"There is a reason why they call it beauty sleep," says Swift. When you're sleep deprived, your body releases more cortisol, a stress hormone, which can break down collagen, causing the skin to lose elasticity. A lack of sleep also slows the body's production of human growth hormone, which is an important part of everyday tissue repair, adds Edlich.

Translation: Less sleep, more damage to the skin, more wrinkles. In addition, chronic sleep loss can enhance the crow's feet that have already started forming. "So make sure that you get seven to eight hours a night to keep the lines and wrinkles at bay," Swift says. A sleep tracker device, like a Fitbit, or an app, such a Sleep Cycle or SleepBot, can help you make sure you're getting enough shut-eye.

The skin is the body's largest organ, says Edlich, and when it's not properly hydrated, it's the first thing to show outwards signs of aging. Crow's feet and dark circles are exacerbated by dehydration and parched skin, a process that's best prevented from the inside out.

To keep skin hydrated and plump, Edlich recommends doubling your daily water intake. That sounds like a lot. But believe it or not, most of us drink a shockingly low quantity of water throughout the day, and making a change as simple as keeping a cute water bottle at your desk at work can be a major motivator. How tempting is this one by Kate Spade?

Not only do they look cool, wearing your favorite shades whenever you're out in the sun is your armor against crow's feet.

"It is important to wear sunglasses to protect the delicate eye area and to prevent excessive squinting, which over time causes crow's feet lines to form," explains Swift. In other words, simply throwing on a pair of sunnies works double duty to prevent sun damage, as well as the repeated contractions in the skin around the eyes that cause crow's feet to form over the years.

Try a polarized pair for extra protection, like these sharp Clubmasters.

You've heard it time and time again, but only because its true. Sun damage is a leading cause of fine lines and crow's feet, including your dreaded crow's feet. According to Swift, slathering on the sunscreen every morning -- even in winter -- is a crucial step in the fight against crow's feet. (Though it's more preventative than effective for treating existing lines.)

Not a fan of most face sunscreens? Neither are most of our editors. But Dermalogica Pure Light SPF 50, $62, and CeraVe Sunscreen for Face 30, $14.99 are both breakout-proof and editor-approved.

"You hardly ever hear about exfoliating under the eyes, because the delicate skin is so sensitive," says Edlich. But recent studies have shown that just the right amount of exfoliation can work to smoothen skin and reduce the appearance of crow's feet.

Radical Skincare Age Defying Exfoliating Pads, $75, have a gentle enough formula to use under the eyes, and "have been shown to help reduce crows feet by 50 percent within two weeks," says Edlich. (In the meantime, they leave skin supersoft.)

"Each pad is infused with a blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids, as well as anti-aging properties and skin calming agents," Edlich continues. "Aloe, which helps sooth the skin and perfect the under eye area, is the second ingredient."

Exfoliation also allows moisturizing skin-care ingredients to absorb more effectively. Just make sure not to use a regular face scrub under your eyes, which could be too harsh and end up doing more harm than good.