Wrinkles around the mouth can add years to your appearance. The mouth is one of the first areas of the face to develop wrinkles – especially in women. Although they are inevitable, it is possible to reduce their appearance and prevent fine lines around the mouth.
Keep reading to discover what causes wrinkles around the mouth and how to get rid of smile lines, for a more youthful-looking appearance.
What causes wrinkles around the mouth?
Lines around the mouth aren’t just the result of smiling too much. So, before you vow never to smile again – it’s worth considering the various biological, environmental and lifestyle factors at play.
How Lines Around The Mouth are Affected by Biology
Collagen and elastin are two essential proteins that are responsible for plump and youthful skin. However, as you get older, production naturally declines.
This gradual loss of elasticity causes wrinkles to develop on all parts of the face, particularly areas where the skin is typically thinner, such as the mouth, eye, and forehead.
Environmental Impact on Mouth Wrinkles
Your environment can have a considerable impact on the ageing process. Overexposure to the sun can be especially damaging to your skin’s health – particularly if you are unprotected and not wearing SPF.
Prolonged exposure to UVA radiation can decrease your skin’s collagen levels, resulting in the formation of premature wrinkles.
Lifestyle Causes of Fine Lines Around the Mouth
As with your overall health, lifestyle choices can have an effect on how your skin ages and the wrinkles that may appear. Examples of what causes smile lines include:
- Dehydrated skin
- Poor diet and nutrition
- Smoking
- Stress
The Different Types of Mouth Wrinkles
Smile Lines
Smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds, are naturally caused by the repetitive movements of facial muscles and can be seen when smiling and laughing. The lines may disappear when the face relaxes. However, as we age, they typically become more noticeable and deeper set.
Marionette Lines
Marionette lines are facial wrinkles that run vertically between the mouth and chin, and can appear as early as your twenties. As collagen levels naturally deplete, skin has less support, resulting in drooping and folding.
Lipstick Lines
Lipstick lines are vertical lines that run above the upper lip towards the nose and on the lips themselves. Lipstick often settles in these fine lines and can emphasize their appearance.
How To Prevent Wrinkles Around the Mouth
While smile lines are a natural part of the aging process. there are a few habits that could help to slow down their appearance, including:
- Aim to reduce daily stress, either at work or at home
- Avoid overexposure to the sun by wearing SPF – even on overcast days
- Consume antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries and dark chocolate
- Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these can dehydrate the skin
- Stay hydrated and drink at least nine glasses of water a day
- Stop smoking to avoid the impact to skin health
How to Get Rid of Lines Around the Mouth
While getting rid of lines around the mouth isn’t always possible without invasive procedures, targeted skin treatments can help. Alongside lifestyle habits, introducing a skincare regime designed to target wrinkles and fine lines can be an effective support in reducing their appearance.
Select a Serum Formulated with Collagen Peptides
What is collagen good for? Collagen helps to give the skin look of firmness and elasticity, supporting a more youthful-looking appearance.
Our Line Correcting Booster Serum is formulated with No7’s powerful anti-wrinkle collagen peptide technology, Matrixyl 3000+. It helps to reduce the appearance of stubborn lines and wrinkles around the mouth and nasolabial folds.
After cleansing and toning, use the precision applicator to apply directly onto fine lines around the mouth. Then, follow up with your regular No7 face serum and moisturizer.
