Smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds, are the deep creases or wrinkles that extend from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. While smile lines are a natural part of the aging process, some people may want to minimize their appearance for cosmetic reasons. There are many treatment options available to help reduce smile wrinkles and soften these facial lines.
What causes smile wrinkles?
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen, which are proteins that help keep skin firm and supple. This causes skin around the nose and mouth to fold and crease more easily. Other factors that contribute to deepening smile lines include:
- Repeated facial expressions – Smiling, laughing, or frowning can cause permanent creases over time.
- Sun exposure – UV radiation breaks down collagen and damages skin.
- Smoking – Toxins in cigarettes degrade collagen.
- Genetics – Some people are just prone to getting wrinkles and lines due to heredity.
- Volume loss – As we age, we lose fat and bone structure in the face, which leads to sagging.
Knowing the causes behind smile wrinkles can help guide treatment approaches.
How to prevent and minimize smile lines
While smile lines are an inevitable part of aging, there are some preventative measures that may help slow their progression:
- Use sunscreen daily – Protect skin from sun damage by applying SPF 30 or higher.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking accelerates aging of skin.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to keep skin supple.
- Moisturize – Use rich moisturizers to nourish skin.
- Limit facial expressions – Reduce repetitive smiling, frowning, etc.
- Sleep on your back – Sleeping on your side or stomach can smush your face and contribute to wrinkles.
Of course, completely limiting facial expressions is unrealistic. But being mindful of habits like pressing a phone into your face can reduce crease formation over time.
Professional treatments
For moderate to severe smile wrinkles, professional cosmetic dermatology treatments can help diminish their appearance. Some popular options include:
Injectable fillers
Injectable fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and Radiesse can be used to fill in smile lines. They add volume to creases and plump up skin. Results are temporary, lasting 6-12 months on average before a touch up is needed.
Botulinum toxin injections
Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) can relax the muscles around the mouth and nose to prevent worsening of wrinkles. Results last 3-4 months. With consistent use over time, BOTOX may help “train” muscles to stay relaxed and reduce etching of deep creases.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels exfoliate away the top damaged layer of facial skin to reveal newer smoother skin and stimulate collagen growth. A series of light or medium-depth peels can help improve smile line appearance. Deeper peels carry more risks and downtime.
Laser skin resurfacing
Ablative or fractional laser skin resurfacing vaporizes tiny holes in the skin’s top layers to promote collagen production and tightening. It requires anesthesia and can cause several days of redness, swelling, and recovery time.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion uses a rotating brush or wheel to “sand” away the outermost skin layers. This stimulates new cell growth and collagen. Swelling, redness, and scabbing often occur before results are seen.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates tiny punctures using superfine needles to generate collagen and elastin. It’s effective for scars, wrinkles, and rejuvenation. Several sessions are usually needed but it is minimally invasive with little downtime.
Surgery
For severe cases, a facelift, mini lift, or other surgical procedure may be recommended. These options involve repositioning and tightening of deeper facial tissues and removal of excess skin. Recovery takes several weeks.
At-home treatments
There are also less invasive at-home treatments and products that can help reduce the appearance of smile lines over time:
Retinoids
Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, tazarotene) are vitamin A derivatives that increase collagen production and cell turnover. Using prescription strength retinoids consistently can improve smile lines. Start slowly to avoid irritation.
AHAs and BHAs
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants found in many over the counter serums, peels, and masks. Applying products with glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, or citric acid 2-3 times per week helps exfoliate dead skin cells and reveals fresher skin.
Peptide serums
Look for serums containing peptides like Argirelene or Matrixyl. These peptides are thought to stimulate collagen and relax wrinkle-causing facial muscles.
Antioxidant serums
Topical vitamin C, vitamin E, Q10, resveratrol, and other antioxidants help neutralize free radicals from UV exposure and pollution that damage skin. Apply antioxidant serums daily.
Moisturizers and night creams
Rich moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and emollients boost hydration and temporarily plump wrinkles. Use twice daily. Look for night creams with peptides or retinoids to repair skin overnight.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is vital. Reapply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors.
DIY masks
Make masks using nourishing ingredients like yogurt, honey, or avocado. Apply to clean face for 15-20 minutes 1-2 times per week to hydrate skin.
