A Derm-Approved Guide to Treating & Preventing Lines around the Mouth

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We use our mouths constantly by talking, smiling, kissing, drinking through a straw, you name it. Developing wrinkles around the mouth area is a natural sign of aging and life well-lived! That said, if the lines around your mouth make you feel self-conscious or insecure, there are a number of things you can do to treat them, and in this article, we’ll walk you through them all. Plus, we’ll cover how to prevent them so you can stop any new lines in their tracks. Read on for smooth, plump skin!

This article is based on an interview with our board certified plastic surgeon, Daniel Barrett, owner of Barrett Plastic Surgery. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • Go for a chemical peel to reveal smoother, brighter skin or try dermabrasion or microneedling to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Try applying a vitamin C serum once daily to prompt collagen production and boost skin elasticity.
  • Opt for dermal fillers or injectables to plump fine lines and wrinkles and/or tighten facial muscles for a smooth and wrinkle-free appearance.
Section 1 of 4:

Dermatology & Medical Treatments

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  1. One of the most commonly used and popular aesthetic skin treatments think of chemical peels like a magical retouching wand! Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of wrinkled skin to reveal smoother, more youthful skin underneath. [1] Plus, they also help to reduce any discoloration you may have, like acne scarring or age spots—can you say bonus?
    • Those with deeper skin tones have a greater risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) after a chemical peel. Consult your dermatologist to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for this procedure.
    • Chemical peels may not be a good treatment option if you have a history of abnormal scarring, your scars are highly pigmented, you have skin conditions that make your skin sensitive, or your lifestyle won’t allow you to stay out of the sun.
  2. Dermabrasion, or microdermabrasion, reduces fine lines and wrinkles by utilizing fine crystals or diamond-tipped wands to rapidly remove the outer layer of skin. [2] When the skin is resurfaced, it typically grows back smoother, brighter, and more glowy!
    • Your doctor will numb the skin with a topical anesthetic or provide you with a sedative, depending on the intensity of the procedure.
    • Side effects include redness, scarring, or changes in skin color. Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine whether or not microdermabrasion or dermabrasion is a good treatment option for you.
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  3. Also known as collagen-induction therapy, microneedling uses tiny needles via a dermaroller or a microneedling pen to promote collagen production. A lack of collagen is a critical factor in the development of wrinkles and fine lines, so microneedling (tiny pinprick wounds to the skin) is particularly effective in reducing these lines by jump-starting the skin back into action. [3]
    • Microneedling is considered a “controlled injury” in that it creates tiny tears, quickly healed by collagen production resulting in filled-in lines.
    • Microneedling may not be for you if you have broken, irritated, or sensitive skin.
    • Microneedling kits are available to do dermarolling yourself at home . Just be sure to sanitize your tools with alcohol after every use.
  4. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, utilizes your blood platelets processed in a centrifuge to plump and smooth the skin. [4] In combination with microneedling, your blood platelets significantly revitalize the luminosity of the skin, as well as soften fine lines and wrinkles.
    • Consult your doctor or dermatologist before proceeding with a PRP treatment. PRP might not be for you if you have a fear of needles, Hepatitis C, blood cancer, HPV or AIDS, or cardiovascular disease.
  5. Laser skin resurfacing is a more invasive aesthetic procedure that utilizes high beams of light to remove the outer layer of your skin. [5] While effective, laser skin treatments can lead to scarring and requires multiple procedures, which can become costly.
    • As with every aesthetic medical procedure, always consult your doctor first to determine whether you’d be at risk for scarring, redness, or other laser-caused skin issues.
    • Laser skin treatments may not be for you if you have a history of keloid scars, are prone to cold sores, have an autoimmune disorder, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  6. Dermal fillers like Juvederm work by plumping targeted areas like fine lines and wrinkles with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid. [6] Injectables like Botox work by tightening the muscles in the face, resulting in a tight, wrinkle-free appearance. [7]
    • Dermal fillers and other injectables wear off after a few months and need to be maintained to keep up a smooth and wrinkle-free appearance.
    • Keep in mind that dermal fillers can migrate to unwanted areas of the face, which may need to be removed via surgery.
    • Fillers like Juvederm are best used to prevent wrinkles in your 30s and early 40s, while injectables like Botox are particularly effective in preventing deep lines in your mid-40s and 50s.
  7. Hands down the most invasive and costly option of the bunch, face and neck lifts radically remove wrinkles and skin sagging via surgical possibilities such as incisions and fat transfers. [8] These are major surgical procedures and should be considered extensively before proceeding.
    • Because face and neck lifts are major surgical procedures, they have significant risks and side effects, such as nerve injury, a hematoma, and more. Consult with a doctor to determine the pros and cons of these procedures and consider trying less invasive treatments such as a chemical peel first.
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Section 2 of 4:

