How to Treat or Prevent LIP WRINKLES
Lip wrinkles are those vertical lines that can form on the lips of adults as we age.
They have other names too and these include lip lines, lipstick lines or smoker's lines.
As they can be difficult to hide, we look into more about them.
But why do they come and what can we do about them?
Why do lip wrinkles form?
Lip wrinkles form on the lips themselves, appearing as a set of fine vertical lines and often stretching from one side of the mouth to the other.
They can also appear on the skin of the upper lip where the vertical lines stretch upward from the lip toward the nose.
The wrinkles above the lip are often deeper and more pronounced.
- From the age of twenty, we start to product less collagen every year (by about one per cent) and, as this production decreases, the skin will become thinner and less elastic. It can be noticeable that lips become less full with age.
- The problem is that as aging skin produces less oil, it can lead to dryness. And the lips themselves are especially prone to dryness - they are always exposed to the elements.
- Sun exposure is another major cause.
- Lip wrinkles on the upper lip are often caused by smoking which produces free radicals in the body, contributing to premature aging. Another reason could be the repetitive motion of actually smoking a cigarette.
- Another contributing factor could be the pursing of the lips associated with drinking through a straw or repetitive facial expressions.
How to prevent and/or treat lip wrinkles?
Derma fillers - these are injectable fillers used to fill in fine lines and wrinkles to give a fuller looking lip. The changes are said to be subtle and effective.
A chemical peel - this is a procedure to remove the top layer of skin so that a fresh, younger-looking skin can take its place, helping to improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, light scarring and blemished skin. While chemical peels are particularly well suited for the upper lip, there are different types of peels. These vary widely in strength and intensity.
Laser resurfacing - this is another technique for removing the top layer of skin to make room for younger looking skin but with the added benefit of tightening the skin. It’s particularly effective on the skin around the mouth, nose and eyes and the results are said to last up to ten years.
Dermabrasion - this produces results similar to a light chemical peel. Standard dermabrasion is a medical procedure, usually carried out under sedation where a rotating brush is used to remove the top layer of skin.
Microdermabrasion - this is a gentler procedure often performed by estheticians with a handheld device that polishes away the top layer of skin with a stream of crystals or a diamond tip. Several procedures may be necessary.
Microneedling - this is a relatively new procedure involving a roller with tiny needles that puncture the skin repeatedly to help stimulate collagen production. This improves the look of fine lines, creating a more youthful appearance and is also an effective skin tightening technique.
Platelet-rich plasma - this is a procedure using a component of your own blood to stimulate collagen production. A solution is prepared from your platelets (those tiny blood cells that help with healing) which are injected into the face through a micro-needling device.
Botox - the lines around the lips are often caused by the repetitive movement of muscles. Injections of Botox will help relax muscles, and significantly reduce the appearance of lip lines, when carried out by a trained healthcare professional.
A final word on lip wrinkles
If you start to show signs of aging in the lip area whether on the upper lip itself or above it, you can try to reverse aging with some lifestyle choices and changes. You also have the option of various procedures. These can be costly and may need several sessions to achieve the desired result. Bruising and irritation to the area can be possible side effects.
Our H-Glow Formula can be used on wrinkles wherever and whenever they appear. When applied to the cleansed face and neck or massaged into fine lines themselves, the Formula will assist in rejuvenating, balancing and repairing the skin while encouraging cell regeneration. When used as directed, the product will help to smooth out affected areas by giving a more youthful and fresh appearance.
Sources:
Ganceviciene R, et al. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. DOI:
10.4161/derm.22804
Hays JT. (2017). Is it true that smoking causes wrinkles?
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/expert-answers/smoking/faq-20058153. (Accessed, Feb 15, 2021).
Hughes MCB, et al. (2013). Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: A randomized trial. DOI:
10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002
Jegasothy SM, et al. (2014). Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970829/. (Accessed, Feb 15, 2021).
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.