How to soften smile lines, according to a dermatologist

smile lines, or lines of laughter, are caused by repetitive facial movements. If you smile or laugh a lot (which is good!), you may see U-shaped lines around your mouth and wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes. To learn how to reduce the appearance of these wrinkles and fine lines no less smiling, we spoke with Dr. Joshua Zeichner, NYC Certified Dermatologist and Skincare.com Consultant. Here are his tips, as well as some of our favorites. anti-aging products. 

What causes smile wrinkles? 

For some, laugh lines are only visible when they smile or squint. For others, these lines are permanent facial features, even when the face is at rest. This can happen due to overexposure to sunlight, the natural passage of time, and repetitive facial movements such as smiling. 

The more often you repeat the facial expression, the deeper and more pronounced these wrinkles appear over time. “Smile wrinkles around the mouth are caused by repeated folds of skin from smiling,” says Dr. Zeichner. “This, along with the natural loss of facial volume with age, can lead to the formation of smile wrinkles.” Moreover, each time you make a facial movement, a depression forms under the surface of the skin, according to Mayo Clinic. With time and the natural loss of elasticity in the skin, these grooves are difficult to return to and may eventually become permanent. 

How to improve the appearance of smile lines 

If you've begun to notice that your smile lines are getting clearer even when your face is at rest, there are a few things you can do to reduce their appearance. Dr. Zichner explains that minimizing appearance is ultimately about hydrating and volumizing the skin. “At home, consider a mask designed for wrinkles,” says Dr. Zeichner. "Many contain skin-moisturizing ingredients that firm and firm the skin." 

Мы рекомендуем Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Maskthat adds volume and instant radiance. Keep in mind, however, that these products help to temporarily reduce the appearance of smile lines, but they do not completely prevent them from forming. 

It is also important to include sunscreen in your daily routine. If you don't take care of sun protection, you increase your chances of premature wrinkles. Cleveland Clinics recommends using a sunscreen with physical blockers (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to protect your skin from the sun. Choose one with broad spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher. We recommend SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Protection SPF 50. For the best protection, practice safe sun habits like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak hours of sunshine from 10:2 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm.

Anti-aging products to reduce smile wrinkles 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Formulated with 1.5% hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin B5, this serum softens skin for an immediate visibly firmer, smoother complexion. It is fragrance free, allergy tested and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. 

L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Moisturizer

This anti-aging cream comes in three formulas: one for ages 35 to 45, 45 to 55, and 55 and up. Option 55+ contains calcium, which helps to strengthen thin skin and improve its texture. You can use it morning and evening to soften wrinkles and hydrate your skin for up to 24 hours.

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate 

This powerful blend of L-ascorbic acid (also known as pure vitamin C), ascorbyl glucoside and hyaluronic acid is formulated to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin radiance, texture and firmness. You should start seeing results in as little as two weeks.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5

A pure retinol cream can help reduce the appearance of numerous signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. For those new to retinol, we recommend using Retinol 0.5 at night only and starting with every other night. Because retinol is a powerful ingredient, it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun's harmful UV rays. In the morning, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum

This time-released retinol serum is lightweight, hydrating and helps soothe and plump skin with ingredients like vitamin B3. The fragrance-free formula also contains moisturizing hyaluronic acid and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.