What To Do (And Not Do) About Crow’s Feet

Newsflash: We’re all getting older and there’s nothing we can do about it. And while we’ve made our peace with aging and its many gifts—like crow’s feet—it’s okay to slow things down where possible. That said, let’s focus on those pesky little eye-framing lines, shall we? Ahead, what to do (and not do) about crow’s feet. If the eyes have it, we want yours to shine.

Good Eye

Do: Choose An Eye Cream With SPF

Sun damage causes way more wrinkles than lack of eye cream ever could. If you've already gotten into the habit of applying eye cream every morning, make sure you've chosen one that will keep you protected from those aging sun rays.

Do: Exfoliate The Eye Area

The main goal of exfoliation is to remove dead cells, but aside from sloughing off dry skin, scrubbing can also stimulate collagen production, keeping the skin firm, bright and plump. This is a delicate area of your face, but as long as you're not overdoing it with an overly aggressive scrub (and you're not on a prescription retinoid), exfoliating around the eyes is actually okay. Eye creams with lower concentrations of hydroxy acids or retinol are the most effective way to exfoliate here.

Don't: Skip Blurring Primer Before Applying Makeup

Makeup can settle into crow's feet and other wrinkles, making them look worse. Beginning with a flawless base stops creasing before it starts and unlike regular primers, blurring formulas soften and hide fine lines for a more youthful-looking finish.

Do: Swap Powder Makeup For Cream Products

Powder makeup can dehydrate and give skin an unnatural texture—not to mention accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, use cream products that keep skin looking dewy and hydrated.

Don't: Pass On Sunglasses

The right pair of sunglasses do more than just provide a double dose of that cool factor, they can actually help slow the production of crow's feet. Invest in a pair of UV protection sunnies to shield your eyes from added sun damage, as well as minimize the amount of times you squint throughout the day (this causes wrinkles, too!).