Do you avoid smiling when people look at you or when a camera is pointed at your face and you are asked to say “cheese” ?
If you answer yes, then you are one of those people who find crow's feet ugly and an unwelcome sign of ageing. Although crow's feet appear when we smile, therefore are associated with genuine joy and happiness, some of us don't see them that way.
When we truly smile or laugh heartily, our eyes crinkle and crow's feet appear, but to my mind this is quite endearing and should be embraced. Commonly known as laughter lines, they show expression and warmth and when I see someone smile, I want to smile with them. Take away the crow's feet and what do you get – an ungenuine smile which can be seen as emotionless and cold.
Psychologists say that a genuine smile is accompanied by crow's feet. So why do we hate them so much and strive to get rid of them? Every day in my clinic, people ask me to banish their crow's feet and commit to having Botox regularly to keep them at bay and bring back confidence when they smile. However, this is ok in the under 50's who can get away with not having crow's feet due to youth being on their side. But, when you get over the age of 50, having no crow's feet at all can look unnatural. Opting for a softened look can be a good compromise. I do agree however, when crow's feet are well established, reach the ears, appear deeper and more pronounced on the skin, then softening them is usually wise.
A popular treatment for crow's feet is Botox which will relax the muscles that are causing the skin to crease and wrinkle. Depending on the dose administered, crow's feet can be eradicated completely or softened and I advise my clients on how much to have according to their age.
As crow's feet are natural and show a pleasing expression, shouldn't we just reduce them over the age of 50? after all, I preach every day about how important it is to have aesthetic treatments in a way that makes us look fresh and youthful yet natural at the same time.
So to conclude: crow's feet are a sign of happiness, they tell everyone that you have been happy for 50 plus years and so I suppose that makes them beautiful – what do you think?
Blog written by Karen Johnson.