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Crow's Feet

Crow's feet, medically known as lateral canthal lines or periorbital wrinkles, are the fine lines and wrinkles that radiate outward from the outer corners of the eyes. These wrinkles develop primarily from repeated contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle during smiling, squinting, and other facial expressions. The delicate skin around the eyes is thinner than skin elsewhere on the face and has fewer oil glands, making it particularly susceptible to wrinkling from expression, sun exposure, and aging.

3 min read·Last updated: 2026-02-08·Reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS

At a Glance

  • Crow's feet form from repeated contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle during smiling and squinting[2]
  • The skin around the eyes is thinner than elsewhere on the face, making it more prone to wrinkling[1]
  • Botulinum toxin injections can temporarily relax the muscles that cause crow's feet[3]
  • Sun protection with sunglasses and sunscreen may help slow the development of periorbital wrinkles[4]

What are the symptoms of Crow's Feet?

  • Fine lines radiating from outer eye corners
  • Lines that fan outward when smiling or squinting
  • Creases visible even when face is at rest (in advanced cases)
  • Crepey or thin skin texture around eyes
  • Deeper folds extending toward temples
  • Loss of smooth skin appearance around eye area

When should you seek care for Crow's Feet?

  • Interest in cosmetic treatment options
  • Desire to reduce the appearance of eye wrinkles
  • Wanting professional guidance on eye-area products
  • Concerns about rapid progression of periorbital aging
  • Interest in preventive treatments
  • Interest in botulinum toxin treatments

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What causes Crow's Feet?

  • Repeated orbicularis oculi muscle contraction (smiling, squinting)
  • Natural thinning of periorbital skin with age
  • Cumulative sun exposure and UV damage
  • Collagen and elastin degradation
  • Loss of subcutaneous fat around eyes
  • Reduced moisture retention in delicate eye-area skin

How are Crow's Feet treated?

We offer a service to help manage this condition: Botox.

Prognosis

  • Crow's feet respond well to botulinum toxin treatment
  • Results from neurotoxin injections typically last 3 months around the eyes
  • Earlier treatment may help prevent lines from becoming deeply etched
  • Combination of treatments often yields best results
  • Consistent sun protection helps slow progression
Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS, Triple board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologist

Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Triple board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologistManhattan's Financial District

Trained at Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Penn & NYU

Delicate dosing that preserves a natural smile

The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and those muscles shape your smile. With more than 15 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Julia Tzu treats crow's feet with injection plans built around your facial movement, so the lines soften without changing the way you smile.

More About Dr. Tzu

Frequently Asked Questions

What are crow's feet and why do they form?
Crow's feet are the fine lines and wrinkles that radiate from the outer corners of the eyes. They form primarily from repeated muscle contractions when smiling, laughing, and squinting. The skin around the eyes is thinner than other facial skin and has fewer oil glands, making it especially prone to developing wrinkles.
At what age do crow's feet typically appear?
Crow's feet often begin appearing in the late 20s to early 30s, though they may develop earlier with significant sun exposure or frequent squinting. Initially, they appear only during facial expressions, but over time they can become visible even when the face is at rest.
When should I see a dermatologist about crow's feet?
Consider consulting a dermatologist if you want to explore treatment options, are interested in preventive approaches, or want guidance on effective eye-area skincare. Earlier treatment with botulinum toxin may help prevent dynamic lines from becoming permanently etched.
What treatments work best for crow's feet?
Botulinum toxin injections are often the most effective treatment for crow's feet, as they temporarily relax the orbicularis oculi muscle that causes the lines. Results typically last 3 months. For deeper lines, a combination with fillers, microneedling, or laser treatments may be recommended. Topical retinoids can help improve overall skin quality.
Do eye creams help reduce crow's feet?
Eye creams containing retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid may help improve skin texture and hydration, making fine lines less noticeable. However, they typically cannot address dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. For significant improvement, professional procedural treatments are usually more effective.
How can I prevent crow's feet from getting worse?
Daily sun protection is essential, including wearing sunglasses and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen around the eyes. Avoid squinting by wearing corrective lenses if needed. Using gentle eye-area products and staying hydrated supports skin health. Some individuals choose preventive botulinum toxin treatments to slow line progression.

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Sources & References

This article draws from 5 peer-reviewed sources.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-06-26