Lines around the mouth often appear sooner than expected, and once visible, they can be difficult to soften with skincare alone. Many people ask: how can I reverse the ageing around my mouth? The answer lies in understanding what causes these lines, and how targeted, non-surgical treatments can help to restore volume, structure and smoothness.
The mouth is constantly in motion from speaking to smiling to eating, and this repetition naturally leads to creasing over time. As collagen and elastin levels decline with age, the skin in this area becomes thinner and more prone to wrinkling. External factors, such as sun damage and smoking, can accelerate the process, resulting in fine lines above the upper lip and deeper folds around the mouth and chin.
These changes can result in a tired or drawn expression, even if the rest of the face is youthful. So, how can I reverse the ageing around my mouth without surgery or overfilling?
Dermal fillers can be used subtly to restore lost volume in the nasolabial folds (the lines running from nose to mouth) and marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth downwards). Small amounts, placed with care, can soften harsh lines while preserving natural movement.
Anti-wrinkle injections may also be used to relax fine lines around the lips caused by repeated muscle movement, especially in the upper lip area. This can smooth etched-in lines without freezing the mouth’s expression.
For those looking to improve texture and tone, a chemical peel may help resurface the skin and stimulate new collagen, reducing the appearance of superficial creases.
Addressing ageing around the mouth is about balance. Rather than relying on one single treatment, combining approaches — from injectables to skin resurfacing — tends to deliver the most natural results. By supporting both structure and skin quality, it’s possible to reverse early signs of ageing and restore a fresher, more relaxed appearance.
Sudden deepening of wrinkles around the mouth can result from a combination of volume loss, reduced collagen, and repeated facial movement. Factors such as stress, dehydration, or rapid weight loss may accelerate these changes. Skin in this area is thin and prone to folding, which makes it especially vulnerable as facial support structures diminish over time.
Tightening the skin around the mouth may involve a combination of approaches. Treatments that stimulate collagen, such as laser resurfacing or radiofrequency, can improve firmness. Volume restoration with dermal fillers helps reduce sagging and smooth lines. For more pronounced creasing, subtle use of muscle-relaxing injections may also be considered to address repetitive movement.
Retinol can help soften the appearance of deep wrinkles by promoting cell turnover and encouraging collagen production over time. While it won’t eliminate etched-in lines completely, consistent use can improve skin texture, thickness, and resilience, making wrinkles less prominent. Stronger results may require combining retinol with in-clinic treatments.
