Crow’s feet often appear earlier when compared to other signs of ageing. This is partly due to the delicate skin around the eyes. In fact, 6 main culprits could all carry the blame.
1: Collagen and Elastin Degradation
Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin. As biological ageing marches on, the production of these proteins decreases, and existing collagen and elastin fibres break down. This degradation leads to a loss of skin firmness and elasticity, result?- wrinkles.
2: Reduction in Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps retain moisture and maintain plumpness. With age, the levels of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid diminish. This gives way to skin dehydration and a reduction in volume. This loss of hydration and volume contributes to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet.
3: Thinning Epidermis
The skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, becomes thinner with age. This thinning is partly due to a slower rate of cell turnover and a decrease in the production of new skin cells. A thinner epidermis is less able to protect against environmental damage and is more susceptible to the formation of wrinkles.
4: Cell Turnover Decrease
Another side of ageing is slower cell turnover. This slower turnover means that dead skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface. A dull complexion and the accentuation of fine lines and wrinkles are the consequences.
5: Oxidative Stress and Free Radical Damage
Exposure to UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental factors increases the production of free radicals in the skin. These unstable molecules cause what is coined oxidative stress. It is this stress which damages skin cells and accelerates the ageing process. This damage will be particularly evident in areas with delicate skin, such as around the eyes.
6: Micro-movements and Muscle Contractions
The skin around the eyes is constantly subjected to micro-movements from blinking, smiling, and squinting. These repetitive muscle contractions cause the skin to crease and form permanent lines. Again, the delicate nature of the skin in this area makes it more susceptible to these dynamic wrinkles.