When it comes to premature ageing signs such as crow’s feet, there are a number of things you can do to prevent them.
A balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet will provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Vitamin C, an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables, for instance, helps the skin defend itself from free radical damage. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, nuts and seeds also help to keep the skin barrier healthy while protein found in lean meat and legumes contributes to the production of skin-boosting proteins such as collagen.
Plenty of sleep
The term ‘beauty sleep’ isn’t just a myth and our sleeping habits can have a direct impact on our skin. This is because our body carries out a number of vital functions while we rest - from collagen production, to lowering stress and inflammation in the skin, and strengthening the immune system and skin barrier. When we don’t get enough sleep, the skin barrier can become impaired, leaving it more prone to dryness and skin conditions. Collagen production may also be reduced and ageing signs, including crow’s feet, may appear more prominently.
Staying hydrated
The NHS recommends that adults drink approximately six to eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. You may need to drink more than this if you’ve done vigorous exercise or it’s particularly hot and you’re perspiring more than usual. Drinking water is essential for good health as it helps to control the body’s basic functions such as transporting oxygen around the body and lubricating the joints. It also helps to keep the skin hydrated while aiding functions such as healing and maintaining skin elasticity,
Using a silk eye mask and/or pillow case
Many dermatologists recommend switching your usual cotton pillowcase or eye mask for one made of silk. This is because silk is less abrasive on the skin than man-made fibers so it reduces friction. It’s also believed to reduce the risk of creases on the skin while being more gentle and hypoallergenic on sensitive skin types.
Avoiding or reducing damaging habits like smoking and drinking
Habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can have a seriously detrimental effect on the skin, so cutting down on these habits can make big improvements to the way your skin ages. Tobacco smoke, for instance, creates oxidative stress in the skin’s fibroblasts. This in turn affects many skin-boosting functions such as collagen and elastin production, wound healing, and the narrowing of blood vessels that carry nutrients to the dermis. It also causes smokers to squint or purse their lips as they inhale which can lead to more prominent crow’s feet. Likewise, excess alcohol consumption causes dehydration, oxidative stress in the body and inflammation which can exacerbate conditions.
Reducing stress
If you’ve ever enjoyed a very relaxing holiday and been told that you look ‘well rested’, you’ll know the direct impact wellbeing can have on your skin. When we face a lot of stress, hormones such as cortisol are released into the body affecting everything from our immune system, to blood flow, skin barrier function and moisture levels. That’s why reducing stress where possible through meditation, yoga, or simply taking the time to do the things we love, can impact your overall skin health and wellbeing.
Reducing sun exposure
UV exposure from the sun is proven to be responsible for around 90% of premature skin ageing signs including crow’s feet. That’s why it’s vital that you protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. You should also try to reduce direct sun exposure, and protect your face in other ways such as wearing sunglasses and a hat when the sun is out. Don’t forget that UV radiation is also present all year round, even in the winter when the sky is grey or cloudy so it should always be the last step in your morning skincare routine.
