To the dismay of many, we wrinkle as we age. This is because our body's ability to make collagen decreases and the skin loses elastin and hyaluronic acid. Due to this, our face looks less firm, less resilient and retains less water. Wrinkles begin to appear, including around the eyes. These are also known as crow's feet.
Increased Risk
It's pretty hard to avoid wrinkles all together; however, people with certain lifestyles are less likely to see them before their 40s or 50s.
Smokers expose their skins to toxins that speed up their skin's aging process. It specifically targets the eye area because smokers frequently squint to avoid getting smoke in their eyes.
Sunbathing or tanning beds also promote early wrinkling. UV rays accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, so you'll see crow's feet earlier in life. Squinting due to the bright sun also increases a wrinkle's development, so put on those shades when you head outside.
Moisturizer
To help mask lines around your eyes, use emollient moisturizers that help hydrate the skin and "plump up" that area. Be careful about applying the moisturizer too close to your eye as it can irritate it. This area is sensitive, so use a moisturizer made especially for your eyes, if possible.
Do not use moisturizers that contain alpha-hydroxy or retinol. They help diminish the appearance of fine lines, but irritate your eye area's delicate skin.
Medical Treatments
A dermatologist can treat fine lines; however, these treatments might not produce permanent results. They're also very expensive and because they are considered cosmetic, they are probably not covered by insurance.
See a dermatologist, who can prescribe tretinoin or retinoic acid. Other options include chemical peels, collagen or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.
Eye Creams
Many eye creams claim to wipe wrinkles off your face, but not all of them live up to the claim. Consumer Reports tested 16 wrinkle creams and found some of them that would produce non-permanent results. They tested the creams on 107 people, 94 of them women, for six weeks. Changes were minor, and "none came close to eliminating wrinkles," the website states. It also determined that price does not make a difference, as the most expensive cream, Perricone, which costs $95, had the same results as cheaper brands from the drugstore.
At-Home Treatments
Two procedures that dermatologists use to treat wrinkles are microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Today, at-home versions of these treatments are available. To help ensure safety, the active ingredients in these at-home treatments are much less potent. Less-potent ingredients produce less dramatic results. People with very fine lines may see younger-looking skin.
Though at-home products generally contain less-potent ingredients, improper use can cause problems. If you have questions about how to use an at-home product or concerns about the safety of a product, be sure to talk with your dermatologist before trying the product.
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