Aging is something we can never reverse, no matter how hard we try to. Our skin’s elasticity is affected when we age, which means that the ability to hold in moisture is lost. It also means dry, thin, and sometimes irregular-looking skin. Beyond that, our skin can produce fewer natural oils to moisturize itself. Among the many things aging can cause to our skin, smile lines are one of the most apparent.
Smile lines are the skin folds that appear when we smile. They can be seen on the upper lips, lower lips, and around the nose. The skin on the upper lips gives way to different wrinkles, which are skin folds. As we age, our lips will begin to shrink, so the lines start to appear. The loss of collagen and elastin causes folds and wrinkles, but the good news is that there are ways to avoid smile lines. These include:
#1 – Avoid or Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the most dangerous things to do to your body. It causes your skin to lose elasticity and decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches your body. The nicotine and gas compounds in cigarette smoke can also harm your skin and worsen your smile lines.
Smile lines can be more severe if you smoke regularly. Smokers also have more wrinkles around the eyes and between the brows because of the constant facial movements when smoking. In turn, your skin will have less elasticity, showing signs of wrinkles.
#2 – Use a Retinoid
Creams formulated with retinol offer the same benefits that retinoid gets from vitamin A for your skin. They promote healthy cell growth, fight off free radicals and thus, help your skin from the inside.
You can find retinoids in serums, moisturizers, and eye creams. The best way to keep your skin healthy is to use it regularly. Apply it to the dark and wrinkled areas on your skin and wait for the results.
#3 – Use Vitamin C Serum
A highly concentrated version of vitamin C is known as ascorbic acid. It effectively reduces wrinkles and enhances the skin’s ability to grasp moisture.
The anti-aging effects of vitamin C are attributed to its antioxidant properties. You can find it in numerous forms, such as powder, liquid, and cream. It’s recommended that you use the least reactive form to the environment to prevent skin irritation.
#4 – Use an Antioxidant Serum
Antioxidants are molecules that are present in plants and the skin. They work to protect your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. These acids are produced by ultraviolet rays and other harmful elements that could damage your skin cells.
Antioxidant serums are available in the market. They generally contain vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea. The antioxidants can help you fight wrinkles and reverse the signs of aging. It’s best to apply it at least once a day because the effects of antioxidants are gradual.
#5 – Drink Lots of Water
It’s good to drink water regularly. Water can help you reduce your risk of developing wrinkles, and it can also help boost your skin’s ability to hold moisture.
#6 – Exfoliate Regularly
You can remove dead skin cells on your face by exfoliation. The dead skin cells are composed of keratin, a chemical that inhibits collagen production.
It’s easy to find face scrubs containing natural ingredients like sugar, lemon, and honey. Regular exfoliation can help remove the dead skin cells and reveal the newer, younger skin.
#7 – Consider Getting Botox
Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment used to prevent or reduce wrinkles. It’s injected into facial areas that will cause wrinkles, such as your forehead and frown lines. This treatment can provide immediate results but will not last long. The effects of Botox can last up to four months. After that, you need to continue injecting it to prevent the onset of wrinkles.
Conclusion
Smile lines are bound to happen, and no matter how hard you try, they appear sooner or later. It’s essential to keep your skin healthy so you can minimize the effects of aging. Doing so can prevent wrinkles and reduce the appearance of smile lines.
If you’re looking for an anti-aging MD, Melinda Silva, MD, can help you! Dr. Silva has practiced medicine with an alternative yet effective methods for more than 23 years, so she can guarantee that you will look younger and feel refreshed. Simply go to our website to request a consultation!
