How to Prevent and Conceal Crow's Feet

Many start developing crow's feet around the eyes in their 30s. Sometimes referred to as "laugh lines," these annoying marks can hurt your self-esteem. While they are completely natural and normal to have, there are ways to conceal them if they bother you. Below are eight ways to hide them from view or fix them completely. 

Consider a Permanent Fix

Botox is still relatively controversial, but it is an injectable treatment that tightens the skin and eliminates fine lines and wrinkles. While many people do not admit to going through with the procedure, it is very common. In fact, when it comes to fixing crow's feet around the eyes and the lips, Botox is the method of choice for skincare professionals.

Botox relaxes the lines and in some cases almost seems to erase them. If Botox isn't enough for you, you could also try injectable fillers.

Change Your Makeup Application

When you first notice those little lines around your eyes, your first instinct might be to grab the concealer and heavy powders. But caking on the makeup will only make the lines more noticeable.

Instead, apply just a few dabs of concealer and always pat in concealer with your ring finger. You can also use a brush which distributes concealer more evenly. Try skipping powder around the eye area;  it tends to settle into wrinkles.

Start Wearing Sunscreen Now

Even though our wrinkles are largely determined by genetics, many wrinkles are caused or worsened by sun damage. No matter your age, you need to wear sunscreen on your face every day, rain or shine. Make it a regular habit to prevent future damage and lines.

Try Retinoids as Part of Your Weekly Skin Routine

Retinoids, otherwise known as Vitamin A, are well-known for the line-erasing powers.

Although Retin-A was the first and most famous Vitamin A derivative used for anti-aging, other Vitamin A products have since popped up including Tazorac, Renova, and Differin. A host of over-the-counter medications containing lower doses of Vitamin A have also hit the market. While Retin-A remains a medication to treat acne, all of these new products were created specifically to fight wrinkles.

It's best to use these products under the care of a physician. Ask your dermatologist about using a retinoid as part of your daily or weekly skincare routine.

Use an Eye Cream

The debate is raging in the beauty world over whether eye creams work. Some specialists swear by them, while others claim eye cream offers you nothing more than a really thick moisturizer does.

If the skin around your eyes is particularly delicate, eye creams are worth trying. Look for one with one of three ingredients: retinoids which stimulate cell growth, peptides which boost collagen production, and antioxidants which fix free radical damage caused by sun damage and other environmental factors.

Do You Need an Eye Exam

Squinting too much actually can deepen crow's feet. Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch says in Harper's Bazaar, "Ninety percent of the time when women in their 30s come in for Botox, I send them to the ophthalmologist because they need a stronger prescription."

If you have not visited the doctor in a while or had an eye exam, make one today. It can go a long way in helping your vision.

Get Chemical Peels Now and Then

Chemical peels are a great way to remove layers of dead skin cells leaving you with fresh, dewy skin. There are a few over-the-counter peels that are effective, but your best bet is to get one from a skincare professional.

Plump Lip Lines and Wrinkly Lips

Plump up lips and bring attention to them, not the surrounding area, by using a moisturizing lip gloss. Any time you add moisturizer to skin or lips, it plumps them up, making them appear more youthful.

Still want to use your lipstick? Apply a lip balm to lips first and then lipstick over it. The lip balm will settle into your wrinkly lips so that your lipstick won't.

If crow's feet and fine lines are bothering you, you can try these tips to smooth out their appearance. With consistent use, you can minimize the look of wrinkles.