Frown lines and crow's feet: what to know

Frown lines form when the muscles draw the eyebrows inward, often during concentration or squinting. Crow's feet are fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes that become more visible with smiling, laughing, and bright-light squinting. Crow's feet are also called lateral canthal lines. Both belong to the wider group of [Wrinkles](/symptoms/wrinkles/), but the thin skin around the eyes needs especially careful product and treatment choices.

Lines that appear only with expression may behave differently from creases that remain at rest. A consultation helps identify the pattern, skin quality, pigmentation, and any eyelid or brow concerns before treatment is chosen.

Use sunscreen around the face while avoiding direct contact with the eyes, wear sunglasses in strong light, and moisturise to reduce a dry, crinkled appearance. Introduce active skincare gradually and stop products that cause persistent burning or rash.

A clinician may discuss Botox for selected movement-related lines or fractional laser treatment for surface texture. These approaches target different features and may be used separately or combined only when appropriate. The eye area requires precise assessment because swelling and irritation can affect comfort and appearance. Read about [Crow's Feet](/conditions/crows-feet/) and [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/).

Get urgent help for sudden one-sided facial drooping, weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, vision loss, or a severe headache. Arrange a skin review for a bleeding, crusting, rapidly changing, or non-healing spot. Following a procedure, report worsening pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus, or swelling that affects vision.

Ask which lines are caused by movement, which are mainly surface texture, whether the eye area needs a modified plan, what aftercare is required, and which symptoms should prompt an immediate call.