How to Get Rid of Crow’s Feet: Treatments That Actually Work

Crow’s feet are a normal part of a face that smiles, but if they are bothering you, several proven options can soften them. Here is what actually works.

What causes crow’s feet?

Crow’s feet are the fine lines that fan out from the outer corners of your eyes. They come from two things working together. First, the orbicularis oculi muscle contracts every time you smile, laugh, or squint, folding the skin. Over years, those repeated folds settle in. Second, the skin around the eyes is thin and loses collagen and elastin with age and sun exposure, so the lines can linger even at rest.

Understanding this matters because the best treatment depends on which factor is driving your lines. Lines that mostly show up with movement respond well to relaxing the muscle, while lines etched into the skin at rest usually need skin-focused care too. Most people have a mix of both.

Does Botox get rid of crow’s feet?

Botox is the go-to treatment for crow’s feet caused by movement. A few small injections into the muscle beside each eye relax it, so the skin creases less when you smile or squint, and the lines soften. It does not freeze your expression when done well; the aim is a natural, rested look.

The same result can be achieved with other neurotoxins we offer, including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. Onset is about 3 to 5 days, full effect around two weeks, and results last roughly 3 to 4 months.

What else helps reduce crow’s feet?

Botox addresses the muscle, but skin quality matters too, especially for lines you can see at rest. A well-rounded plan often adds:

• Daily sunscreen: sun damage is a leading cause of eye-area lines.
• Retinoids and antioxidants: support collagen and skin texture over time.
• Hydration and good skincare: plump, healthy skin creases less.
• Resurfacing or filler: for deeper static lines, in-office treatments can help.

Combining muscle relaxation with skin care usually gives the smoothest, most natural result. No single product erases crow’s feet on its own, so think of it as a layered plan built around your skin rather than one magic fix.

Can you prevent crow’s feet?

You cannot stop your face from making expressions, and you would not want to, but you can slow how quickly crow’s feet deepen. Wearing sunglasses reduces squinting, daily SPF limits sun damage, and a consistent skincare routine supports the skin.

Some people start Botox early, in small amounts, to keep dynamic lines from etching in as strongly over time. Whether that is right for you is a personal decision best made with a provider. Keep in mind that neurotoxins are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so timing matters as well. Prevention will not stop crow’s feet entirely, but it can meaningfully slow how deep they become.

When should you see a professional for crow’s feet?

If over-the-counter creams are not giving the results you want, or you are unsure which approach fits your skin, a consultation is the best next step. A trained injector can tell whether your lines are mostly dynamic (movement-related) or static (present at rest) and build a plan around that.

Results vary from person to person, and honest guidance about what each treatment can and cannot do is part of a good plan. A good injector will tell you when a treatment is likely to help and when it is not the right tool, which saves you time and money. This works well alongside overall facial balancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by the team at Rebalanced by Rita, a facial balancing studio serving Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona. This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Treatments, dosing, and results vary by individual — book a consultation to discuss what is right for you.