How can we prevent the appearance of crow's feet around the eyes?

Sometimes a source of insecurity, crow's feet are small furrows etched around the eye contour, from the outer corner towards the temples. Positioned like a fan, these expression lines settle due to the fragility and mobility of this area, which is used daily when we smile, speak or squint. The eye contour often betrays the first signs of ageing for various physiological reasons.

Firstly, the skin in this area is approximately 4 to 5 times thinner than the rest of the face and is therefore easily marked by the passage of time, fatigue or stress. Additionally, the dermis around the eyes contains only a few support fibres, such as collagen and elastin, whose production naturally decreases from around the age of 25. This condition promotes skin sagging.

Crow's feet wrinkles are often the result of dehydration fine lines that have become permanent. The eye contour area is sensitive to this, as it is naturally less protected. Indeed, this area only produces a small amount of sebum, which reduces the hydrolipidic film, normally found on the surface of the epidermis and serves to prevent the risks of dehydration and external aggressions. Among other factors promoting the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles, we can mention lack of sleep or hydration, stress, smoking, a diet low in vitamins A and C...

Note : Although the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles is inevitable, certain daily habits can help delay their onset.

Throughout the day, pollution particles, dust, or makeup residues accumulate on your skin. It is imperative to remove them in the evening using a suitable makeup remover. Skipping this step would further weaken this already sensitive area. These impurities are likely to hinder the nocturnal cellular regeneration and further dry out the skin by clogging the pores and thus limiting the skin's natural self-hydration. The result: dehydration fine lines and crow's feet wrinkles set in.

A product recommendation?

At Typology, we offer you our biphasic makeup remover specifically designed for the eye contour. This product is formulated without surfactants to respect the pH of this area and containschamomile hydrosol (INCI: Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water), which has moisturising and soothing properties. It also includes vegetable oils for their nourishing action, essential for preserving the eye contour, such assweet almond oil (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) andrice bran oil (INCI: Oryza Sativa Germ Oil).

To strengthen the eye contour and limit the appearance of wrinkles, it is recommended to apply a targeted treatment as early as possible on a daily basis. Eye contour treatments are specifically designed for this area and, unlike most facial products, they have undergone ophthalmological testing. There are various eye contour treatments available to cater to all the issues of this area, including the prevention of crow's feet wrinkles. For this, opt for a treatment rich in hydrating and antioxidant active ingredients. This will help to reinforce the naturally fragile hydrolipidic film of the eye contour and combat free radicals, which accelerate the skin ageing process.

A product recommendation?

At Typology, we offer you our eye contour cream to prevent crow's feet wrinkles, containing coenzyme Q10 (INCI: Ubiquinone) and prickly pear oil (INCI: Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract), active ingredients with firming and hydrating properties.

Sun rays are one of the main causes of skin ageing and the appearance of wrinkles. When they reach the epidermis or dermis, they stimulate the production of free radicals in skin cells. Naturally found in the body, the overproduction of these reactive species causes damage to DNA (mutations) and the skin's support fibres. As a result, the skin is more prone to sagging and pigmentation issues. To counteract UV rays, it is recommended to apply a broad-spectrum sun care product daily, an area where the skin is very thin and easily allows UV rays to penetrate. You can supplement this by wearing sunglasses to provide additional protection.

To delay the onset of crow's feet wrinkles, the first factor to consider is sleep. Indeed, it governs numerous biological mechanisms, such as concentration, well-being, but also skin health. Sleep particularly promotes the regeneration of skin cellsand thus prevents the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles. Therefore, it is recommended to get enough sleep, at least 8 hours per night, the duration advised by doctors.

Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, E, polyphenols, zinc or copper, are allies against crow's feet wrinkles. Found in various foods (fruits, vegetables, oilseeds...), they are a means of combating photoaging, by neutralising the free radicals produced by UV rays and thus limiting the damage they cause.

Smoking leads to premature ageing of the facial skin and promotes the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles. Indeed, it is estimated thata puff of a cigarette releases around 200,000 free radicals, the same reactive species generated in the body following intense sun exposure. Therefore, to prevent skin sagging, it is better to avoid tobacco smoke.

Facial yoga aims to strengthen and tone the orbicular muscles, that is, those located around the contour of the eyes. Although this practice does not undergo scientific studies, several testimonials assert that 2 to 3 minutes of exercises per day could yield results on skin firmness in 6 months.

The following exercise is recommended to prevent crow's feet wrinkles: place your index fingers at the level of your eyebrows and gently stretch the skin upwards. Then, sequentially close your eyelids. The resistance exerted by your index fingers helps to strengthen the area. Another exercise involves placing your fingers on your temples and gently stretching the skin outwards.

The area around the eyes being extremely delicate, it is advised to avoid any rubbing, at the risk of creasing the skin in this area and promoting the development of crow's feet wrinkles. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain as much as possible from rubbing the eyes, whether with the hands or when removing makeup/cleaning the face.

Another habit, perhaps more challenging to alter, is the position in which we sleep. Indeed, sleeping on one's side tends to crease the skin around the eyes and weaken it, due to the friction exerted against the pillow. To preserve one's skin, it is generally advised to sleep on one's back.

To prevent crow's feet wrinkles, hydration also comes from within. Indeed, to maintain smooth and plump skin, it is recommended to drink at least 1 to 1.5 litres of water per day. This also helps to reduce the risk of developing dehydration-induced fine lines.

Whether performed in a professional setting or at home using an LED mask, light therapy involves gently heating the skin with light to stimulate the activity of certain cells. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of combining 633 nm red LED and 830 nm infrared in reducing periorbital wrinkles.

Also known as photobiomodulation, these wavelengths allow us to reach the dermis and stimulate the chromophores of the mitochondria, light-sensitive receptors found on their surface. Mitochondria are organelles found in most cells involved in various processes: cellular respiration and communication, regulation of the cell cycle, and so on.

Upon receiving light, the mitochondria absorb it and convert it into energy, which can then be utilised by the cells. This results in the acceleration of various biological processes, including the differentiation of fibroblasts. Light therapy therefore has an effect on cellular regeneration and can prevent the onset of wrinkles, including crow's feet. After the session, the tissues are firmed and the skin is more toned.

• PUIZINA-IVIC N. Skin aging. Acta dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica, et Adriatica (2008).

• HAMBLIN M. & al. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (2013).

• ABLON G. Phototherapy with light emitting diodes. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2018).

• SIVAMANI R. & al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology (2019).