Perioral lines, also sometimes referred to as lipstick or smoker’s lines, are a pervasive type of fine vertical line that appears around the mouth. Although more prevalent in smokers, these pesky lines can also be brought on by frequent vaping, straw usage, sun damage and aging. These wrinkles can prematurely age individuals and lead to reduced self-confidence.
While perioral lines have been historically difficult to treat, recent dermatological advances have unlocked a world of new treatment options to reduce their appearance. Whether you’ve recently developed smoker’s lines or have been searching for a cure for some time, this article will arm you with a few of the most effective options for achieving a more youthful complexion without invasive surgery.
1 Botox
Botox is touted as one of the most effective methods for treating fine lines around the mouth. To minimize the appearance of these lines, a practitioner with proper Botox training (offered in popular locations ranging from Detroit to New York) will inject the botulinum toxin into the impacted region, resulting in reduced muscle contractions to the area. Limiting movement around the mouth will not only smooth out existing lines but also help prevent new wrinkles from forming. Results can be seen in just a few days after treatment and will last up to four months.
2 Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are another popular, minimally invasive option to tackle smoker’s lines. The treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body, into the philtrum (the region between the nose and the lips) to fill in lines and hydrate the area. By plumping up the skin, wrinkles and depressions in the dermis can be minimized, leading to a smoother, more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers can last anywhere between six months to a year, depending on the ingredients used and on lifestyle factors, such as skincare routines and hydration.
3 Laser Resurfacing
Another well-documented method to minimize smoker’s lines is laser resurfacing. There are two main types. Intense pulsed light, referred to as IPL, uses a broad-spectrum laser that can easily penetrate multiple layers of skin. It targets the lower layers of skin without damaging the epidermis (the outer layers of skin). The heat generated by IPL stimulates collagen production, which will help plump up the skin and fill in perioral wrinkles.
Fractional lasers are also gaining popularity in the treatment of smoker’s lines. More costly than IPL, fractional lasers also stimulate collagen production but through ablation (damaging tissue). Though it might sound daunting, ablating the dermis will encourage the skin to renew and replace itself with healthier, smoother tissue while promoting collagen renewal. This procedure, while more invasive, can tighten the skin for instant results.
Both laser treatments are favored for their longevity, with results typically lasting upwards of a year.
4 Lifestyle Changes
Just as perioral lines can be caused by lifestyle choices, lifestyle adjustments can also be used to treat them. For example, incorporating more dark, leafy greens (such as spinach and kale) into your diet. Leafy greens contain vital nutrients required for optimal skin health, including vitamin A, which has been shown to encourage healthy cell growth and naturally promote collagen production.
Other ways to reduce smoker’s lines include staying hydrated and using high-quality moisturizer to keep the skin plump and nourished, morning and night. Where possible, avoid smoking and other actions that encourage excessive puckering of the lips, such as using a straw or vaping. Additionally, limiting prolonged sun exposure will help discourage new lines from forming.
Through a combination of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments discussed above and a few simple lifestyle changes, you can effectively reduce the appearance of your perioral lines and reduce the likelihood of new ones forming.
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