Eyes are called the windows to the soul, but the fine lines around the eyes can be the mouth that shouts the reality of our age. In fact, crow's feet -the fine wrinkles around the eyes - can start showing up on a person as early as their late 20s.
"These wrinkles seem to be the telltale sign of age since they often expand and deepen over time," said Rebecca Tung, MD, director of the dermatology division at Loyola University Health System.
According to Tung, the primary cause is from thinning of the delicate eyelid skin. This is due to the aging process, sun exposure and repetitive movement from smiling and squinting.
"While nothing in life is better than expressing joy, seeing etched lines in the mirror can be discouraging. But that's no reason to stop sharing your beautiful smile," said Tung.
As we age our body reduces the amount of collagen it produces, which causes skin to lose its elasticity and firmness.
To fend off these signs of aging while maintaining your inner smile and expression, Tung suggests reacquainting yourself with your dermatologist and the four Rs.
Relax. The muscles around our eyes get a good workout. A dermatologist can use injections to help those muscles to relax, lessening the visible lines.
Refill. With age our skill loses its volume, but it can be pumped up and recontoured with injectable fillers.
Resurface. To help smooth the lines, a dermatologist can use laser treatments or chemical peels.
Rest. There is nothing like getting a full night's sleep to help beautify your body from the inside and out.
Patients often benefit from a combination of treatments that can be done in the doctor's office and have little to no downtime.
"It's important to follow up with daily sunscreen use and apply an eye cream or serum as well to make your results last. Sunglasses are a great defense against wrinkles since they help us not to squint. Wear them every day, no matter the weather. Your eyes will thank you," said Tung.
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