Wrinkles can develop all around the body, including on our lips. By looking after your lips, you can fend off these wrinkles. There are also ways to conceal existing lip lines using make-up. This post delves more into how to combat lip lines.
What are lip wrinkles?
Lip wrinkles are small creases that occur along the lips. They can create the appearance of permanently chapped lips. In some cases, lip wrinkles may extend up into the philtrum. These are sometimes referred to as ‘smoker’s lines’ due to their association with smokers.
Lip wrinkles shouldn’t be confused with nasolabial folds or ‘marionette lines’ - these are wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth up to the nose and have different causes.
What causes lip wrinkles?
You can develop lip lines naturally with age. However, certain lifestyle choices and habits can lead to lip wrinkles developing early or becoming more prominent.
Smoking is a major cause of lip wrinkles - particularly wrinkles that extend up into the philtrum. These are caused by the constant action of pursing one’s lips when taking a drag on a cigarette. Regularly drinking through a straw can have a similar effect. By quitting smoking and ditching a straw, you could reduce your risk of developing lip wrinkles.
Excessive alcohol consumption may also lead to lip wrinkles due to its dehydration effects. The lips are one of the first places to become wrinkled when we get dehydrated and these lines can turn into permanent wrinkles over time. Reduce your alcohol consumption to protect your lips.
Exposure to extreme weather may also increase your risk of developing lip wrinkles. Cold weather causes many of us to get chapped lips, which can leave scars in the form of wrinkles. Sunburn on our lips can also lead to chapping and wrinkles. Consider wearing vaseline in cold weather and lip balm in hot weather to avoid chapped lips.
How can I treat lip wrinkles?
If it’s too late to prevent lip wrinkles, there are still ways in which you can reduce lip wrinkles. Below are a few different cosmetic treatment methods that could be worth exploring.
Retinol lip balm
While there are many ingredients found in topical anti-aging products that claim to reverse wrinkles, few of them actually have much scientific backing. Retinol is probably one of the few ingredients that you can trust. It increases collagen production, which can help to reduce fine line wrinkles and leave your skin looking more youthful and plump.
There are several lip balms on the market that contain retinol. Try applying one of these lip balms every day and see what impact it has.
Injectables
Injectables like botox and fillers can also be worth exploring for reducing wrinkled lips. Botox is commonly used to reduce dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that occur when you do facial expressions) by temporarily paralyzing muscles, and can be useful against prominent wrinkles that may occur when pursing or moving your lips. Filler injections are more effective against static wrinkles (wrinkles that are always there), and can be used to fill out creases along the lips to give a more plump appearance.
Such treatments must be carried out by a professional at a clinic. Such a professional will be able to recommend which type of injectable is best suited. You should note that while both injectables can produce instant results, they are only temporary solutions - often lasting a few weeks to a few months. There are also potential complications to consider, which can be reduced but not entirely avoided by visiting a top rated cosmetic injector.
Dermabrasion
Heavily wrinkled lips can also be treated through a procedure known as dermabrasion. This involves ‘sanding away’ the top layers of skin to allow fresh unwrinkled skin to grow through. It’s technically a more drastic form of exfoliation. This treatment is becoming more common on the lips and can have longer-lasting results than botox or fillers.
Dermabrasion must be carried out by a professional using specialist tools. It will leave your lips feeling very red and sensitive - and tasks like eating could be quite painful initially. However, as your lips heal, the sensitivity will subside. Although rare, there can be complications from this procedure that are worth looking into.
Laser resurfacing
Some medspa clinics offer a treatment known as laser resurfacing. This treatment involves using a laser to smooth out wrinkles on the lips, while also heating up the lips to encourage collagen production. It has long-lasting results and is one of the most effective non-invasive forms of treatment for wrinkles.
As with dermabrasion, this is a procedure that must be carried out by a professional at a clinic. Laser resurfacing isn’t cheap and you can expect some sensitivity afterwards. However, it’s worthwhile for the chance of smooth wrinkle-free lips.
Are there ways to hide lip wrinkles?
A simpler solution for some people may be to conceal lip wrinkles. There are a couple ways in which you can do this.
Use the right lipstick
Lipstick can help to hide wrinkles, but it depends on which lipsticks you use. Lip glosses and shiny lipsticks are often better at hiding wrinkles, because the way they reflect light can hide wrinkles. Powdery matte lipsticks should be avoided as they can actually highlight wrinkles, although darker colors may conceal wrinkles better. This post lists some of the best lipsticks for hiding wrinkles.
Try primers and concealers
With the right mix of cosmetic products, you can completely cover up most fine wrinkles. Just how do you achieve this? Start by applying a moisturizing filler or primer. These cosmetic products can reduce dryness and fill out any wrinkles, allowing a smooth surface for adding makeup on top. Next, apply a cream-based concealer. Only apply a gentle amount with a brush with the aim of filling out any wrinkles that still look prominent. Once you've done this, apply a nude lipstick on top. When done correctly, this should give the impression of wrinkle-free lips. It may take some practice at first to get a natural look - a make-up artist may be able to help you with this.
