Repeat after us. Wrinkles are normal. No matter how hard you stick to your skincare regimen, you will eventually find out. wrinkles under the eyesa few Wisdom is wrapped around your neck, and the main character of this article is the wrinkles on the upper lip. Although they are also called lip lines, dermatologists and medical professionals refer to them as mouth wrinkles. Lip wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, but there are other causes that can help delay their early appearance or prevent them from getting deeper once you find them in your daily life and remove them.
Ahead, we spoke with dermatologists Terrence Keaney, Naana Boakye, and Tiina Meder to investigate the causes of upper lip wrinkles, explore available treatment options, and discuss prevention strategies.
What Causes Upper Lip Wrinkles?
Good aging is one of the most notable causes of upper lip wrinkles. Over time, your skin produces progressively less collagen and elastin, two proteins that provide skin structure and elasticity, explains Dr. Meder. As a result, the skin may become thinner and less elastic, and various lines and wrinkles may appear on the face, including but not limited to wrinkles on the upper lip.
Although the causes of upper lip wrinkles are the same for all wrinkles, Dr. Keaney says the lip area is unique because it is arguably the most active skin surface. Think about it. When you talk, sip, eat, or laugh, the skin around your mouth is almost always in motion. (This is also why skincare fanatics on Reddit and experts like Dr. Meder caution against frequent straw use if you're determined to minimize wrinkles on your upper lip.) The combination of lip movement and aging is the key to forming lip lines. It's the perfect cocktail.
According to Dr. Keaney, chronic sun exposure is another commonly overlooked cause of upper lip wrinkles. It's important to take a few seconds to apply your favorite thing, as it speeds up the breakdown of collagen and elastin in your skin. face sunscreen Or lip balm with SPF. The effects of the sun on our skin can be as serious as smoking. All three dermatologists consulted for this article noted that, in addition to aging, preventable sun exposure and smoking are among the biggest causes of upper lip wrinkles.
At what age do upper lip wrinkles appear?
The age at which lip wrinkles typically appear can vary. They're bound to appear over time, but lifestyle choices can influence whether they appear sooner than expected. According to Dr. Keaney, women often notice lip lines sooner than men. This is especially true for women with fair skin, a history of smoking, or excessive sun exposure. “Actually, the timing of the upper lip line is between 35 and 55 years of age,” he says.
However, the timing of lip lines generally appearing varies. Dr. Boakye said that wrinkles on the upper lip can appear as early as the late 20s. On the other hand, Dr. Meder says these symptoms typically appear after menopause, in the mid-60s or early 70s. Despite differing opinions, all experts agree that sun exposure, smoking, and repetitive facial movements can accelerate the onset of upper lip wrinkles.
What is the best treatment for upper lip wrinkles?
Let's be clear. There is no “cure” for wrinkles. (Beware of anyone who claims otherwise. They are lying.) But there are treatments that can smooth out its appearance, prevent it from getting worse, or delay its appearance. For the best results in treating wrinkles on the upper lip, Dr. Keaney suggests combination therapy, which, although it sounds good, means taking more than one approach to treating wrinkles. Below we have outlined some of the best treatments for upper lip wrinkles recommended by experts.
topical treatment
What is the easiest and cheapest treatment for lip wrinkles? These are good skin care products. “Topical retinoids can help reduce the depth of wrinkles and improve their appearance,” Dr. Meder warns, but they can cause irritation or dryness and potentially increase the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Instead, dr. Meder uses a serum or moisturizer with skin-strengthening peptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, along with occasional LED light therapy. Microcurrent facial device. “This safe strategy can result in a noticeable, natural improvement in the appearance of your skin, even if it doesn’t eliminate wrinkles,” she explains. To determine whether a retinoid or a gentler routine (like Meder's) is best for you, call a dermatologist who understands your skin and get a personalized prescription.
botox
We're sure you've heard of Botox. Also known as botulinum toxin, it is “an injectable neurotoxic protein used in cosmetic procedures to relax muscles by blocking nerve signals,” explains Dr. Boakye. “This temporary muscle relaxation softens the skin and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
To treat upper lip wrinkles, specialists inject toxins into the muscles around the mouth to “reduce the 'lipstick lines' or 'smoker's lines' that appear when the lips shrink,” says Dr. Boakye. Results vary from person to person, but the effects on the upper lip typically last about three to six months, she says.
dermal fillers
While Botox relaxes muscles, dermal fillers add volume. Dr. Keaney suggests considering Juvéderm Volbella XC, an FDA-approved injectable gel, to fill existing upper lip wrinkles, which can last up to a year. Of course, if there are other filler brands or types you are curious about, it is best to consult a dermatologist and they can guide you in the right direction.
laser skin resurfacing
Dr. Keaney suggests laser skin resurfacing as a preventive treatment for upper lip wrinkles. “Using laser skin resurfacing annually before lip wrinkles appear is effective in slowing the development of stubborn lip lines,” he says. Depending on the severity of your upper lip wrinkles, your dermatologist may suggest partial non-ablative laser treatment for mild to moderate wrinkles or fully ablative laser treatment for more severe cases.
chemical peel
“Chemical peeling is a cosmetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to promote skin regeneration through exfoliation and peeling,” says Dr. Boakye. “When used on the upper lip, chemical peels stimulate collagen production and help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a smoother texture.”
microneedles
“Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses a device equipped with tiny needles to puncture tiny holes in the skin,” says Dr. Boakye. “This process stimulates the body's natural healing response and promotes collagen and elastin production, which helps with skin elasticity. For upper lip wrinkles, microneedling can help improve the texture of the skin around the lips. Microneedling can also help This allows the product to be absorbed into the skin more quickly. Microneedling is usually performed directly on the skin around the lips. Results may vary depending on age and depth of lip wrinkles.”
dermabrasion
“A dermabrasion improves the texture and appearance of the skin by removing the epidermis, addressing issues such as wrinkles, scarring and uneven pigmentation,” says Dr. Boakye.
How to prevent wrinkles on the upper lip?
Good news: Preventing lip wrinkles is easy by following simple steps. Not to sound like a broken record, but the biggest things are prioritizing sun protection with an SPF of at least 30, avoiding smoking altogether, and maintaining a skincare regimen. Dr. Meder also recommends “a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep,” but we're confident you're already achieving that goal, or at least a work in progress.
Final takeaway
Spotting upper lip wrinkles (or any wrinkles for that matter) is a natural, unavoidable part of life (we don't make the rules). However, if you want to soften the appearance of lip lines or delay the formation of lip lines, that's totally fine. A solid, simple skincare routine that includes SPF is the best secret to have in your toolkit. However, if you are not satisfied with the results of a skincare-only approach, consult a dermatologist who can discuss advanced options such as lasers or fillers.