Wrinkles. We can’t avoid them; we have to love them, but we can also do something about it to minimize them.
It’s an inevitable part of aging, and one of the most common areas where they appear is around the mouth, often referred to as smile lines or nasolabial folds. While these lines can mean a life full of laughter and joy, for others, they can be an insecurity, triggering a search for effective treatments to reduce their appearance.
Among the many options available, creams stand out as convenient and non-invasive solutions. But what makes a cream effective in treating deep wrinkles around the mouth? Let's dive deeper into the science behind these smile lines and explore some of the best creams on the market.
Wrinkles Around the Mouth, AKA Smile Lines
Smile lines, scientifically known as nasolabial folds, are the creases that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. As we age, they become more prominent, mainly due to the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, which leads to decreased skin elasticity and firmness.
What Causes Them?
There are many reasons we get smile lines. They could be due to environmental factors, lifestyle habits, or genes. It’s important for us to tackle the different causes so that we can have a clearer idea of how to choose the right treatment. Here are the most common reasons why smile lines develop!
Sun Exposure
Do you like spending much time in the sun? Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays damages collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, accelerating the aging process and forming wrinkles, including those around the mouth.
Genetics
Genetics also plays a significant role in determining skin structure and elasticity. Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing deeper smile lines at an earlier age than others.
Aging
We’re not getting any younger! As we age, the production of collagen and elastin naturally declines, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles, including smile lines.
Smoking
Do you often go out for a cigarette? Smoking increases the production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen, contributing to premature aging and deep wrinkles around the mouth. If you’re looking for a sign to quit, this is it.
Skin Type
If you have dry skin, you tend to be more prone to developing wrinkles, including those around the mouth, compared to oily or combination skin types.
Diet and Hydration
A diet lacking in essential nutrients and hydration can impact skin health and contribute to the formation of wrinkles. If you don’t drink enough water, chances are you become dehydrated, losing fluids necessary for plump and healthy-looking skin.
Is it Concerning to Have Smile Lines?
Even though smile lines are a natural part of aging and often signify a life filled with laughter and expression, some might feel self-conscious about their appearance. However, smile lines are generally not a cause for medical concern unless other symptoms, such as skin discoloration or inflammation, accompany them.
What is the Best Cream for Deep Wrinkles Around the Mouth?
When it comes to choosing the best cream for deep wrinkles around the mouth, there are certain factors you need to consider, such as the ingredients list and the price. Look for ingredients that target the underlying causes of aging skin, such as collagen loss and decreased skin elasticity.
Here are some of the best creams on the market known for their effectiveness in treating smile lines:
Obagi Tretinoin Cream 0.05%
Obagi’s Tretinoin Cream contains tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A known for stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal, reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time.
Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte
Another hit from Obagi is their Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte, a powerful anti-aging cream formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to hydrate the skin and improve elasticity, resulting in smoother, firmer skin around the mouth.
Epionce Renewal Facial Cream
Epionce’s Renewal Facial Cream is enriched with botanical extracts and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin tone and texture, including around the mouth.
Senté Dermal Repair Cream
If you’re feeling luxurious, Senté’s Dermal Repair Ultra-Nourish is infused with patented ingredients like heparan sulfate analog and glycosaminoglycans to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Neocutis Bio-Cream Firm Smoothing and Tightening Cream
The Bio-Cream Firm from Neocutis is a lightweight yet powerful cream that targets signs of aging, including deep wrinkles, by boosting collagen production and improving skin elasticity for a more youthful appearance.
Neocutis Bio-Cream Firm Riche Extra Moisturizing Smoothing Tightening Cream
If you’re eyeing something richer and more potent, Neocutis has a Firm Riche version, which is a richer, more nourishing version of the original formula. It’s perfect for those with dry or mature skin seeking intense hydration and anti-aging benefits.
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream
SkinMedica’s TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream contains a blend of growth factors, antioxidants, and ceramides to replenish moisture, restore the skin's natural barrier, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth.
Revision Skincare Restorative Night Cream
Check out Revision’s Skincare Restorative Night Cream for a luxurious night treatment that combines peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients to repair and rejuvenate the skin while you sleep. It’s known for diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a more youthful complexion.
ClarityRx Feel Better™ Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream
ClarityRx Feel Better™ Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a potent hydrator that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, plumping and smoothing out wrinkles around the mouth.
Other Remedies You Can Try for Smile Lines
Aside from creams, there are other remedies and lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your daily routine that can help minimize the appearance of smile lines:
Facial Exercises
You can do facial exercises, which help to strengthen facial muscles and improve skin tone, reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth.
Exfoliation
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, promotes cell turnover, and helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles. However, don’t overexfoliate, as that can lead to adverse effects, too!
Aloe Vera Mask
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which nourish the skin and help improve elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Egg Whites
Egg whites contain proteins that can temporarily tighten and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture in the skin, promoting hydration and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Green Tea Bags
Applying cooled green tea bags to the skin can help reduce inflammation and tighten the skin, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox on Smile Lines
For those seeking more immediate and dramatic results, botox injections can temporarily relax the muscles around the mouth, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles.
Embracing Your Smile Lines
While creams and treatments can help minimize the appearance of deep wrinkles around the mouth, embracing the natural aging process and celebrating the life experiences that have led to those smile lines is essential. Remember, aging is a privilege denied to many, and every wrinkle tells a story of laughter, love, and resilience.
Conclusion
Having deep wrinkles around the mouth or smile lines is a dilemma many people face when they notice signs of aging. Even though there’s nothing to be ashamed of having smile lines since it’s a natural part of the aging process, there’s also nothing wrong if you want to do something about them. Thanks to modern advancements, there have already been proven remedies and treatments that help to minimize appearance and promote smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
While undergoing surgery or clinical treatments may be a “faster” process to eliminate or minimize these wrinkles, many creams in the market do the same job–you just need discipline and consistency to see actual results!
By adding these creams to your skincare routine and embracing the beauty of aging, you can confidently smile, knowing that your skin is healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking.
And hey, even if you change your mind later on and accept your smile lines, that’s okay, too!
Ready to upgrade your skincare routine? VisitTotality Skin Care for an extensive selection of high-quality products that address many different skin concerns. Your journey to healthy and better-looking skin starts today!
