When it comes to anti-aging, there are numerous pesky fine lines and wrinkles that we strive to conceal. There are many products sold to help combat these lines around the eyes, on the forehead, and so forth. But what about those areas that are often overlooked and just as important to tackle in our youth?
When it comes to “smoker lines,” these types of wrinkles often begin to form as early as our 20s, and treatment is often started in this area later in life. Getting a head start on these lines, just like every other area, will help ensure the area around your mouth stays smooth for as long as possible.
Anti Aging
What Are Smoker Lines?
What are “Smoker Lines”/Causes?
Also referred to as “bar code” or “lipstick lines,” “smoker lines” don’t necessarily need to be caused by smoking, despite the title. They are also given the term “lipstick lines” because lipstick has the potential to settle and “bleed” into the crevices formed around the mouth.
“Smoker lines” can also be caused by the natural aging process as we get older and produce less collagen, excess sunlight exposure, frequent puckering and facial movements of the lips, and frequent straw use when consuming beverages.
Of course, smoking can also be a direct cause of these lines, given that we use a lot of muscle contractions when inhaling and exhaling. Cigarettes, in particular, contribute even more to this issue, as the toxins contained in the sticks accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which helps to strengthen the skin.
Smoking recreational drugs won’t give you room for bending the rules. Smoking any substance can contribute to these “dynamic lines,” as the muscle movements are still performed during these expressions, just as they are when we smile, frown, squint, blink, and so on.
While our skin loses elastic resiliency over time as we age, excess UV exposure tends to contribute to a majority of people experiencing an overall degradation in their collagen.
It may appear like getting rid of these lines is inevitable but there are actually several ways to slow down the process and hinder the appearance of these lines. There has truly never been a better time to be around during the revolutionary transitions that are taking place in the skincare industry.
What are the best smoker lines treatment?
How To Get Rid Of Smoker Lines?
An essential starting point to prevent “smoker lines” is to moisturize regularly every day. This will help prevent further irritation of the skin. Moisturizing directly after bathing especially has its benefits by promoting the sealing of moisture in the skin.
Moisturizers containing ingredients such as ceramides, SPF, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin will all contribute to your goals of attaining smoother skin. Not only is this helpful to fight acne and other skin-related issues, but combining your sunscreen and moisturizer will ensure you’re always protected from harmful UV rays.
Chemical peels have been found to be an effective treatment for smokers’ lines, offering both medium and deep peels. Medium peels aid in treating age spots, blotchy complexions, and fine lines, and the recovery period is often only a week before being able to wear cosmetics again.
Deep peels are more intense, attacking more lines, and the recovery period lasts up to 12 days. You will start seeing immediate, faster results with this option.
The best part about this type of treatment is that chemical peels resurface and rejuvenate the skin chemically rather than surgically, for those who are hesitant about procedures when it comes to skincare. Without having to undergo intense surgery, peels result in a finer texture of the skin and fewer wrinkles.
Smoker Lip Lines Treatments
Another option in terms of treatments is injectable lip fillers. This is a method you may discuss with your skincare professional if interested. This is an option that is quick and simple, with patients seeing fuller lips that last anywhere between 9 to 18 months while essentially eliminating smoker’s lines.
In terms of lip fillers, there are certain ingredients to be aware of that will help expedite the process. You’re going to want to make sure you are using only the best options so you can smooth out your wrinkles and add volume to the lips. Formulas that contain hyaluronic acid or dermal fillers help stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen, as well as retain moisture in the skin’s dermis during the process.
Just as lips fillers and peels can contribute to a successful skincare treatment, micro-needling has been seen in the industry to effectively lessen the results of aging and fine lines.
Can Botulinum Toxin Get Rid Of Smoker's Line?
Another way to improve the look of smoker's lines is to use Botulinum Toxin Dysport, or Xeomin to block the muscular spasms that create them. These injectable toxins, which work best for lines that are not yet apparent when the mouth is closed, can keep smoker's lines from getting etched into the skin. Botulinum Toxin injections can lessen the look of deep wrinkles but will not fully eradicate them.
Keep in mind that this is an off-label usage for these poisons, making it more more crucial to find a competent injector, such as a plastic surgeon. Botulinum Toxin injections around the lips, if done poorly, might impair your speech, particularly your ability to say B's and P's. It just takes a few days for smokers' lines to fade, with Botulinum Toxin results lasting 3 to 4 months. This surgery might just be pricey with each sitting.
Our Non-Invasive Solution To Getting Rid of Smoker Lines
Micro-needling treatments and procedures can vary from in-office to at-home self-care and is a leading industry treatment that utilizes thousands of microscopic needles that scratch the skin’s surface and regenerate collagen production.
If you prefer to go the laser treatment route rather than a peel or injections, these laser resurfacing procedures are designed to target skin damage issues related to pigmentation and acne scars, as well as reduce the visibility of smoker lines and fine lines. Vaporized damaged skin cells are discarded to make room for regenerative cells and increased collagen production, resulting in smoother and fresher skin.
Some other everyday changes that will help to reduce smoker lines are minimizing sun exposure and facial movements. These muscle movements, from sipping on straws to smoking, heavily add to the possibility of these lines.
Without proper skin care, excess sunlight can also damage the skin and speed up the aging process. Ensuring you are using the most effective products will leave you feeling confident and secure in your skincare goals.
Conclusion
While smoker’s lines are fairly common and nothing to be seriously concerned about, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them! Getting an early start on these lines in your 20s can be beneficial for your skin’s future and will help to ensure firm, smooth skin over time.
Thankfully, there are several options in the industry for every type of individual seeking out treatment for these lines so that they may enjoy fuller lips and healthier skin for years to come!