Fine lines at the end of the eyes, also known as "crow's feet", are one of the most obvious signs of facial aging. As one of the earliest wrinkles on the face, it is not only related to aging, but also closely related to daily habits and environmental factors. This article will analyze the formation mechanism of fine lines at the end of the eyes from a scientific perspective and provide clinically proven improvement methods to help you regain firm and smooth skin around the eyes.
Why do fine lines appear at the end of the eyes? Decoding the four main causes
The formation of fine lines at the end of the eyes is the result of the combined action of multiple factors. Only by understanding the causes can targeted improvements be made. The dermatology community generally believes that fine lines at the end of the eyes are mainly caused by the following four core reasons:
Natural skin aging: With age, the synthesis of collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis of the skin decreases and degradation accelerates, resulting in a weakening of the skin support structure. Studies have shown that after the age of 25, collagen in the dermis is lost at a rate of 1% per year. The skin around the eyes is only 1/3 of the thickness of other parts of the face, making it one of the first areas to show wrinkles [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2018 study].
Ultraviolet damage: Long-term ultraviolet radiation can cause skin photoaging, destroy the epidermal barrier function, promote the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and accelerate collagen decomposition. The World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out that 80% of exogenous skin aging is caused by ultraviolet rays, and the end of the eye area is more susceptible to damage due to long-term exposure.
Excessive activity of facial muscles: Repeated contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle (such as smiling and squinting) can cause dynamic lines on the skin, which will turn into static lines after long-term accumulation. A 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Dermatology showed that frequent facial expressions can cause repeated stretching of the elastic fibers in the skin at the end of the eyes, eventually forming permanent wrinkles.
Damaged moisturizing barrier: The skin around the eyes lacks sebaceous glands and has a weak ability to lock in moisture. If the skin is not moisturized for a long time, the water content of the stratum corneum will decrease, making fine lines more obvious. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) emphasizes that continued dry skin will increase the depth of wrinkles, forming a vicious cycle.
Daily care: building a scientific anti-wrinkle defense line
Precisely selected anti-wrinkle ingredients
Retinol (vitamin A derivative): As an FDA-approved anti-wrinkle ingredient, it stimulates collagen synthesis and improves skin texture. Studies have shown that continuous use of 0.5%-1% retinol for 12 weeks can reduce fine lines at the end of the eyes by 30% [British Journal of Dermatology 2016 trial]. It is recommended to use it at night and needs to be used with sunscreen.
Signal peptides: such as acetyl hexapeptide-8, which can inhibit the release of neurotransmitters and weaken the contraction of facial muscles, similar to "painted botulinum toxin". A 2020 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirmed that continuous use for 8 weeks can significantly reduce dynamic lines.
Vitamin C derivatives: such as ascorbyl glucoside, which has both antioxidant and collagen synthesis promoting effects, is suitable for daytime protection and can also enhance the sunscreen effect [Harvard Medical School Dermatology Laboratory 2018 data].
Professional sun protection
Ultraviolet rays are an "accelerator" of wrinkles around the eyes. Use SPF30+, PA+++ broad-spectrum sunscreen products every day, and physical sunscreen (such as sun hats and sunglasses) can be used as a supplement. A 2021 follow-up study by the Australian Skin Cancer Research Center found that those who adhered to sun protection throughout the year had 40% shallower wrinkles around their eyes after 5 years than those who did not use sun protection.
Gentle care tips
When applying eye cream, use the ring finger to pat gently along the outer and upper sides of the eye to avoid pulling; use an eye mask containing ceramide 1-2 times a week to replenish moisture and enhance the barrier function. The Japanese Dermatologists Association recommends that the temperature of eye area care should be close to skin temperature (about 34°C). Too hot or too cold will irritate the skin.
Medical Aesthetics: Advanced Solutions for Stubborn Fine Lines
For static lines that have already formed, medical means can achieve more significant improvements, but they must be performed in regular medical institutions: Botox injection: By inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, it temporarily relaxes the orbicularis oculi muscle and reduces dynamic lines. Botox, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is used to treat wrinkles at the end of the eye, and the effect can last for 3-4 months. Data from the 2022 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that the effectiveness was 92%. Fractional laser treatment: Such as CO₂ fractional laser, which activates the skin repair mechanism through tiny thermal damage and stimulates collagen regeneration. Usually after 3-5 treatments, the depth of fine lines can be reduced by more than 50% [Stanford University School of Medicine 2020 clinical report]. Hyaluronic acid filling: For deeper static lines, injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid can directly fill the depression, while absorbing water and swelling to increase skin volume. The 2021 guidelines of the European Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery point out that low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can be maintained in the tail area for about 6-9 months.
Lifestyle: The overlooked key to anti-wrinkle
Sleep management: Staying up late for a long time will lead to increased cortisol and accelerate collagen decomposition. The American Sleep Foundation recommends that 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep every day can promote the secretion of growth hormone and help skin repair. Regular sleep for 4 consecutive weeks can visually reduce fine lines around the eyes by 15%.
Dietary adjustment: Increase deep-sea fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon), nuts containing vitamin E, and shellfish containing zinc. A 2019 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people with a high antioxidant diet had a 23% higher skin elasticity score than those with a normal diet.
Expression management: Consciously reduce excessive squinting, squeezing eyebrows and other actions, and wear glasses with appropriate degrees to avoid frequent squinting. Although natural expressions do not need to be deliberately suppressed, habitual exaggerated expressions will accelerate the fixation of dynamic lines.
Improving fine lines at the end of the eyes is a systematic project that requires patience. Only by combining scientific care, medical intervention when necessary, and a healthy lifestyle can long-term and effective anti-wrinkle effects be achieved. Remember, prevention is always more important than treatment - starting targeted care at the age of 25 can significantly delay the appearance of fine lines. If you are unsure about your own situation, it is recommended to consult a professional dermatologist to develop a personalized plan.
