training” the skin to crease in specific patterns. Over time, these lines deepen as the skin loses elasticity, making it harder to bounce back to its smooth state. This is where targeted face exercises, like facial yoga, can play a role. Although research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited, facial yoga has been linked to benefits such as improved muscle tone.
Stronger facial muscles are better equipped to hold fat in place, which can help maintain a more youthful appearance. For addressing crow’s feet, an exercise like the eyebrow lifter may be particularly beneficial, as it focuses on sagging areas that create skin folds. Just remember to apply only light pressure during these exercises to avoid tugging the delicate skin.
Featured image: Ridofranz/iStock
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
—Read also
