As time passes, our skin undergoes a series of changes. Among the visible signs of aging, wrinkles around the lips often stand out as a prominent concern for many individuals. These fine lines, commonly known as perioral wrinkles or lipstick lines, can significantly impact our appearance and self-confidence.
Countless options are now available to combat wrinkles around the lips, and the field of dermatology has significantly progressed in this area in recent years. The quest for smoother, more youthful lips encompasses both non-invasive and invasive approaches.
This article explains upper lip wrinkles and their causes and lists the most efficient treatments for wrinkles above the lips and tips for avoiding premature skin aging in this area.
What Are Upper Lip Wrinkles?
Upper lip wrinkles are small vertical lines that form around the lips, stretching from one side of the mouth to the other and from the upper lip line to the base of the nose. They are even more pronounced when wearing lipstick, which tends to bleed into these lines.
What Causes Wrinkles Above the Lips?
Understanding the causes behind lip wrinkles can help us combat early aging signs and avoid existing lines becoming more prominent over time. There are several common causes of wrinkles above the lips.
Aging
As early as our early twenties, the body naturally starts to produce less collagen and elastin (about 1% less per year). Another factor that contributes to wrinkles forming is skin dryness caused by the skin producing less oils (sebum). These two factors combined cause loss of skin elasticity and lead to tired-looking skin around the lips.
Genetics
Genetics determines when wrinkles will appear and how pronounced they will be. While this factor cannot be erased, there are plenty of healthy habits and treatments that can slow down the process of wrinkles forming above the lips.
Sun (and Cold) Exposure
Exposure to the sun, especially without sunscreen, is the primary cause of skin aging and premature wrinkles. However, many people don’t know that exposing your lips to extremely low temperatures can also cause lip wrinkles. Namely, the cold dries the lips and strips them of necessary oils that protect the outer layer of the skin on and around the lips, leading to the formation of wrinkles in this area.
Smoking
Smoking is a dangerous habit that contributes to early aging signs and more pronounced wrinkles in all areas of the face, especially around the lips. Inhaling smoke causes the breakdown of collagen faster than our bodies are able to replace it. Additionally, the repetitive puckering of the lips that accompanies a drag contributes to the formation of lines.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a toxin that has a widespread effect on our bodies, including causing inflammation and premature aging. Alcohol depletes the skin of vitamins (especially vitamin A) and radically slows the production of collagen and elastin. Furthermore, it causes dehydration, depleting the skin of moisture. All of these effects cause the skin to lose elasticity, making wrinkles more pronounced.
Note: Learn about the best IV fluids for dehydration.
Repeated Facial Expressions
Repeated lip motions, such as the ones during smoking or drinking from bottles and straws, speed up wrinkle formation on the upper lips. The skin in this area is particularly thin and sensitive, so it cannot bounce back quickly. Wrinkles are more pronounced the longer you repeat these motions, so make sure to avoid them whenever possible.
Types of Lip Wrinkles
There are two types of lip wrinkles: static and dynamic.
Static wrinkles are more difficult to remove, but not impossible. Namely, they are more pronounced since they are caused by gravity and a natural loss of elasticity as our bodies age.
On the other hand, dynamic wrinkles are the ones that appear due to repeated facial expressions. They usually become less visible after our faces return to a relaxed state, so they are easier to smooth and require fewer treatments.
What Are the Best Treatments for Wrinkles Above the Lips?
There are many treatments for removing wrinkles above the lips.
Neurotoxin Injections
Neurotoxin injections, such as Botox, specifically target the muscles around the lips to reduce movement and smooth out wrinkles. They can also be used to prevent future wrinkles from forming.
Note: Learn more about preventative Botox.
Botox is not a permanent solution, so your medical provider will most likely recommend repeated treatments and touchups after a while.
Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers are an excellent solution for wrinkles above the lips. After the injection, the lips look plumper while the lines around them are smoothed out and no longer visible. Dermal fillers are especially good for people whose bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin due to aging. The results are immediate, and if you happen to change your mind, you can always dissolve lip fillers and go back to a fully natural look.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates the body’s healing response and boosts collagen and elastin production. The microneedling pen contains hundreds of tiny needles that puncture the skin, leaving micro-injuries. In response, the body starts producing collagen to repair the damage. A novel approach is to combine microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) for even faster and more effective results.
Sofwave
Sofwave is a face treatment that utilizes Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam SUPERB™ technology, an advanced solution that penetrates deeper into the mid-dermis to target the area where wrinkles first begin to form. It stimulates the body’s natural healing response and boosts collagen production for a smoother appearance lasting up to a year.
Laser Treatments
Lasers target the underlying skin layer with heat to stimulate new collagen production. Laser technology effectively removes skin damage from the sun, aging, and pigmentation issues. The laser photofacial and Halo laser are advanced solutions that target fine lines around the lips, contributing to lasting results in younger-looking skin.
