Vertical lip lines
Vertical lip lines, also known as “smoker’s lines,” are fine wrinkles that develop around the upper and lower lips. These lines can be a source of self consciousness for many people as we begin to notice vertical lines as we age they can affect the smoothness of the lips and surrounding skin. They are common in individuals over 40 but can appear earlier depending on lifestyle factors.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the common name of ‘smoker lines’, these lines also present in non-smokers. Compared to women, men suffer from the appearance of them less than women due to the hair follicles around the mouth.
What causes vertical lip lines?
Vertical lip lines are primarily caused by the natural ageing process, which leads to a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. Repeated facial movements, such as smiling, speaking, or pursing the lips, can also contribute to their formation. Additionally, smoking accelerates their development due to the repetitive puckering motion and the damaging effects of nicotine on the skin. Sun exposure, dehydration, and genetics can further exacerbate the appearance of these lines.
Prevention
Preventing the formation or acceleration of the formation of fine lines and wrinkles involves a combination of proactive skincare measures and lifestyle choices that protect the skin. Here are effective strategies to help prevent premature fine lines and wrinkles:
Daily Sun Protection:
Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield skin from UV rays, a major cause of premature ageing. Moisturisers and make up that contain SPF only protect the skin from UVB rays. These rays are responsible for causing the skin to burn and therefore such protects are great for reducing the risk of skin cancer however offer no protection against rays that age the skin. Formal SPFs protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays, the latter of the two are the rays responsible for
80-90% of facial ageing.
Hydration and Moisturisation:
Keep skin hydrated with moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to maintain elasticity and plumpness. Products that contain ceramides help the skin function more efficiently as a barrier locking in the bodies own moisture and fending off environment damage.
Healthy Lifestyle:
Maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and staying hydrated promote skin health and slow the aging process. In clinic we ask about lifestyle and sleep pattern as high stress and lack of sleep increase cortisol levels, leading to collagen breakdown, skin damage, and accelerated aging with wrinkles.
Use Retinoids:
Though collagen supplements have had a real buzz around them lately, the evidence surrounding their benefits for preventing fine lines and wrinkles is poor. On the contrast there are over 700 clinical trials that prove retinoids to be beneficial for fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating retinoid-based products into your skincare routine can boost collagen production and improve skin texture.
HOW TO TREAT
Hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume and hydration to the skin. They plump and smooth the treated area, reducing the depth of lines around the lips. Hyaluronic acid fillers create a more youthful, refreshed appearance, effectively softening the lines and enhancing lip contour whilst remaining virtually undetectable and natural looking. Best for restoring lost volume.
Anti-wrinkle injections
Can improve the appearance of vertical lip lines by relaxing the muscles responsible for repetitive movements around the mouth. This reduces the intensity of muscle contractions that contribute to the formation of lines, softening their appearance and preventing further deepening, resulting in smoother, more youthful lips. Best for prevention of formation of deeper lines.
Dermal fillers and Ellansé
Dermal fillers and Ellansé can significantly enhance the appearance of vertical lip lines by addressing volume loss and stimulating collagen production in the perioral area. These treatments work to plump and smooth the skin around the mouth, effectively reducing the depth and visibility of fine lines. Dermal fillers provide immediate volume, filling in wrinkles and creating a fuller, more youthful lip contour. Ellansé, on the other hand, offers longer-lasting results by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, gradually improving skin texture and firmness. These treatments are ideal for individuals looking to soften vertical lip lines and achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance around the mouth, with results typically lasting between 12-18 months, depending on the specific product used.
Polynucleotides
Stimulate collagen production and enhance skin regeneration. They hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, improving its elasticity and texture. Over time, this results in smoother, plumper skin around the lips, reducing the depth and visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Best for improving overall skin health.
RF microneedling
Uses radiofrequency energy combined with microneedles to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This helps tighten and smooth the skin, reducing the depth of fine lines. The treatment enhances skin texture and elasticity, creating a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance around the lips. Best for those wanting results without injectables.
Our favourite product pairing for fine lines
With management of any age related change, taking steps to ensure optimum skin quality forms an essential foundation for any injectable or energy based treatments. Our teams favourite products to pair with treatment of vertical upper lips line are:
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by combining retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, promoting cell turnover, enhancing skin texture, with added benefits of reducing pigmentation by diminishing dark spots for a more radiant, even complexion.
ZO Self-Activating Vitamin C
Enhances collagen gene expression increases collagen synthesis and minimising collagen degradation. Provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage for a more even complexion.
Smart Tone ZO SPF
Is a mineral-based sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/ UVB rays. Its colour-adapting technology blends seamlessly with various skin tones, offering a natural finish. The lightweight formula also contains antioxidants, enhancing skin protection from environmental damage while maintaining a smooth, even complexion.
ZO daily power defence
Improve wrinkles by restoring the skin barrier, enhancing hydration, and increasing moisture retention, resulting in smoother, plumper skin with reduced fine lines. In addition to this it promotes collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity, and providing antioxidant protection for a more youthful complexion
ZO Growth Factor Serum
Contains growth factors and hyaluronic acid that hydrate the outer layer of skin and improves wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal, resulting in increased elasticity, smoother texture, and a more youthful appearance.
