Smile lines, laugh lines, lipstick lines, whatever you call them, the small wrinkles around your mouth are a common part of life. Our team understands that they show up from years of smiles and expressions, but not everyone is a fan.
You can get rid of wrinkles around your mouth or soften their appearance through a combination of consistent at-home habits and professional esthetic treatments. While these lines are completely normal, it’s okay to explore safe, noninvasive ways to better care for the delicate skin on your face. And your dentist can be a great partner on this skincare journey.
Why Do Wrinkles Form Around Your Mouth?
The skin around your mouth is thinner than in other areas of your face, making it prone to wrinkles. Several different factors contribute to their formation.
Loss of Collagen & Elastin
As you age, your skin produces less collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that give your skin its firmness and bounce. So, your skin doesn’t spring back as easily, and lines begin to settle in.
Repeated Facial Movements
Every time you smile, talk, or sip from a straw, you use the muscles around your mouth. Over a lifetime, these repeated movements can create creases in the skin. Eventually, these creases may become permanent wrinkles.
Lifestyle & Sun Exposure
Certain habits can speed up the formation of wrinkles around your mouth. These include:
- Sun damage
- Smoking
- Dehydration
- Sleeping on your side
The Different Types of Mouth Wrinkles
3 kinds of wrinkles can appear in the area around your mouth. You may notice one type or a combination of them.
Smile Lines
Also known as laugh lines, these are the lines that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. They become more noticeable when you smile or laugh. Smile lines are a common type of facial line.
Marionette Lines
These lines run straight down from the corners of your mouth toward your chin. They get their name from marionette puppets, which have similar lines. These wrinkles can sometimes give the appearance of a downturned expression, similar to how jowls affect the jawline.
Lipstick Lines
These are the small, vertical lines that form on and above your upper lip. They are also sometimes called smoker’s lines or water bottle lines. They can cause lipstick to bleed into the surrounding skin.
At-Home Habits & Skincare for Smoother Skin
Your daily routine can affect your skin’s texture. These simple habits, combined with an understanding of natural facelift best practices, can help prevent new lines from forming. They can also soften the ones you have.
Protect Your Skin Every Day
Sun exposure is a leading cause of premature aging. Make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day. You should do this even when it’s cloudy.
Focus on Hydration
Hydrated skin looks plumper and smoother. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and incorporate lots of water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, melons, and various berries. Also, use a daily moisturizer to keep your skin’s moisture barrier healthy.
Choose Helpful Skincare Ingredients
Look for products that contain ingredients known to support skin texture. Antioxidants like vitamin C can help protect your skin. Retinoids can support collagen production over time.
Professional Treatments to Soften Mouth Wrinkles
For more noticeable lines, professional treatments can offer targeted results. These options work in different ways to smooth the skin. They can help restore a more refreshed look.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable dermal fillers, often made with hyaluronic acid, can add volume back to the skin. This volume helps to fill in creases from underneath. They work well to soften the appearance of deeper folds like smile lines and marionette lines.
Botox & Other Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators work by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. The vertical lipstick lines above the upper lip are often good candidates for this treatment. Botox injections are proven to treat dynamic lines caused by muscle movement and backed by over 20 years of research.
SKINVIVE
SKINVIVE is a unique injectable that targets your cheeks and areas around your mouth. It works by improving the skin’s smoothness and hydration. When your cheek skin is smoother, it can help lessen the look of fine lines in the mid-face area.
Microneedling & Skin Resurfacing
Treatments like microneedling create tiny micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate its natural healing process. This healing process encourages the production of new collagen. More collagen helps improve skin texture and firmness over time.
How Your Dentist Can Help with Facial Esthetics
A dentist with training in facial esthetics has a unique understanding of the muscles and structures of the face. This knowledge is essential for creating natural-looking results.
Your smile doesn’t end with your teeth. Your dentist looks at the whole picture: your teeth, lips, and surrounding skin. This comprehensive view helps you achieve a balanced, natural-looking result.
Get a Personalized Plan from The Ivory
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for facial wrinkles. During a consultation, your dentist can discuss your specific concerns and goals. Then, they can recommend a personalized treatment plan that feels right for you.
Taking care of the skin around your mouth is a great way to complement your healthy smile. The team at The Ivory Dental Co. has a unique perspective and is here to help if you want to learn more about your facial esthetics options. Schedule a consultation to create a personalized plan.
