What is a Wrinkle?
Wrinkles are lines that form on your skin and are a natural part of aging. Wrinkles typically appear as folds, ridges, and creases and can be mainly found on your face, neck, and arms but can appear anywhere on the body. However, the most common area where wrinkles form is around the mouth. The combination of slow skin cell production, skin layer thinning, and lack of collagen are what mainly form wrinkles around the skin. Collagen is a protein that allows skin elasticity and firmness to take place and this normal occurrence tends to be reduced as aging progresses.
What Are The Fine Lines Around The Mouth Called?
The fine lines found around the mouth are called nasolabial folds and these are creases of the skin that extend from both sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These are also called “laugh lines” or “smile lines”. Typically in our youth, the lines only appear when you laugh or smile and then disappear once the face relaxes again. However, as we age, they will become more prominent and permanent even after smiling or laughing. In addition to aging, factors such as too much sun exposure, smoking, and loose skin caused by weight loss can enhance these lines.
What are the Lifestyle Causes of Fine Lines around the Mouth?
As with other conditions, lifestyle factors can cause permanent wrinkles around the mouth. Age is a critical factor as collagen starts to lessen the older we become, which reduces the firmness of the skin and leads to more fine lines around the mouth. However, besides age, there are other factors that can lead to wrinkles such as:
- Smoking: Smoking will cause less collagen to form in the skin which will result in the development of more wrinkles.
- Sun damage: Excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun breaks down collagen and causes wrinkles. This process is also called photoaging.
- Environmental factors: Pollutants that are found in the air, such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can also break down collagen and lead to more wrinkles.
- Nutrition: A healthy diet that contains fatty acids and vegetable consumption is usually found associated with less dryness, photoaging, and decreased wrinkling.
What are the Different Types of Mouth Wrinkles?
Wrinkles around the mouth, also called perioral wrinkles are used to describe lines that develop around the lip area. However, there are different types of mouth wrinkles that vary based on appearance, location, and characteristics. Smile lines are vertical lines that start from the sides of the nose and run around the mouth. Laugh lines appear as either parentheses lines, which are creases between the upper lip and cheek; or nasolabial folds which are also known as the sagging skin or tissue that hangs over the crease. Lip lines consist of vertical wrinkles that extend from the upper lip to the tip of the nose. Marionette lines appear over time which run vertically from the outer corners of the lips to the outer corners of the chin. They create a “sagging” appearance.
Why do Women Have Mouth Wrinkles More Than Men?
Although wrinkles can appear in both men and women, these tend to be more prominent in women mainly due to skin structure and lifestyle factors. Women tend to have fewer sebaceous (oil) glands which keeps the skin soft and protected. In addition, they also have fewer blood vessels, therefore, less blood flow actually goes to the area around the mouth. Finally, hormonal imbalances may cause an increase in wrinkles, especially after menopause. This is due to the fact that estrogen levels are decreased, and the skin becomes thinner due to less collagen caused by oxidative stress which ultimately will increase dryness of the skin and wrinkling.
Can a Skincare Routine Prevent Mouth Wrinkles?
One way to combat wrinkles around the mouth is to have a good skincare routine. Incorporating a skincare routine will help to maintain skin health and minimize lines surrounding the mouth. It will be good to introduce a regime that includes sunscreen to shield from UV damage, which is a cause of wrinkles. Moisturizers can also help to hydrate the skin and make it plump. Moisturizers like Infusoderm are packed with ingredients that give one youthful-looking skin. In addition, the anti-aging cream Stemuderm and wrinkle-free product Replexagen will further improve skin elasticity, hydrate the skin, and help protect the skin against environmental stressors.
What are Five Tips to Get Rid of Wrinkles around the Mouth?
It is crucial to take care of the skin in order to get rid of and even prevent wrinkles around the mouth. Most times, just incorporating a skincare routine and adding creams and sunscreen into your regimen will be sufficient enough and you will see a significant difference if you remain consistent in doing so. Aside from the previously mentioned tips, here are five tips to get rid of wrinkles around the mouth:
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Use a serum with collagen peptides. Since collagen production naturally declines when we start aging, wrinkles around the mouth start to form. Using a serum that contains peptides will result in smoother, relaxed skin and will reduce the fine lines, especially around the skin. Replexagen contains several different peptides that help slow the effects of aging and will also enhance moisture levels.
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Use a night cream. The skin’s natural repair processes are the most active at night which makes it an ideal time to apply certain products such as the anti-wrinkle cream Stemuderm. With its rich ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, Stemuderm eliminates wrinkles around the mouth, helps to hydrate, and repairs skin damage.
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Never forget sunscreen. Sun damage is one critical factor in causing wrinkles since UV radiation causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Using sunscreen daily even on cloudy days is an important part of a skin care routine and will prevent the formation of wrinkles around the mouth.
