Smoker’s lines, also known as lipstick lines for the non-smokers amongst us, are very common as we grow older. Characterised as a series of vertical lines located just above our upper lips, smoker’s lines can cause our skin to look unhealthy and old before its time.
When we’re younger, our skin is supple, it’s plump, it’s full of moisture, and it’s very elastic. As a result our skin is soft, smooth, healthy, and youthful looking.
When skin elasticity begins to weaken, and as moisture leaves our skin cells, the signs of aging become more apparent. As we age, lines and wrinkles begin to form naturally around the mouth, though in smokers, these wrinkles and lines are exaggerated due to the repetitive nature of smoking the cigarettes. In non-smokers, these are known as lipstick lines because, again, due to the repetitive nature of applying lipstick to the mouth, lines and wrinkles begin to form much faster than they should.
This is far from ideal because it can make us look and feel older than we actually are. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent and remove them. Let's take a look at how to get rid of smoker's lips.
Exfoliating and smoker's lines
To help keep our skin looking soft and healthy, and help promote the growth of healthy skin cells in place of dead ones, we are encouraged to exfoliate our faces on a regular basis. To help prevent smoker’s lines from forming, or to stop them getting worse. Experts also recommend exfoliating around the mouth and lips.
Now, you shouldn’t use harsh exfoliating brushes around your mouths because that area is so sensitive, but what you can use is a specially designed lip scrub which will help remove dead skin cells from the affected area. Once you’ve finished exfoliating, rinse away, and before going to bed, apply a thin layer of castor oil to help lock in moisture and keep the lips looking plump and full.
Try to give up smoking
This is of course the most effective way to reduce or remove smoker's lines.
Unfortunately it's (much) easier said than done - and you certainly don’t want a lecture from us on the dangers of smoking.
We all know that smoking is dangerous, and those that smoke will know that quitting can be tough - but it's certainly not impossible.
One of the best ways of preventing smoker’s lines is to quit smoking altogether, and if you have the willpower to do so, your skin will most certainly thank you for it. For those of you who don’t smoke, lipstick lines could be to blame, in which case you should try to cut back on applying lipstick every day to help give your lips and mouth a rest.
Facial massage and smoking lines
Another natural and effective way of preventing and removing smoker’s lines from the lips is to be on the receiving end of a facial massage on a regular basis.
Facial massages can help because they boost circulation, allowing more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to be carried to the skin cells in the face. The more nutrients these cells have, the fuller and plumper they become, and the healthier they will be.
Not only that, but facial massages help tighten up tissues and facial muscles, which smooth out lines and wrinkles, including smoker’s lines/lipstick lines.
Botox injections
Botox injections aren't just for smoothing out foreheads. Botox can also reduce smoker's lines around the mouth.
Botox is injected into the facial muscles around the mouth and lips where they get to work on temporarily paralysing these muscles, thereby helping to reduce muscle contractions which are responsible for causing lines and creases.
Botox injections are not a permanent solution, but one treatment will provide significant results for several months, before a follow up treatment is required.
There's little argument that treating existing lines with Botox and quitting smoking is the best treatment for smokers' lines around mouth.
Dermal fillers and smoking lines
Though they’re often confused with one another, Botox injections and dermal filler injections are very different.
Unlike Botox, which is injected directly into the facial muscles surrounding the lips, dermal fillers are injected directly into the lines and wrinkles, helping to plump and disguise them.
Though there are many different forms of dermal filler currently available, some of the most common and popular examples include Hyaluronic Acid, and Collagen. Again, just like with Botox, results aren’t permanent, but typically you can enjoy results which will last for around 3 – 6 months at a time.
If you're interested in fillers of Botox for smoker's lines, don't hesitate to get in touch with our clinic.
Dr Aesthetica is a full-range cosmetic beauty clinic in Birmingham offering various treatments to help you look - and more importantly - feel your best, carried out by highly experienced cosmetic professionals.
Our Medical Director and lead doctor Dr Farmah qualified in aesthetics with the elite Derma Medical Training Academy, completing all his training in Basic, Advanced and Masterclass techniques, and also works part time as a consultant doctor for the NHS - so you know you're in safe hands.
Contact us to schedule a consultation.
