Article Overview
- Understanding Smile Lines: Smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds, are the lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth, which become more prominent as skin loses elasticity and collagen due to aging.
- Contributing Factors: Common causes for smile lines include natural aging, sun damage, smoking, significant weight changes, genetics, dehydration, and even side sleeping, all of which contribute to collagen and elastin breakdown.
- Non-Surgical Treatment Options: Various non-surgical treatments can reduce smile lines, such as deep chemical peels, neurotoxin injections, hyaluronic acid fillers, retinoids, laser therapy, radiofrequency skin tightening, and microneedling, each targeting different aspects of the lines.
- Integrated Skincare Approach: A combination of professional treatments and a consistent, targeted at-home skincare routine with products like peptide serums, hyaluronic acid serums, Vitamin C serums, and anti-aging creams is crucial for minimizing smile lines and maintaining a youthful complexion.
How to Get Rid of Smile Lines
Smile lines, laugh lines, expression lines, and nasolabial folds are all different ways of describing the same visible signs of aging on the lower face. Although these lines are associated with happiness and positive emotion, many people would prefer to minimize their appearance. The good news is that several options are available for softening the look of these lines, ranging from professional treatments to at-home skincare. We asked Dr. Mamina Turegano for her best advice about how to correct smile lines and reveal a youthful-looking appearance.
What Are Smile Lines (Nasolabial Folds)?
Smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds, are the lines that extend from either side of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. They are a natural part of the aging process and become more prominent as skin loses its elasticity and collagen. While some may find them endearing, others seek ways to reduce their appearance for a more youthful look.
Common Causes of Smile Lines
Several factors contribute to the formation and prominence of smile lines. Understanding these causes can help you take preventive measures and choose the most effective treatments.
Aging: As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that provide structure and elasticity. This loss of support causes the skin to sag, deepening the appearance of smile lines.
Smoking: Smoking accelerates the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin. The repetitive muscle movements associated with smoking, such as pursing the lips, can also contribute to the formation of laugh lines.
Sun Damage: UV radiation from the sun damages collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature aging and increased wrinkle formation. Sun damage can make smile lines appear deeper and more noticeable.
Weight Changes: Significant weight loss can reduce facial volume, causing the skin to sag and accentuate smile lines. Conversely, weight gain can stretch the skin, which may also affect the prominence of these lines.
Genetics: Genetic factors play a significant role in skin structure and aging. Some individuals are predisposed to developing more prominent smile lines due to their inherited skin type and bone structure.
Hydration: Lack of adequate hydration can cause the skin to lose its plumpness and elasticity, making lines and wrinkles more visible. Keeping the skin well-hydrated can help minimize the appearance of smile lines.
Side sleeping: When you sleep on your side, your face is pressed against the pillow, which causes the skin to fold repeatedly in the same areas—most commonly along the nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines, and the cheeks. Over time, this repetitive compression can break down collagen and elastin in the skin, contributing to the formation of permanent creases, especially if you're already experiencing natural volume loss with age.
Non-Surgical Treatments to Remove Smile Lines
Various non-surgical treatments can effectively reduce the appearance of smile lines. Here are some popular options:
Deep Chemical Peels & TCA: Deep chemical peels using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can remove the outer layers of damaged skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing the depth of smile lines. These peels provide significant improvement but require downtime for recovery.
Neurotoxin Injections: While primarily used for upper face wrinkles, neurotoxin injections can help with lip lines, pick up the corners of the mouth, and diminish chin dimples.
Hyaluronic Acid Filler: Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers add volume to the skin, plumping up smile lines and reducing their depth. The results are immediate and can last several months, depending on the type of filler used.
Retinoids: Topical retinoids, such as prescription-strength tretinoin or over-the-counter retinol, promote cell turnover and collagen production. Regular use can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including smile lines.
---Article-Body-Image---Desktop.jpg?sw=1652&sh=1532&sm=cut&q=70)
Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. These treatments can effectively reduce the appearance of smile lines with minimal downtime.
Radio Frequency Skin Tightening: Radio frequency (RF) treatments use heat to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. This non-invasive procedure can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the prominence of smile lines.
Microneedling: Microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production. This treatment can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including smile lines.
Skincare Products for Laugh Lines
In addition to professional treatments, a consistent skincare routine can play a crucial role in minimizing the appearance of smile lines. Look for products with ingredients that hydrate, boost collagen production, and protect against environmental damage.
P-TIOX Peptide Serum for Expression Lines: This advanced serum leverages a unique peptide complex to target and reduce the appearance of smile lines. P-TIOX helps to smooth and firm the skin, making it more resilient against the signs of aging. Regular use can significantly diminish the depth and visibility of smile lines, leaving the skin looking more youthful and refreshed.
Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan Serum: This potent serum amplifies the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%, delivering long-lasting hydration to visibly improve skin's texture. It reduces the look of crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines for smoother, firmer skin.
C E Ferulic® Vitamin C Serum for Wrinkles: This daytime vitamin C serum delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its synergistic combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid enhances protection against environmental damage.
A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Anti-wrinkle Face Cream: This advanced anti-aging cream is formulated with Proxylane, and Wild Fruit Flavonoids to help correct and prevent visible signs of aging caused by advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.). It improves the appearance of wrinkles, restores skin elasticity, and enhances radiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about smile lines and how to manage them:
At what age do smile lines appear?
Smile lines can start to appear as early as your 20s, but they typically become more noticeable in your 30s and 40s as skin loses elasticity and collagen.
Can drinking water reduce smile lines?
While drinking water is essential for overall health and skin hydration, it won't directly eliminate smile lines. However, well-hydrated skin appears plumper and more elastic, which can help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Will smile lines go away if I lose weight?
Weight loss can sometimes make smile lines more noticeable if it reduces facial volume and causes the skin to sag. However, maintaining a healthy weight and taking care of your skin can help minimize this effect.
Improving Expression Lines with Integrated Skincare
Dealing with smile lines involves a multifaceted approach that combines professional treatments with a consistent and effective skincare routine. By understanding the causes of laugh lines and implementing appropriate strategies, you can achieve a smoother, more youthful complexion.
To discover the best routine for adult acne and address your unique concerns, use our online Routine Builder, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.
Shop Featured Products
/Product_Slide_01.jpg?sw=166&sh=166&sm=cut&sfrm=jpg&q=70)
/Product_Slide_02_Texture.jpg?sw=270&sm=fit&sfrm=jpg&q=70)
Mamina Turegano, MD, is a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist currently based in the United States. She completed a five-year double residency program in internal medicine and dermatology and served as chief resident at Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Turegano has published articles in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Journal of the American Medical Association – Dermatology, and Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. She has received multiple awards for her presentations at international dermatopathology meetings and is also a recipient of the American Society of Dermatopathology Mentorship Award.
