Your initial fine line is ingrained in your memory. Of course, wrinkles, like the act of aging, are lovely, and there is nothing wrong with them. However, the appearance of fine lines is frequently indicative of a change in many of our skincare journeys, including mine—and this may entail becoming creative with new treatments (both of the professional and the at-home variety).
Fine wrinkles around the top lip area, in particular, can be challenging to avoid and cure. (In terms of prevention, we hear a lot about eye treatments and how to avoid crow’s feet as we age, but far less about mouth-area wrinkles.)
However, we’ve broken it all down below—read on to discover the most effective methods for treating and preventing those tiny lines around the lips.
1. Stuffers
Injectables—specifically hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers—are one of the most often used treatments for undesirable aging indicators. While hyaluronic acid is a natural component of our body’s cells, its synthesis declines substantially as we age.
For fine wrinkles around the lips, superficially injected fillers perk up the skin and fill in the lines without imparting an artificial bulky appearance. Naturally, the quantity of filler used varies by case—and your dermatologist can assist you in determining precisely which problem areas you wish to treat.
2. Massages using oils
To be quite candid, this sounds more seductive than it is.
Give yourself a little facial with an ultra-hydrating oil for an easy — if unorthodox — at-home treatment.
Oils are renowned for their anti-aging properties—they protect cells from free radical damage and are generally high in antioxidants. Most importantly, moisturizing is the most effective way to avoid wrinkles.
Technically, any oil will suffice, from coconut oil to grapeseed oil to olive oil—in fact, any oil will suffice. (If you’d rather have those items on hand in the kitchen, our favorite face oils are available here.) Simply apply a liberal quantity with your fingertips to the fine wrinkles around your lip region and leave it on overnight for a plumper appearance.
3. Citrus Juice
It may sound strange, but acid tightens skin cells, and the antioxidants in citrus fruits combat free radicals and stimulate collagen synthesis as well. As a result, lemon juice is an ideal at-home treatment for fine lines and wrinkles—and you won’t have to worry about getting it in your eyes, as you would with crow’s feet.
You may use any zesty fruit juice—limes or pineapples work well, too—and dab it over the problem region with your fingertips or a Q-tip.
4. Resurfacing Using a Laser
Lasers may be used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, ranging from sunspots and acne scars to stretch marks and skin growths—and, most importantly, fine lines and wrinkles.
Laser treatments operate by vaporizing the skin’s thin outer layers with continuous light beams or pulsed energy. This leads to the creation of collagen, which results in younger-looking, smoother, and softer skin beneath after the wound heals. There are several types of laser treatments available—each with a different price range and required downtime—and you should visit your dermatologist to determine which one is appropriate for you.
5. A Serum Containing Collagen
Collagen, like hyaluronic acid, is a substance that our bodies generate less of as we age.
And you’ve probably heard this before: It’s one of the most critical proteins for maintaining good skin—along with eradicating wrinkles and dryness. Collagen is critical for the maintenance of our connective tissues and muscles, as well as for the suppleness and moisture of our skin.
To maintain collagen levels, use a night serum that is collagen-rich and plentiful. (You may discover our personal favorites here.) Apply it nightly after washing and toning, then finish with an ultra-hydrating moisturizer for a simple at-home routine that should help minimize those fine lines over time.
6. Microneedling
Microneedling, like laser treatments, works by “triggering” the skin to generate collagen (our clear-cut favorite protein).
Microneedling is a technique that involves pricking the skin with extremely thin, minuscule needles to stimulate the production of new collagen and reveal firmer, smoother skin beneath. (You can learn more about the technique in detail—including potential drawbacks and side effects—here.)
Again, this is a professional procedure that you should consider only after seeing a dermatologist. While we adore at-home micro-needling equipment, if this is your first time, it may be better to leave it to the professionals.
Preventative Actions
The only prevention is preferable to properly repairing fine wrinkles around the upper lip region. And you’ve probably already heard about a lot of these preventative methods, whether from your excessively careful mother or a dermatological specialist.
To begin, avoiding straws is a no-brainer—the action associated with puckering your mouth region actually promotes the breakdown of suppleness and collagen, two substances that your skin needs to combat symptoms of aging.
The same is true for smoking, whether traditional or electronic cigarettes. And this is not limited to mouth movements—nicotine is believed to constrict blood vessels in general, restricting the passage of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. Regardless of how you slice it, smoking is bad for your skin.
Additionally, the value of sunscreen cannot be overstated—particularly when it comes to wrinkle prevention. (You know how crazy we are about sunscreen here at Byrdie—we’ve compiled a list of our favorites.) UV rays have been scientifically proved to promote premature aging, which is why it is critical to apply a strong daily face SPF. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: you should use sunscreen on your face every day, even more so if you’re attempting to avoid fine wrinkles.
Finally, Botox is a highly effective technique to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from developing by temporarily numbing the targeted muscles. (Do not be alarmed—a specialist will ensure that the consequences are subtle rather than frightening.) Consult your dermatologist for more information — or read our beginner’s guide to preventative Botox here.