They appear with age, but are not inevitable! How can you reduce mouth wrinkles? We take a look in this article. 

Wrinkles around the mouth, commonly known as smile lines or lip lines, are a natural part of aging, but can be a source of concern for some people. Fortunately, there are (still) effective solutions for reducing these wrinkles and restoring a smooth, youthful appearance.  

What causes wrinkles to appear around the mouth?

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

Repetitive muscle movements: repetitive muscle movements around the mouth, such as smiling, chewing and puckering the lips, can contribute to the formation of 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 present in the skin that give it firmness and elasticity. With age, collagen and elastin production declines, reducing the skin's ability to regenerate and leading to the appearance of wrinkles, including those around the mouth.

Exposition au soleil : l'exposition excessive au soleil est l'une des principales causes du vieillissement prématuré de la peau. Les rayons UV du soleil peuvent endommager les fibres de collagène et d'élastine, entraînant une perte de fermeté et l'apparition de rides, y compris celles autour de la bouche.

Skin dehydration: 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's aging process. The chemicals present in cigarette smoke damage collagen and elastin fibers, leading to the formation of wrinkles, including those around the mouth. What's more, repeated mouth movements during smoke inhalation can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles around the lips.

Facteurs génétiques : Certaines personnes sont génétiquement prédisposées à développer des rides plus rapidement que d'autres. Dans ce cas, ce sont les facteurs génétiques qui peuvent influencer la production de collagène et d'élastine à la baisse, et également jouer sur la texture et l'élasticité de la peau.

 How do you camouflage smile lines? 

Si les rides sont installées, difficile de les éliminer. Certains gestes peuvent toutefois les estomper ou les camoufler, quels sont-ils ? En voici quelques exemples.

Thanks to make-up 

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

La poudre matifiante : Utilisez une poudre matifiante légère pour fixer votre maquillage et réduire l'apparence des rides d' expression. La poudre aide à absorber l'excès de sébum et à minimiser les brillances, donnant à votre peau un aspect plus lisse.

Contouring: The contouring technique can help create shadows and light effects to give the illusion of smoother skin. Use a powder or product darker than your skin tone to create light shadows along vertical wrinkles, and an illuminator 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 luminous glosses to draw attention to your lips and draw the eye away from wrinkles around the mouth. Avoid dark colors or matte finishes, which can accentuate fine lines on the upper lip.

Éviter les produits trop épais : Évitez d'utiliser des produits de maquillage trop épais, tels que les fonds de teint ou les correcteurs trop crémeux, car ils peuvent s'accumuler dans les rides des commissures des lèvres et les creux, les rendant plus apparents. Optez plutôt pour des formules légères et modulables.

By choosing the right skincare routine 

L'Hydratation préalable : Avant d'appliquer le maquillage, assurez-vous d'hydrater votre peau avec une crème hydratante adaptée. Une peau bien hydratée a tendance à paraître plus souple et les rides sont moins visibles. Veillez bien à étirer le soin jusqu'au contour des lèvres en insistant sur la zone avec des petits mouvements de massages circulaires et en tapotant, exactement comme si vous appliquiez votre sérum contour des yeux. Terminez par l'application d'un baume à lèvres pour garder une bouche pulpeuse. 

Regular skin care: To improve the appearance of wrinkles over the long term, take care of your skin on a daily basis. Use anti-wrinkle products containing ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid or peptides. Gently massage your face to stimulate blood circulation and promote collagen production.

Take up facial gymnastics: it's a great way to relax tissues and prevent wrinkles! Facial gymnastics, also known as facial yoga, helps to slow down skin ageing, keep facial features toned and skin firm by following a series of precise movements. Massages and stretching of specific muscles are practiced every day for a guaranteed rejuvenation cure.

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