Lip lines are a common problem that primarily affects women. They may be tiny, but these lines can leach lipstick from its rightful place on the body of the lips. The fine vertical lines that span outward from the lips can make the face look older. Because the mouth is a primary feature of the face, the lines that form around it cannot be hidden. Unfortunately, lip lines also cannot be prevented. They can, however, be treated. Here, we discuss what increases your chances of getting lip lines and how we can help you let them go.
The Cause of Lip Lines
Why do we get lip lines? Because we age, of course! After age twenty, the body makes much less of the vital chemicals the skin needs to stay youthful. One of those chemicals is collagen, a protein that firms and tightens the skin. Another is hyaluronic acid, which binds to water molecules to keep the skin moist and plump. Finally, the body makes less elastin, a chemical that keeps the skin stretchy. Without elastin, the skin becomes loose and saggy. While it is easy to blame troublesome lip lines on aging, there are additional factors that contribute to this problem. They include:
- Sun exposure. Most people realize that sun exposure is damaging to the skin. The ultraviolet light in sunshine breaks down collagen fibers in the skin and accelerates the visible signs of aging.
- Volume loss. This factor goes back to the depletion of hyaluronic acid. Without this chemical, there are fewer water molecules trapped beneath the epidermis and is less volume to fill out the lips.
- The lips are one of the most moveable areas of the face. We move our lips when we eat, when we speak and laugh, when we kiss. All of this movement adds up once there is a decrease in elastin that helps the skin bounce back.
Treating Lip Lines
While we cannot prevent lip lines, we can slow their progression and reduce their appearance. There are several ways to achieve this. Some strategies are habits, such as wearing SPF lip balm every day and exfoliating the lips once a week. Some are professional treatments. Options include:
- Botox injections
- Dermal fillers
- Hydrafacial treatment
- Fractional laser resurfacing
Utah Facial Plastics has offices in Draper and Layton. In each, you can explore ways to keep your lips, face, neck, and other areas looking vibrant and youthful. Call 801-960-3137 to schedule your visit with us.