Wrinkles occur when your skin loses collagen. These are the fibers that make your skin firm and supple. Collagen losses occur naturally with age, but there are also other skin components and certain lifestyle habits that may speed up this process. The resulting wrinkles tend to be most prominent around thinner areas of your face, including around the mouth.

While wrinkles happen to everyone as they age, there are ways you may help reduce their appearance. You may even be able to take steps to prevent mouth wrinkles from developing prematurely. 

Causes of mouth wrinkles

The mouth area is one of the first spots on your face that may develop wrinkles. Part of this is due to the thinness of the skin, which already has less collagen compared to other areas of the face. Your skin starts producing an estimated 1 percent less collagen every year once you turn 20 years old.

Besides collagen, there are other aspects of the skin aging process to consider, such as a loss of elastin and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which contribute to skin elasticity and hydration, respectively. These are known as intrinsic or natural aging. 

There are also extrinsic factors that may increase your risk for premature wrinkles around the mouth. They are outside influences that speed up this process. Examples include:

• genetics
• dehydration
• poor nutrition
• smoking
• stress
• sun damage

Types of mouth wrinkles

Aestheticians often refer to mouth wrinkles as perioral wrinkles. This is a general term to describe lines that develop around the lip area. There are more specific subtypes of wrinkles around the mouth to be aware of, too.

Smile lines. Also known as laugh lines, smile lines are the wrinkles that occur along the sides of your mouth. Also known as nasolabial folds, smile lines tend to be more noticeable when you laugh or smile 

Marionette lines. These are another type of wrinkles that develop with age. They develop vertically from your mouth to your chin, which can create a sagging appearance.

Lipstick lines. There are also wrinkles that affect your lip area only. Also known as vertical lip lines or smoker’s lines, they are lip wrinkles that develop along your upper lip as well as directly on the lips themselves.

How to get rid of wrinkles around your mouth naturally

Before seeing an aesthetician for potentially time-consuming and expensive deep wrinkle treatments, there may be some home remedies you can use for mild to moderate wrinkles around the mouth. Keep in mind that these remedies may reduce the appearance of but won’t get rid of fine lines and wrinkles completely. 

Essential oils

When diluted with a carrier oil, certain essential oils may increase firmness and skin cell turnover to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Before applying diluted essential oils to your face, you’ll want to do a patch test on the inside of your elbow a couple of days beforehand to ensure you aren’t allergic to the oil.

Apply a small amount with your fingertips to the mouth and lip area twice a day. Don’t use this remedy directly on your lips. You may consider trying the following essential oils:

• frankincenseTrusted Source, to increase cell turnover
• lemonTrusted Source, due to its antioxidant content (don’t use before sun exposure)
• lavenderTrusted Source, due to anti-oxidative and wound-healing properties
• sandalwood, due to anti-inflammatory effects

Plant oils

Some plant-derived oils normally used for cooking could potentially work as spot treatments for wrinkles while also providing moisture. Apply a small amount to the affected area twice daily. Unlike essential oils, plant oils may also be safe enough to use on your lips. 

Research has shown that plant oils contain essential fatty acids, which may promote firmness and elasticity of the skin, and also combat signs of photoaging from the sun. Consider trying the following:

• castor oil
• coconut oil
• grapeseed oil
• olive oil
• sunflower oil

How to get rid of wrinkles around the mouth and chin using medical and aesthetic treatments

Home remedies may help reduce the appearance of mild lines around the mouth. To treat deeper wrinkles though, a dermatologist may recommend one of the following aesthetic treatments. 

Chemical peel

As one of the most commonly used anti-aging treatments, a chemical peel works by removing the top layer of your skin (epidermis) to reveal smoother, more radiant skin underneath. These are typically done on a monthly basis to help maintain your results. 

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion 

Both dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are exfoliating techniques that can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth. Dermabrasion is the stronger of the two, as it uses a large brush to remove the outer layer and up to several layers of skin. Microdermabrasion uses fine crystals or diamond tipped wands to remove the upper layer of skin. 

Microneedling 

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a procedure that uses small needles to prick your skin via a device called a dermaroller or microneedling pen. The idea is that your skin will be smoother once it heals from the small wounds made during the process. You will need to undergo multiple sessions over the course of several months for best results. 

Platelet-rich plasma

Sometimes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is combined with microneedling in a procedure known as a “vampire facial.” The PRP itself is derived from your own blood platelets processed in a centrifuge before being injected back into your skin. PRP may help create plumper-looking skin to reduce wrinkles, but you’ll likely need the procedure again after a year.

Dermal fillers

For deeper smile and marionette lines, a dermatologist might recommend injectable dermal fillers. These are made with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid, which help to “plump” the targeted area of skin to help temporarily smooth out wrinkles.

Dermal fillers wear off after several months and you will need to get more injections to help maintain results.

Botox

Also administered by injections, Botox (botulinum toxin type A) works by relaxing facial muscles that might create a tight, wrinkled appearance. While this treatment is best known for eye wrinkles, it may also benefit lines in the lip and upper lip area, as well as improve the appearance of marionette lines. 