Radiofrequency Therapy
Radiofrequency therapy utilizes low wavelengths to remove fine lines and inflammation from the skin. Radiofrequency devices emit heat that penetrates deep skin layers to induce collagen and elastin production, reducing sagging and improving elasticity.
Vivace microneedling is an innovative, FDA-approved treatment that utilizes the power of radiofrequency energy in combination with microneedling to stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is another treatment that harnesses the power of light. The low-wavelength red light targets the skin at the cellular level to boost new growth and enhance rejuvenation. Red light therapy successfully reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation, and redness by increasing circulation and promoting collagen and fibroblast production.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels cause controlled damage to the skin in order to peel off the surface layer and reveal new, younger-looking and toned skin. After the treatment, the dead skin will gradually peel off and be replaced with fresh, youthful, wrinkle-free skin. Depending on the depth of the wrinkles, your medical provider may recommend specific types of chemical peels.
Note: For chemical peels in the Phoenix area schedule a consultation at Vibrant Skin Bar.
Facials
Facials are an effective and highly enjoyable way to pamper yourself and rejuvenate your skin. Facials stimulate circulation and remove dead cells from the skin surface, providing better product absorption and deep nourishment to the skin. They also include exfoliation to unclog pores and resurface healthy, glowing skin.
Vibrant Skin Bar’s Trifecta Facial combines several treatments, including dermaplaning, microcurrent facial, Oxygen Infusion facial, and HydraFacial for superior skin rejuvenation results.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments effectively help combat the signs of skin aging, including the appearance of wrinkles above the lips. There are many solutions to incorporate into your skincare routine.
1. skinbetter InterFuse® Intensive Treatment LINES
InterFuse® Intensive Treatment LINES is a hyaluronic acid-based solution that targets deep wrinkles and lines on the face. It improves moisture retention by binding water molecules, while the peptides immediately smooth out fine lines and support the skin’s balance.
2. ALASTIN Renewal Retinol
ALASTIN Renewal Retinol reduces wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin tone. It also calms irritated skin and helps it retain necessary hydration for younger-looking skin. Retinol boosts the body’s collagen production, while antioxidants in this product enhance its capabilities.
Note: Learn about the differences between a retinol serum and cream and when to use which.
3. iS CLINICAL Active Serum
iS CLINICAL Active Serum is an efficient solution for smoothing out skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also decreases pores and is suitable for all skin types. This serum is especially beneficial for people with uneven skin tones and blemishes since it restores the skin’s natural balance.
4. skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment
skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment is a dermatologically tested solution for dry and aging skin that requires extra care and hydration. It helps the skin retain moisture, resulting in a smoother and more radiant appearance.
Massages
Massages improve blood flow in the face, which increases collagen and elastin production. When combined with essential oils, face massages effectively moisturize and nourish the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Some experts refer to them as a natural facelift.
Vibrant Skin Bar’s Lymphatic Lift treatment is a minimally invasive facial that includes buccal massage and lymphatic drainage to lift, sculpt, remove toxins, and increase circulation. The result is vibrant and deeply nourished skin.
How to Prevent Upper Lip Lines
Here are the best ways to prevent and postpone the formation of wrinkles above the lips.
- Use sunscreen – UV rays from the sun cause collagen to break down. They also contribute to skin damage, which is one of the main causes of skin aging.
- Hydrate – Hydration is crucial for our health, and that includes the health of our skin. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. If you are consuming alcohol, drink a glass of water per one alcoholic drink to retain optimal hydration levels.
- Drop bad habits – Smoking and drinking disrupt collagen and elastin production while also causing skin issues such as clogged pores and inflammation. All of this causes more pronounced wrinkles around the lips, especially when accompanied by the repeated gestures linked to smoking.
- Avoid drinking from straws and bottles – The repeated puckering required when drinking from straws and bottles can cause permanent wrinkles above the lips to appear over a longer period.
- Perform facial exercises – Facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the lips, making the skin more resilient to the formation of deep wrinkles.
- Improve your diet – A diet rich in nutrients supports the body’s collagen production, reduces inflammation, and contributes to healthy skin.
- Use anti-aging products – The best anti-aging products contain ingredients such as peptides, enzymes, or ceramides that help rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Note: Learn when to start using anti-aging products to effectively slow down skin aging, and check out our selection of the best rejuvenating skin care products.
Conclusion
Removing wrinkles above the lips requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual needs and preferences. While various treatments are available, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your specific concerns and recommend the most suitable treatment option.
For removing wrinkles above the lips near the Phoenix area, consult our medical professionals at Vibrant Skin Bar and schedule your treatment.
