3 Ways to Banish Crows Feet
By Carmen Staicer, REDBOOK
A dermatologist, a makeup artist, and a product developer all weigh in on how to get rid of crows feet.
Q: Even when I'm not smiling, I have crow's-feet. Can I get rid of them?
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THE DERMATOLOGIST SAYS:
"Women typically start seeing crow's-feet in their mid- to late 30s, and sometimes as early as their 20s. Luckily, the thin skin around your eyes responds faster to anti-aging treatments than any other area." A prescription retinoid such as Differin 0.3-percent gel (about $300 per 45-gram tube) or Tazorac (about $200 per 30-gram tube), will boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines by 50 to 75 percent after six weeks, Cheung says. "For deep creases, four light in-office peels spread over eight weeks can work wonders." Cost: a steep $100 to $200 per peel, but results last over a year. Still, Cheung adds, "nothing will have a lasting effect unless you protect the area every day with SPF 30 or higher and sunglasses with thick sides."
-Jessie Cheung, M.D., codirector of cosmetic dermatology and assistant professor of dermatology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago
Try:
A 30-gram tube of Tazorac, $200, will last four to five months (if applied only on crow's-feet).
Tory Burch sunglasses, $149.
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THE MAKEUP ARTIST SAYS:
"Crow's-feet are less obvious on moisturized skin, so start by patting on an eye cream--but be sure it isn't oily, otherwise any makeup applied on top will disappear. Follow with a primer containing silica or silicone, which fills in lines so your skin looks smoother. Then, apply under-eye concealer, because when that area is bright, crow's-feet are less noticeable. But skip it at your eyes' outer corners, where it'll settle into the lines." Instead, Surratt likes to dab Yves Saint Laurent Touche éclat, a liquid highlighter, on top of crow's-feet: "It reflects light to make the lines seem softer." To further deflect attention, focus on making your eyes look more open by curling your top lashes, then brushing mascara on both the top and bottom ones.
-Troy Surratt, a celebrity makeup artist who works with Adele
Try:
Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler in Rose Quartz, $16.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche éclat, $40.
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THE PRODUCT DEVELOPER SAYS:
"To treat the lines and fend off further damage, the most effective over-the-counter ingredients are retinol and peptides, both proven collagen stimulators. Use an eye cream or a serum that contains one of these--their formulas work better around the eyes than a face cream. If retinol irritates your skin, go with a peptide product." (Try First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller, $24.) You can also make crow's-feet look immediately better by following with a skin product that has argireline (also called acetyl hexapeptide-3), Hammer says: "When dabbed on the area, it has a Botox-like effect that relaxes the crinkles temporarily." We like Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream, $59.
-Jim Hammer, director of research and development at Pharmasol Corporation in South Easton, MA
Try:
Roc Multi Correxion Eye Treatment, $24.99, which contains retinol.
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