Topical Treatments & Home Remedies

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  1. Apply an antioxidant treatment like a vitamin C serum . Antioxidants like Vitamin C work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by fighting free radicals (toxins) like air pollution and more. Use a vitamin C serum or moisturizer daily after your morning skincare routine to boost your glow and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. [9]
    • Studies show that using a vitamin C formulation for around 3 months can significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity as well as skin tone and clarity.
  2. Opt for a topical retinol cream . Retinol creams have long been considered the gold standard by dermatologists for wrinkle treatment and prevention. [10] Simply apply a pea-sized amount of retinol cream after your nighttime skincare routine and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer for best results.
    • Retinols work by increasing skin cell turnover and increasing collagen production.
    • Wearing sunscreen while using retinol is particularly important, as your skin will be extra sensitive and prone to sun damage.
  3. Both essential oils and plant oils have been proven effective home remedies in treating and preventing fine lines and wrinkles. [11] By promoting skin cell turnover and plumping the skin full of fatty acids, these hero plant and essential oils are an excellent, natural treatment option.
    • Dilute essential oils such as coriander, frankincense, lemon, lavender, and sandalwood with a carrier oil, and apply it to lines around the mouth twice daily.
    • Use plant oils such as castor, coconut, grapeseed, sunflower seed, or olive oil to spot-treat frown lines around the mouth.
  4. Nourish your skin with a hydrating moisturizer . Fine lines and wrinkles are often caused by a lack of moisture or hyaluronic acid in the skin. [12] To combat this, apply a hydrating moisturizer or serum in the morning and night after washing your face. You’ll be glowing in no time!
    • As a bonus, hyaluronic acid also helps to reduce scarring and boost skin elasticity.
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Section 3 of 4:

Wrinkle Prevention

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  1. Wear face and lip SPF daily. Using sunscreen daily is one of the most effective ways to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and skin cancer. [13] Opt for an SPF product with at least 30 UV protection, and re-apply throughout the day. Smooth, healthy skin, here you come!
    • Harmful UV rays from the sun cause premature aging and wrinkles by degrading collagen and elastin.
  2. You’ve applied your facial moisturizer, but are you making an effort to stay hydrated internally? Poor hydration has been linked to premature aging and wrinkles, as our skin needs water to stay supple and elastic. [14] Not to mention, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages increase urine production, making it that much easier for our bodies to become dehydrated.
    • Aim to drink at least 4-6 cups of water a day to hydrate and nourish your body. [15]
    • To prevent lip lines, avoid drinking beverages with a straw and drink directly from the cup or glass instead.
  3. Delicious fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, and more are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which protect the skin from harmful free radicals (toxins). [16] Additionally, minerals like zinc, iron, and copper found in fruits and vegetables improve wound healing and improve skin elasticity, particularly in post-menopausal women.
    • Try to eat 1-2 servings of fruit and 2-3 servings of vegetables daily.
  4. Though it’s easier said than done, limiting your stress levels helps to prevent wrinkles by reducing skin-harming neurological responses. Simple activities such as practicing yoga or taking walks in nature can significantly reduce your stress levels and, in turn, prevent facial wrinkles. [17]
    • Practicing meditation is another great way to reduce stress levels and boost mental and physical health.
  5. Smoking causes wrinkles by increasing the production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Thus, smoking can age you prematurely, increasing wrinkles and sagging at a rapid rate. [18]
    • Though quitting smoking is a challenge, your doctor can set you up with a comprehensive, manageable plan that will help you help you quit smoking for good .
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Section 4 of 4:

Types of Mouth Lines

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  1. These lines often appear due to a lack of collagen and can cause the face to have a sagged or loose appearance. [19]
  2. [20] These lines, also called nasolabial folds, are aggravated by expressions like smiling or laughing.
  3. These lines are also known as smoker’s lines, often caused by pursing the mouth area. [21]
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skin care, check out our in-depth interview with Heather Richmond, MD .

      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11010-chemical-peels
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dermabrasion/about/pac-20393764
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/got-wrinkles-how-to-know-if-microneedling-is-right-for-you/
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/platelet-rich-plasma-secret-to-younger-skin
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-resurfacing/about/pac-20385114
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22667-dermal-fillers
      7. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/how-does-botulinum-toxin-botox-work
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059
      9. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-topical-vitamin-c-important-for-skin-health-202111102635
      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
      2. ↑ ​​ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9023561/
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22915-hyaluronic-acid
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773941/
      5. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/poor-hydration-linked-early-aging-chronic-disease-study-rcna63741
      6. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146365/
      8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/
      9. ↑ https://tobaccofreelife.org/resources/smoking-effect-skin/
      10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23028-marionette-lines
      11. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23027-nasolabial-folds
      12. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24343-lip-lines

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