Can Skincare Reduce the Appearance of Crow’s Feet?

This article is a content collaboration between Homage Malaysia and All Things Health Malaysia.

Crow’s feet refer to the wrinkles that emerge in the most sensitive and expressive region of your face, namely the area surrounding your eyes. While ageing is an inevitable occurrence that affects all living beings, it can have an impact on your confidence. Certain individuals may develop crow’s feet earlier than anticipated due to busy lifestyles and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Crow’s feet form in the outer corners of the eyes. As we get older, the production and renewal of cells in our bodies slow down, including the production of collagen, a crucial protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure and elasticity.

As collagen levels decline, the dermis, which is the middle layer of our skin, becomes thinner. This thinning of the dermis results in depressions or grooves in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. These depressions in the epidermis are the visible wrinkles that become apparent when we examine our skin in the mirror.

Advancements in skincare have made significant progress in combating these early signs of ageing. Let’s dive into the reasons behind crow’s feet’ development and explore the effectiveness of topical skincare options in reducing their appearance. Additionally, we will also delve into the realm of facial acupuncture as an intriguing and viable alternative worth considering.

Categories of Crow’s Feet: Dynamic and Static Lines

Crow’s feet can be classified into two categories: dynamic and static.

Dynamic crow’s feet develop as a result of muscle movements underneath the skin around the eyes. These lines become visible when you smile, squint your eyes, or frown. They resemble the footprints of a crow, which is why they are referred to as “crow’s feet.”

On the other hand, static crow’s feet are noticeable even when the facial muscles are at rest. They occur as a consequence of long-term habits such as squinting, smiling, and frowning. Additionally, factors like premature ageing caused by exposure to pore-clogging pollutants, sun damage and smoking can contribute to the early onset of static crow’s feet.

Many individuals resort to using skincare as a means to deal with their crow’s feet issue. 

Can Anti-ageing Topical Skincare Fight Crow’s Feet?

In addition to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, many individuals turn to topical skincare as a solution for addressing crow’s feet. The question is, do they actually work? The answer is positive—some topical treatments have proven effective. However, it’s important to note that these treatments can only reduce the visibility of wrinkles, rather than completely eliminating deep wrinkles.

Extensive research spanning more than four decades has demonstrated that retinoids can be highly beneficial in improving the appearance of wrinkles, including crow’s feet. By stimulating collagen production, retinoids help in gradually thickening the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. This thickening effect contributes to the reduction of crow’s feet over time.

Certain retinoids, such as tretinoin, can produce quicker results but may be too harsh for some individuals. Fortunately, even milder over-the-counter retinoids like retinol can effectively reduce wrinkles. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2015 demonstrated a significant reduction in facial wrinkles among participants after 12 weeks of retinol application.

In addition to retinoids, other skincare ingredients available in pharmacies now include vitamin C and peptides. While not as extensively studied as retinoids, these molecules show promise in reducing crow’s feet. Vitamin C derivatives function similarly to retinoids by stimulating collagen production in fibroblast cells found in the dermis.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2020 revealed that peptides can stimulate collagen production at the basement membrane. This membrane serves as an internal structure that connects the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin.

Facial acupuncture can address a variety of skin concerns, such as crow’s feet.

Facial Acupuncture Can Help You Reduce Crow’s Feet

In recent times, an increasing number of skincare experts are endorsing facial acupuncture as a viable remedy for facial wrinkles, including crow’s feet. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) incorporates acupuncture and herbal medicine as integral practices.

1. Get youthful skin with facial acupuncture

TCM physician Kelvin Goh provides insight into the relationship between the outer corners of the eyes and the gallbladder and Triple Burner meridians (san jiao, 三焦). According to Physician Goh, if the qi (vital life force) and blood energy levels of these meridians become stagnant, the areas around the eyes are more prone to accelerated ageing due to insufficient energy to nourish them. This leads to the formation of crow’s feet.

Physician Goh also acknowledges that facial acupuncture can be beneficial in diminishing crow’s feet. By targeting specific acupoints that regulate the qi and blood energies of these meridians, it is possible to alleviate stagnation. A 2013 study conducted by South Korean researchers further supports this claim, as it demonstrated a significant reduction in wrinkle appearance among 27 participants who received facial acupuncture treatment.

2. Make use of exercise and herbs to enhance the effects of facial acupuncture

Physician Goh suggests incorporating regular exercise and a suitable diet alongside facial acupuncture. He explains that according to TCM principles, the Lungs play a role in overseeing the health of the skin. Engaging in consistent exercise helps strengthen the Lungs, allowing them to regulate the qi, essence, and body fluids on the surface of the body. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing the elasticity of the skin.

Certain foods are considered yin (cooling) and can promote skin elasticity by supporting the production of proteins such as elastin and collagen. Examples of herbs falling into this category include white fungus (yin er, 银耳), rose buds (mei gui hua, 玫瑰花), peach gum resin (tao jiao, 桃胶), goji berries (gou qi, 枸杞) and bird’s nest (yan wo, 燕窝). These yin foods are believed to nourish and support the skin’s health according to TCM principles.

A study published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers of Pharmacology investigated the effects of edible bird’s nest and found that the treatment group showed improved skin elasticity compared to the placebo group. We strongly recommend you to consult a certified TCM physician before incorporating any herbs or treatments into your regimen.

There is nothing wrong with having crow’s feet. Some may see it as a decoration that spells out their experiences and wisdom. But, if you want to keep your appearance youthful, having access to these effective treatment options can help us to improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence!