Understanding wrinkles around the mouth: What are they and why do they appear?
April 17, 2024
3 min read
Wrinkle lines around the mouth, often referred to as laughter lines, smile lines, or nasolabial folds are a common appearance for many of us as we age. Understanding the causes and types of mouth wrinkles can help to plan and address in both routine and lifestyle.
What are the causes of mouth wrinkles?
Wrinkle lines around the mouth, like other types of facial wrinkles, are a natural part of the ageing process. As we age, our skin gradually loses its elasticity and resilience due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production. Additionally, repeated facial expressions, sun exposure and genetics can contribute to the formation of wrinkles around the mouth. Several factors can contribute to the development of wrinkles around the mouth.Ageing: The natural ageing process leads to a decrease in collagen and elastin, essential proteins that help maintain skin elasticity and firmness. As these proteins diminish, the skin becomes more prone to developing visible wrinkles and fine lines.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays helps accelerate skin ageing and contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres. Over time, this can result in the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and other areas of the face.
Facial Expressions: Repetitive facial movements, such as smiling, laughing and frowning, can cause visible creases to form in the skin over time. These dynamic wrinkles become more prominent with age and can deepen into static wrinkles, which are visible even at rest.
Genetics: Genetics of course play a significant role in determining your chance of developing wrinkles. Some people may inherit genes that make them more susceptible to premature ageing and the early onset of wrinkles around the mouth.
The different types of mouth wrinkles
Mouth wrinkles can manifest in various forms, each with their own distinct characteristics:Nasolabial Folds: These are the lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth and are often referred to as laughter lines or smile lines.
Marionette Lines: These vertical lines form from the corners of the mouth downwards towards the chin, giving the appearance of a marionette puppet's mouth.
Vertical Lip Lines: Also known as lipstick lines or smoker's lines, these wrinkles develop above the upper lip and are often associated with repetitive lip movements and smoking.
Perioral Wrinkles: These fine lines and wrinkles occur around the mouth area, encompassing the lips and extending to the chin and cheeks.
Vertical Lip Lines: Also known as lipstick lines or smoker's lines, these wrinkles develop above the upper lip and are often associated with repetitive lip movements and smoking.
Perioral Wrinkles: These fine lines and wrinkles occur around the mouth area, encompassing the lips and extending to the chin and cheeks.
How to get rid of mouth wrinkles
While it's impossible to stop the aging process entirely, there are several ways to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and help target further progression.Similar to pores and fine lines, completely eliminating mouth wrinkles may require invasive procedures, but there are preventive measures, like stopping smoking, that can help minimise their appearance, as well as including additions to your beauty routine like some of the best creams for lines around the mouth.
It’s important to maintain a skincare routine that includes regular cleansing, moisturising and applying sunscreen or SPF to keep the skin looking healthy. Our easily absorbed, lightweight Environmental Defence Cream Mineral SPF 25 delivers broad spectrum SPF 25 protection from UVA and UVB rays, blue light and pollution while enhancing skin's natural defence barrier, priming and protecting for visibly healthy-looking skin. Formulated with naturally derived mineral UV filters and antioxidant plant extracts, it helps protect your skin from the elements and prime it for the day ahead.
Products containing retinoids, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid protect against environmental damage and are some of the best treatments for lip lines. Our Superskin™ Alt-Retinol Booster is a plant-based alternative to retinol that works by mimicking retinol’s mechanism of action whilst being kind to the skin, alongside antioxidant elderberry extract, to help reduce the appearance of deeper lines and wrinkles. These lightweight gel drops renew the appearance of the skin’s surface for a less fatigued, refreshed and more radiant looking complexion.
Embracing aging gracefully doesn't mean accepting unwanted wrinkles – it's about taking proactive steps to maintain the look of healthy and radiant skin at every stage of life.