Lifestyle approaches
Your daily habits can also impact the appearance of smile lines:
- Quit smoking – Stop smoking to avoid degrading collagen.
- Drink water – Stay hydrated to keep skin supple.
- Manage stress – Chronic stress can manifest on the face.
- Get enough sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours per night to allow cell regeneration.
- Eat healthy fats – Omega-3s and other healthy fats nourish skin.
- Exercise – Regular exercise improves circulation and oxygenation.
- Use moist heat – Apply a warm compress to stimulate blood flow.
A comprehensive approach works best, combining prevention, procedures, at-home care, and lifestyle practices. Be patient, as improving smile lines takes dedication and consistency over time.
When to see a dermatologist
Consult a board certified dermatologist if:
- You don’t see improvements using over the counter products after 3-4 months.
- Your wrinkles are deep and very noticeable.
- Your wrinkles bother you or impact your self confidence.
- You want to explore cosmetic procedures like injections or laser resurfacing.
A dermatologist can assess your skin and determine which professional treatments may be worthwhile. Make sure you choose an experienced doctor.
Risks and side effects
While most smile line treatments are relatively safe, some risks and side effects may include:
- Redness, swelling, bruising from injectable fillers or Botox.
- Potential allergic reaction to injectables.
- Temporary numbness around mouth after Botox.
- Dryness, peeling, irritation from laser or chemical peels.
- Infection, scarring, or pigment changes from any procedure.
Always follow your doctor’s post-procedure care instructions carefully. Avoid procedures right before important events in case of bruising or redness.
Costs and insurance coverage
The costs of wrinkle treatments range widely depending on the type and provider:
| Procedure | Average Cost Per Treatment |
|---|---|
| Injectable fillers | $500 – $1500 |
| Botox | $300 – $1000 |
| Chemical peel | $100 – $400 |
| Laser resurfacing | $2000 – $3500 |
| Dermabrasion | $1500 – $4000 |
| Microneedling | $200 – $700 per session |
| Facelift surgery | $7000+ |
Since most wrinkle treatments are considered cosmetic, they are typically not covered by health insurance. Some costs may be reimbursable through medical flexible spending accounts. Many dermatology offices offer payment plans. Shop around to compare prices.
Home remedies
Some popular natural home remedies for smile wrinkles include:
Aloe vera
The nutrients in aloe vera juice and gel help hydrate and nourish skin to keep it supple. Apply pure aloe gel on smile lines several times per week.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent that may help tighten loose skin and minimize wrinkles. Dilute it with water and use a cotton pad to apply it to wrinkled areas.
Avocado masks
Mash up avocado and apply directly to wrinkles, allowing it to sink in for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Avocado contains antioxidants and healthy fats to moisturize skin.
Coconut or olive oil
Natural oils contain fatty acids that hydrate and smooth skin. Gently massage coconut, olive, or almond oil into smile wrinkles at night.
Egg whites
Use egg whites to make a tightening face mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off. The protein albumin in eggs helps lift and firm skin.
Honey masks
Honey is a natural humectant to retain moisture in skin. Make a paste with honey and cinnamon or nutmeg and apply it on wrinkles for 20 minutes.
Pineapple juice
Bromelain enzymes naturally found in pineapple may help break down dead skin cells. Use raw pineapple juice as a gentle exfoliant on smile wrinkles 2-3 times per week.
Be patient when using home remedies as results happen gradually over time. Make sure to patch test natural ingredients first to check for allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Smile wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process that cannot be permanently eliminated. However, there are many effective medical and cosmetic treatments that can help soften their appearance and restore a more youthful, smooth facial contour. Options range from simple natural home remedies to injectable wrinkle fillers, lasers, chemical peels, and surgical facelifts.
A multifaceted anti-wrinkle approach works best. This includes:
- Preventative steps like sunscreen, moisturizing, and limiting facial expressions.
- Professional dermatological procedures.
- Daily at-home skin care with evidence-based ingredients.
- Making healthy lifestyle choices.
With consistent care over months and years, most people can achieve noticeable improvement in the depth of smile lines and wrinkles around the mouth. But be realistic in your expectations, as aging itself cannot be stopped. By consulting an experienced dermatologist, you can develop the optimal personalized plan for reducing your smile wrinkles based on your concerns, budget, and how aggressive you wish to be in treating them.