How to Get Rid of Smile Lines: The Best Tips and Tricks

Are you on a mission to have a crease and wrinkle-free complexion? We totally get it. Just because we have to go through a natural aging process doesn't mean we have to accept it with wide open arms—or in this case, without a fight.

Laugh lines or smile lines, in particular, can be pretty pesky. When we were younger, our skin was more resilient and had the ability to "bounce back" a lot faster.

Now that we're older, those lines tend to stick around a lot longer (cue: major sad face).

But don't worry, there are plenty of things you can do to help get rid of smile lines. From topical treatments to surgical procedures, we've got you covered. Keep reading for the best tips and tricks on how to get rid or reduce smile lines!

What Are Smile Lines?

Smile lines, also known as laugh lines or nasolabial folds, are the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth.

As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin—two proteins that keep our skin looking plump, smooth, and youthful.

The loss of these proteins can cause our skin to become thinner and less elastic. This, in turn, leads to the development of wrinkles and smile lines, along with the unhealthy effects of sun damage.

These vertical lines mainly develop in our 40s and 50s, but they can start to appear as early as our 30s.

Don't freak out if you're noticing smile lines starting to form! You can do plenty of things to help get rid of them.

Best Home Remedies For Treating Smile Lines

You can use several home remedies to help erase smile lines. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Invest in good-quality facial moisturizer

One of the best ways to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful is by using a good-quality facial moisturizer.

Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid. This will help to plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smile lines.

Apply the moisturizer twice a day, morning and night.

2. Use retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps to stimulate and promote collagen production. By using a retinol cream, you can prevent smile lines and wrinkles.

Apply the cream once a day, before bedtime.

Start with a lower concentration of retinol and work your way up to a higher concentration if needed.

Make sure to use sunscreen during the day when using a retinol cream, as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

3. Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Water helps flush out toxins from the body, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and smile lines.

4. Do regular facial exercises

Facial exercises help tone your facial muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, including smile lines.

Some of the best exercises for reducing smile lines include:

• Smiling while clenching your teeth

• Pushing your lips together and blowing out air

• Putting your index fingers on the corners of your mouth and pulling them outwards

• Puckering your lips and blowing air out

5. Applying egg whites

Applying egg whites to your skin is a popular home remedy for reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Egg whites are rich in protein and help tighten and tone the skin.

To use this remedy, apply some egg whites to your face with a cotton ball and leave them on for about 30 minutes.

Then, rinse your face with warm water. Do this once a week for best results.

6. Applying aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that has many benefits for the skin. It's full of sterols, enzymes, and minerals that help to nourish and revitalize the skin.

Aloe vera is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which can help to reduce the inflammation associated with smile lines.

It also hydrates and soothes the skin.

To use this remedy, simply apply some aloe vera gel to your smile lines and leave it on for about 30 minutes.

Then, rinse your face with warm water. Do this once a week for best results.

Best Cosmetic Treatment Solutions for Smile Lines

Suppose you're looking for a more permanent solution to getting rid of smile lines. In that case, you may want to consider cosmetic treatment options.

Whether you're looking for a non-surgical treatment or surgery, some options are available.

Make sure to consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to determine which treatment is suitable for your needs.

1. Collagen Induction Treatment (CIT)

Collagen induction therapy, also known as microneedling, is a non-surgical treatment that helps to stimulate collagen production.

The treatment involves using a device that creates tiny punctures in the skin. This then triggers the body to produce more collagen, which helps to plump up and tighten the skin.

Collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that requires no downtime. Results can be seen after a few sessions.

2. Dermal Fillers

For more instant results, dermal fillers can plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of smile lines.

Dermal fillers are injected into the skin using a fine needle. They add volume to the skin and can last for several months.

Common types of fillers used to treat smile lines include:

• Hyaluronic acid fillers

• Collagen-based filler

• Fat injections

Effects last for several months, and results can be seen immediately.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a type of skin resurfacing technique that reduces the appearance of smile lines.

The treatment involves using a laser to remove the top layer of skin, which helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines and diminish skin spots.

By removing the damaged skin cells, laser therapy promotes collagen production and improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.

Pain and swelling are some common side effects of this procedure.

4. PDO Threads

PDO threads are a type of surgical, medical-grade threads made up of protein that is used to lift and tighten the skin of your facial anatomy.

A mini PDO thread lift can assist decrease the amount of volume in the lower face, which causes deep smile lines. The proteins used help lift and tighten the skin that has lost elasticity.

Mono threads can also be placed across the nasolabial folds. As they resorb, they are replaced by collagen, making the area look more volumized.

5. Botox

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into the muscles around the mouth. This helps to relax the muscles and prevents them from contracting.

Botox injections typically last for around three to four months. Results can be seen immediately after treatment.

6. Surgery

If you want a more permanent solution, surgery may be the best option. Facelift surgery is one procedure that can help to reduce the appearance of smile lines and laugh lines.

This surgery involves tightening the skin and muscles around the face and neck. It is a more invasive procedure than other treatments and requires downtime.

Aside from being one of the most expensive options, surgery also carries the risk of complications.

It takes months to recover from surgery, and results may not be permanent.

What Are The Most Effective Ways To Prevent Smile Lines?

As a young adult, educational and healthful lifestyle choices can aid you in preventing premature aging and the formation of smile lines.

Here are some tips to help you prevent these pesky lines on your face:

1. Wear sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it liberally to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, hands, and arms.

Don't forget to reapply it every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.

Wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent premature aging and the formation of laugh lines. It also helps you prevent sun damage!

2. Quit smoking

Smoking causes wrinkles, skin elasticity loss, and increases the risk of skin cancer. It also accelerates the aging process in your skin cells. If you want to keep your skin looking young and healthy, quit smoking.

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your skin and can cause premature aging and the formation of smile lines.

3. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is essential for overall health and can also help to keep your skin looking its best.

Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help you prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.

In addition, omega-fatty acids are good for the skin. You can find them in foods like salmon, nuts, and seeds.

Following a healthy diet is a great way to prevent premature aging and the formation of smile lines.

4. Keep your skin well-hydrated

Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can keep your skin hydrated and looking its best.

Dehydrated skin is more prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day to keep your skin healthy.

Keeping your skin well-hydrated is one way to prevent premature aging and the formation of smile or laugh lines.

5. Keep an anti-aging skincare routine

Using anti-aging skincare products can prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Look for products containing retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. Retinoids are known to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition, using a moisturizer can help to keep your skin hydrated.

Maintaining a regular skincare routine is one of the best ways to prevent premature aging and the formation of smile lines.

6. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine

Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine can dehydrate the skin and make wrinkles more pronounced.

If you want to keep your skin looking its best, limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Their diuretic effects will cause your skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness and wrinkles.

7. Get regular exercise

Exercising is good for your overall health and can also help to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Exercise helps to improve circulation, which brings nutrients to the skin. It also helps to reduce stress, which can cause wrinkles.

By engaging in regular exercise, you're teaching your body how to better handle stress, which can help prevent wrinkles.

The Bottom Line

Smile or laugh lines are an inevitable part of aging. But, there are things you can do to prevent them from showing up too soon!

Wearing sunscreen, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and keeping your skin well-hydrated are great ways to reduce smile lines.

Maintaining a regular skincare routine is also essential. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine and engage in regular exercise.

These simple steps can help keep your skin looking young and healthy for years to come!