Whilst it’s your mouth that does the talking, the last thing you want it to do is give away your age, but unfortunately that’s something it’s more than capable of doing. Reduced lip volume, dry skin and pucker lines around the lips can age the face considerably, and that’s before we’ve even considered the naso-labial folds and marionette lines that can add to the problem. Thankfully however, there’s now plenty that can be done to both prevent and improve the signs of ageing in this part of your face, so that you’ll be able to enjoy younger, plumper lips for longer. Take a look at these tips and kiss ageing lips goodbye.
Hydration
Dry, flaky lips are not only uncomfortable, they look thinner than their well hydrated counterparts, and it’s this thinness make lips appear older. The skin produces less oil as we age, and this, coupled with the fact that the lips have no protective epidermal layer, means that they’re a prime area for moisture loss. Apart from staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water (something we can’t emphasise highly enough) balms are a very important way of maintaining moisture in the lips. A rich moisturising balm that contains a high SPF will help the lips appear smooth, even and full.
Fine Lines
Fine lines around the lips, or the ‘pack a day pout’ as it’s come to be known, are often caused by smoking. The lines are due to the repetitive pursing of the lips, and are just one of the innumerable negative effects of this addiction.
If you do smoke, quitting is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce the signs of ageing on your lips, but anyone interested in fighting the effects of ageing already knows that smoking accelerates the ageing process considerably.
Non- smokers may also suffer from these lines, sometimes simply because of the way the lips move as an inherited feature of aging. Also as a result of lost volume in the structures which support the lips- muscle, skin and bones and teeth.
Quality anti-aging serums and skin boosting treatments can be helpful in improving the health and appearance of the skin but are unlikely to deliver satisfying results once the lines have set in.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
If it’s too late for prevention, there are plenty of non-surgical cosmetic procedures that will reduce the signs of ageing in the lips considerably.
Injectable dermal fillers are the go-to treatment to correct the signs of aging in the mouth area. Lip filler is commonly associated with ‘trout pout’, but trained professionals have a range of sophisticated products to enable them to tailor treatment to meet your individual needs. Fillers are used to define, shape, support, soften, hydrate, correct asymmetry and to restore or enhance volume. Results can be very subtle and when lines are addressed early, can actually slow down the aging process. It’s for these reasons that it’s essential that you see a qualified professional when considering dermal fillers, as they will be able to advise you on the best kind for your case.
Resurfacing treatments such as laser, deep chemical peels and dermabrasion can also help considerably when it comes to the appearance of lines around the mouth. when the skin is injured in these controlled ways , the repair delivers stronger, denser collagen and smoother skin. For more information on each of these treatments, please see our information page.
Save Face
Currently, the non-surgical cosmetic industry is almost entirely unregulated and unaccountable, yet it makes up £3 billion a year.
Procedures such as those mentioned above generate 70% of this income, but it’s a sad fact that every year thousands of patients suffer at the hands of untrained professionals masquerading as qualified practitioners.
Without proper training, the results of any non-surgical cosmetic procedure can be disastrous, so Save Face have stepped in to provide a centralised register of Save Face accredited practitioners who have each been checked against a stringent set of standards to ensure their credibility.
If you are considering a non-surgical cosmetic treatment, use Save Face today to get in touch with a suitably qualified professional, and make sure you don’t fall victim of unsafe practitioners.