How To Manage The Appearance Of Lip Lines

As if fine lines and wrinkles on your face weren’t enough to worry about, lip lines (also called lip wrinkles) are another fact of aging that can make you feel less confident about your beauty. Lip wrinkles not only age your appearance, but they also make it difficult to get that perfect lipstick application you once were able to. But there’s no need to fret! Below, we’re sharing the truth about lip lines and how to manage them so you can keep on smiling with your most beautiful pout.

What Causes Lip Lines?

As you can probably imagine, there’s more than one factor that can contribute to lip lines. The Mayo Clinic sites these three common causes worthy of noting.

Cause #1: Lack of moisture 

You probably know by now that mature skin tends to lack moisture. That’s because as you get older, decreased production of natural oils can leave your skin—including the skin on your lips—dry, which can lead to more noticeable wrinkles. To prevent overly dried out lips and inevitable wrinkles, layer on hydrating lip products throughout the day to keep your pout moisturized. Once a week add in a lip scrub like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub to smooth dry skin on the lips, and add a boost of moisture to your kisser. 

If you’re a lipstick lover, reach for options that soothe and nourish lips while adding a pop of color, like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick, which is infused with argan and sesame seed oils for ultimate hydration.

Cause #2: Sun damage 

It’s no secret that damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays can result in a handful of skin concerns, lip lines and wrinkles being one of them. Ultraviolet radiation speeds up the natural aging process and is a primary cause of early wrinkling. This is because UV light exposure breaks down your skin's connective tissue, including collagen and elastic fibers, which causes your skin to sag and wrinkle prematurely. That’s why it’s important not to skip sun protection—even for your lips. Look for lip balms that contain broad-spectrum SPF and apply daily. 

Cause #3: Smoking 

Smoking plays defense against your anti-aging routine and it’s another factor that can contribute to various skin concerns, including lip lines. This is because smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. Avoid premature wrinkles on your lips (and the rest of your skin) by passing on cigarettes. If you already smoke, there’s no time like the present to quit!

Can You Get Rid Of Lip Lines?

If you already have lip lines that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them. There are medical procedures available that can help at least temporarily. According to American Academy of Dermatology, fillers are an efficient way to plump lips to restore a youthful appearance to your pout. There are many types so it’s important to pick the right one for you. Luckily most fillers can be injected quickly and have little to no down time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, laser skin resurfacing is another option to reduce the appearance of lip lines. When used for skin resurfacing, laser surgery has demonstrated similar results to an intermediate-depth chemical peel with less risk of complications. It is effective with lip lines as well as the eyelid and forehead region.

Next up: 7 Tips for Dealing with Forehead Wrinkles