One of the most common complaints I hear from my patients is the appearance over time of vertical lip lines, commonly referred to as “smoker’s lines” or “lipstick lines”. These stubborn wrinkles are caused by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, repetitive lifestyle habits, and in some individuals, smoking.
Vertical lip lines or wrinkles around the lips are not always caused by smoking, despite them commonly being referred to as "smokers lines". In fact, they are mostly caused by repetitive regular lip movements which is hard to avoid! These lines are especially noticeable when lipstick “bleeds” into these fine lines, which earns these wrinkles their other common name “lipstick lines”.
As with all wrinkles, preventing their formation or deeper etching of these lines is the first line of defence. It is so important to use sunscreen regularly to protect against collagen breakdown.
Stop smoking - Even occasional smoking greatly expedites the formation of these lines!
Frequent use of straws or drinking from a water bottle nozzle causes the firm pursing of the lips that can lead to these lines. Drink from a glass, or from pour bottles of water instead of bottles with a sports top.
If you want to soften and smooth the appearance of these stubborn wrinkles around your lip area I can help.
