Three kinds of lines form around the mouth. Smile lines (nasolabial folds) run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Marionette lines run down from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. Lip lines are the fine vertical lines above the upper lip. They have different causes, so they respond to different things.
What causes them
- Smile lines: everyone has them; they deepen as cheek fat pads thin and descend with age.
- Marionette lines: loss of volume and firmness around the jaw, often from the 40s.
- Lip lines: repeated pursing (smoking, straws), sun damage and thinning lip skin.
- Rapid weight loss can make all three more visible.
What skincare can do
Fine lines respond well: a retinoid, daily sunscreen including on the lips (an SPF lip balm), and moisture make lip lines and the surface of smile lines look softer. Deep folds are mostly about volume and structure under the skin, which creams can't replace.
In-office options
- Hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume in deep smile and marionette lines.
- Small doses of neuromodulator can soften lip lines and downturned mouth corners.
- Lasers and microneedling improve fine lip lines and texture.
Choose a qualified, licensed practitioner. Filler near the mouth and nose carries real risks when done badly.
Smile lines in your 20s
Visible smile lines in your 20s are usually just anatomy and expression. Sunscreen and a good moisturiser are all most people need at this stage.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you get rid of smile lines without filler?
Skincare like retinoids and sunscreen can soften the surface, but deep smile lines come from volume loss, which creams can't replace. Fillers or other in-office treatments are needed for deep folds.
What causes marionette lines?
Loss of volume and firmness around the jaw and mouth with age, sun damage, genetics and sometimes rapid weight loss.
How do you treat lines above the lip?
Daily SPF lip balm, a retinoid on the skin above the lip, avoiding smoking and straws, and in-office options like lasers or small doses of neuromodulator.