When you look in the mirror, do you notice small wrinkles around your mouth? If so, you’re not alone! The upper lip has thin, delicate skin that is constantly in motion throughout the day, making the lip line one of the most common beauty concerns.
Lip lines are unsightly wrinkles that develop around the mouth with age and are exacerbated by lifestyle factors. These lines usually appear after the age of fifties, but can be seen as early as the mid-twenties.
The mouth is one of the first signs of aging, but we often ignore it. Fortunately, you can change the way you get rid of lip lines at any age!
In this article, the beauty experts at SiO will explain what lip lines are and what causes them. Next, we’ll reveal the best ways to get rid of wrinkles around your mouth for a youthful smile.
What are lip lines?
We’ve all heard of crow’s feet and frown lines, but what exactly are lip lines? Lip lines (Lipstick lines or smoker’s lines) are small wrinkles that form just above your upper lip.
These lines usually reach the upper lip and extend vertically towards the nose. They come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing remains – everyone wants to get rid of them!
A lip line should not be confused with a laugh line or smile line that runs from the side of the nose to the edge of the lips. Formally known as nasolabial folds, these wrinkles are another common sign of aging skin. But they are completely different from lip lines.
What causes lip lines?
Lip lines can be caused by several factors, including:
Pursue and knot your lips: Straw bans popping up across the U.S. aren’t just good for the environment; It also helps prevent lip lines! Repeatedly snorting, whistling, smoking, drinking from a straw, or even duck-faced selfies all contribute to facial movements that cause lip lines over time. Facial contouring doesn’t create lip lines overnight, but it can contribute to wrinkles in the long run.
Squeezing: If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, you’re probably compressing your face, causing your lips and surrounding areas to wrinkle. Sleeping on your back and/or using an SiO silicone patch to keep the skin smooth while you sleep can help prevent lip lines.
Smoking: Vertical wrinkles on the upper lip are called smoker’s lines. In fact, a study of identical twins showed a clear correlation between smoking and lines on the lower half of the face. There are several reasons for this:
Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces circulation, which provides your skin with much-needed oxygen and beneficial nutrients.
Smoking exposes the surface layer of your skin to harmful chemicals and toxins.
Smoking accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the two proteins that give your skin its firmness and elasticity.
Sun: Sun exposure is the #1 cause of premature skin aging, and lips are no exception. The sun’s UV rays, along with other types of sun radiation, can contribute to the formation of lip lines.
Lack of sleep: Your sleeping habits affect not only the formation of lip lines, but also the overall health of your skin. Long-term poor sleep quality increases the signs of aging and reduces skin barrier function. Therefore, if you regularly skip beauty sleep, you may end up with lines on your lips when you look in the mirror.
Aging: The main cause of lip lines is aging. As we age, our lips (just like the rest of our skin) lose volume, moisture, and elasticity. This is because collagen and elastin, the two most important proteins in your skin, break down as you age.
In addition, the aging process reduces the production of natural oils needed to keep skin hydrated. As a result, the skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkles, dryness, and pigmentation.