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Exfoliate to smooth the skin around the mouth. Exfoliation is another important component in developing smooth skin as it helps to remove dead skin cells that tend to make wrinkles more noticeable. Avoid using hard scrubs and try exfoliating in the morning before applying other products. Also, make sure to follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen to hydrate and protect the skin.
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Incorporate a healthy lifestyle. This can be done by eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. Avoid smoking, exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age will you get mouth wrinkles?
Generally, the signs of aging, including mouth wrinkles, become more noticeable between the ages of 40 to 55 but can become more prominent around the age of 65. However, some individuals may develop them earlier or later, depending on their unique combination of genetics, lifestyle, hormone balance, and skincare habits. Prevention and maintenance, such as proper sun protection, a healthy lifestyle, and a good skincare routine, can help delay the appearance of wrinkles and keep the skin looking youthful for a more extended period.
What's the best product to reduce wrinkles?
The effectiveness of anti-wrinkle products varies depending on individual skin types and needs. However, one of the most widely recognized and effective ingredients for reducing wrinkles is retinol or prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin since they promote collagen production, increase skin cell turnover, and smoothen fine lines and wrinkles over time. Stemuderm is a natural anti-wrinkle cream that works to firm the skin and give it a healthy rejuvenated appearance. Consulting a dermatologist can help determine the best product or regimen for your specific skin concerns.
Can you reverse mouth wrinkles?
Although wrinkles are a part of the natural aging process and cannot completely be erased, there are ways to slow down the fine lines from appearing. Dermal fillers can plump up deep wrinkles around the mouth, providing immediate results that can last several months to a year. Retinoids can stimulate collagen production, gradually improving the appearance of wrinkles with consistent use. Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and encouraging collagen production. Laser therapy stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, including wrinkles around the mouth. Botox, also called Botulinum toxin can temporarily relax the muscles around the mouth, softening the appearance of wrinkles. Finally developing a consistent skincare routine and incorporating a healthy lifestyle can help develop a more youthful skin.
Can facial exercises prevent wrinkles around the mouth?
Facial exercises have mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness, especially when it comes to wrinkles around the mouth. It can help improve muscle tone and reduce stress which is beneficial for skin health. However, there are some cons. For one, there is limited evidence that supports the practice of facial exercises since they are typically small in nature. There is also a risk of overuse as it can strain or overwork facial muscles, thus leading to the deepening of wrinkles. Furthermore, everyday activities such as smiling, talking, or chewing already engage the facial movements and muscles, therefore additional exercises are not needed.
Can you stop wrinkles from getting worse?
While you cannot stop the aging process, you can slow down the progression of wrinkles and improve skin health. Having a consistent skincare routine that incorporates using sunscreen and anti-aging creams and products like Stemuderm, Infusoderm, and Replexagen can help you in doing so. Limiting facial expressions excessively as these contribute to wrinkles can also help in slowing the progression of wrinkles. Lastly, incorporating a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, quitting smoking, getting adequate sleep, and practicing good stress management will all aid you in achieving your skin goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist or even pharmacist can help direct you on various techniques and products for more youthful skin.
Conclusion
While wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, there are proactive steps individuals can take to slow their progression and maintain youthful-looking skin. Consistent sun protection, a healthy lifestyle, and a well-rounded skincare routine that includes moisturizing and using products that can significantly lessen the effects of environmental factors. Additionally, seeking guidance from dermatologists for personalized treatments, such as dermal fillers, can provide effective options for reducing the visibility of wrinkles. Lastly, being consistent and having patience will greatly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. By adopting these practices, you can optimize your chances of preserving and enhancing your skin's vitality and overall appearance as you age.
References
1] Wong, Q. Y., & Chew, F. T. (2021). Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 11(1).
2] Thornton, M. J. (2013). Estrogens and aging skin. Dermato-Endocrinology, 5(2), 264–270.
Celeste Small
Medicine has always been a passion ever since she was young so it was no surprise when Celeste decided to pursue pharmacy. Celeste Small was born in South Florida and raised in Melbourne, FL. She graduated from Rockledge High School in 2010 and received both her Bachelor of Science (in 2014) and Doctor of Pharmacy (in 2018) degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Celeste has worked at in an independent pharmacy in Titusville, FL for three years after graduating from pharmacy school and currently is working at the Patrick Space Force Base in Cocoa Beach, FL as a contract pharmacist. Celeste is also currently a freelance medical writer on the side and has written content for blogs, presentations, and for educational material. She also manages a website called Pharmacistconsult.com where she and other pharmacy colleagues post informative medical information for both healthcare professionals and consumers alike. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to theme parks, listening to music and enjoying the Florida sun.
