They appear with age but are not inevitable! How to reduce mouth wrinkles? We take stock in this article.

Wrinkles around the mouth, commonly called smile lines or lip lines, although they are a completely natural process as we age, they can still be a source of concern for some people. Fortunately, there are (still) effective solutions to reduce these wrinkles and restore a smooth and youthful appearance to the skin.

What causes wrinkles to appear around the mouth?

Wrinkles around the mouth, also known as smile lines or lip lines, are among the signs of skin aging and can be caused by several factors:

Repetitive muscle movements: Repetitive movements of the muscles around the mouth, such as smiling, chewing, and pursing the lips, can contribute to wrinkles over time. These movements strain the muscles and can lead to a loss of skin elasticity.

Loss of collagen and elastin: Collagen and elastin are structural proteins found in the skin that give it firmness and elasticity. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, which leads to a decrease in the skin's ability to regenerate and leads to the appearance of wrinkles, including those around the mouth.

Sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging. The sun's UV rays can damage collagen and elastin fibers, leading to a loss of firmness and the appearance of wrinkles, including those around the mouth.

Dehydrated skin: Dehydrated skin tends to be more prone to wrinkles. When skin lacks moisture, it becomes drier, less supple, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Smoking: Smoking is known to accelerate the skin aging process. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage collagen and elastin fibers, leading to the formation of wrinkles, including those around the mouth. Additionally, the repeated movements of the mouth while inhaling smoke can contribute to the appearance of lip lines.

Genetic factors: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing wrinkles more quickly than others. In this case, it is genetic factors that can influence the production of collagen and elastin to decrease, and also affect the texture and elasticity of the skin.

How to hide smile lines?

Once wrinkles have set in, it is difficult to eliminate them. However, there are certain actions that can fade or camouflage them. What are they? Here are some examples.

Thanks to makeup

Foundation: Choose a concealer and foundation that match your skin type and undertone. Apply concealer to fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth to minimize them, then blend gently. Then, apply foundation all over your face to even out your skin tone and create a smoother finish.

Mattifying Powder: Use a lightweight mattifying powder to set your makeup and reduce the appearance of expression lines. The powder helps absorb excess oil and minimize shine, giving your skin a smoother appearance.

Contouring: Contouring can help create shadows and highlights to give the illusion of smoother skin. Use a powder or product that is darker than your skin tone to create soft shadows along vertical lines, and a highlighter or lighter product to highlight areas where natural light reflects, such as the cupid's bow above the lips.

Lipstick and gloss: Opt for brighter lipstick colors or bright glosses to draw attention to your lips and distract from the lines around your mouth. Avoid dark colors or matte finishes, which can accentuate fine lines on your upper lip.

Avoid thick products: Avoid using thick makeup products, such as creamy foundations or concealers, as they can build up in the corners of your lips and creases, making them more noticeable. Instead, opt for lightweight, buildable formulas.

By focusing on the right skincare routine

Pre-moisturizing: Before applying makeup, make sure to moisturize your skin with a suitable moisturizer. Well-hydrated skin tends to appear more supple and wrinkles are less visible. Be sure to extend the treatment to the contour of the lips, insisting on the area with small circular massage movements and tapping, exactly as if you were applying your eye serum. Finish by applying a lip balm to keep your lips plump.

Practice regular skin care: To improve the appearance of wrinkles in the long term, make sure to take care of your skin daily. Use anti-wrinkle products that contain ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, or peptides. Also, perform gentle facial massages to stimulate blood circulation and promote collagen production.

Get into facial gymnastics: it's a good way to relax tissues and avoid wrinkles! Facial gymnastics, also known as facial yoga, helps slow down skin aging, keep facial features toned and skin firm by following a series of precise movements. Massages and stretching of specific muscles should be practiced every day for a guaranteed youthful look.

It is important to note that these methods can temporarily camouflage deep wrinkles, but they do not eliminate them completely. For more lasting results, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or beauty professional to discuss more advanced treatment options, such as laser treatments, special lip injections based on hyaluronic acid fillers or chemical peels...