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a more invasive treatment for wrinkles. A dermatologist uses high beams of light to remove the outer layer of your skin, which may also unintentionally lead to scarring. Like other skin peeling treatments, you will need to repeat the procedure after a few months. 

Facelift 

A cosmetic surgeon may recommend a facelift (rhytidectomy) for significant mouth area wrinkles that don’t respond well to other treatments. This procedure helps smooth wrinkles and correct sagging skin via incisions, fat transfers, and the lifting of muscles and skin tissues. Like other cosmetic surgery, a facelift is considered a major procedure.

Preventing wrinkles around your lips

While you can’t completely prevent the natural aging process that leads to facial wrinkles, it’s possible adopt healthy habits that can help slow down their onset. This includes:

• not smoking (this can be difficult, but a doctor can help you create a cessation plan that works for you
• not using a straw when drinking
• drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
• reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake
• eating a diet rich in antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables
• limiting your exposure to the sun by avoiding peak hours and wearing sunscreen every day
• getting at least seven hours of sleep every night
• reducing your daily stress at work and home
• avoiding body weight fluctuations, if possible

A good skin care regimen also goes a long way in preventing the onset of premature wrinkles. Make sure you wash your face twice daily and follow up with an anti-aging serum and moisturizer tailored to your skin type. Exfoliate at least twice per week to get rid of the dead skin cells that can make wrinkles more noticeable. 

Some websites tout facial exercises to help “firm” your skin in the same way as a facelift. While exercise could potentially improve the appearance of your skin due to increased muscle mass, this does little, if anything to treat wrinkles.

Takeaway

Mouth wrinkles are common with the natural aging process. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of these facial lines, you have multiple options. Talk to a dermatologist about what might work best in your case.

Using wrinkle products at home can help but results may not show for several weeks. It can take up to 3 months for a new product to work. You should wait a minimum of 6 weeks before moving on to something else.

Preventive measures can also go a long way in preventing wrinkles around the mouth. Taking care of your health now can do wonders for your body and your skin, too.

Despite what our planners may lead us to believe, squeezing in a face mask before bed or beginning an already busy morning with a hair treatment doesn’t happen as often as we wish.

But thanks to some helpful gadgets and beauty products, it’s possible to really make the most of our beauty sleep. 

Getting a good night’s sleep already leads to a number of potential health, body, and even skin benefits. Add in the use of an overnight beauty gadget, and it’ll be even easier to reap beneficial beauty rewards without lifting a finger — or even opening your eyes.

As board-certified dermatologist Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, explains: Our bodies, including our skin, repair themselves while sleeping. (Of course, while incorporating in a nightly overnight product can aid the repair process, Imahiyerobo-Ip recommends drinking enough water and maintaining a proper diet to see the most overall improvement.)

Ready for bed? Here are nine overnight beauty gadgets to use the next time you’re counting sheep.

1. Kiehl’s: Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask

While you catch up on every second of your beauty sleep, let this overnight mask go to work on your skin. 

Created to combat dryness, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask earns top marks from reviewers for providing much-needed moisture. Along with the inclusion of squalane — a moisturizing ingredient for soft skin — this mask also boasts an infusion of imperata cylindrica root, which encourages your face to lock in moisture. 

Beneficial ingredients

• glycerin (listed 2nd) for moisturizing the skin
• squalane (listed 4th) to soften and soothe the skin
• imperata cylindrica root to encourage water retention of the skin

2. Levoit: Cool Mist Humidifier

Experts have long touted the numerous health benefits associated with using a humidifier, including the potential alleviation of cold and flu symptoms, dry throat, and nose irritation.

For folks with dry skin and cracked lips, this gadget can do wonders for your skin, too.

There are plenty of potential humidifiers that you can pick from, but the Levoit Cool Mist earned top marks from online reviewers for remaining quiet while it runs. And thanks to its 36-hour runtime, you won’t have to worry about waking up to refill the humidifier in the middle of the night.

Beneficial aspects

• adjustable mist levels allow you to decide how much moisture is needed based on room size
• runs for 36 hours
• aromatherapy box to add essential oils to your mist

3. Sachajuan: Overnight Hair Repair

This gel could make your daydreams of shiny, strong hair a reality. After finishing up your bedtime routine, apply the gel throughout your hair and leave it in until morning. 

Once your alarm clock sounds, you can resume washing your hair or leave the product in and style your hair as usual. With ingredients including rhodophycea and chondrus crisupus, the gel — which appears clear when applied — earned the approval of online reviewers for its light, weightless formula. 

Beneficial ingredients

3. Sachajuan: Overnight Hair Repair

This gel could make your daydreams of shiny, strong hair a reality. After finishing up your bedtime routine, apply the gel throughout your hair and leave it in until morning. 

Once your alarm clock sounds, you can resume washing your hair or leave the product in and style your hair as usual. With ingredients including rhodophycea and chondrus crisupus, the gel — which appears clear when applied — earned the approval of online reviewers for its light, weightless formula. 

Beneficial ingredients

• rhodophycea (listed 6th) to strengthen hair, preventing breakage
• cyclopentasiloxane (listed 3rd) for making hair silky
• chondrus crispus (listed 7th) to add shine and moisture to dry hair

4. Earth Therapeutics: Aloe Moisture Aloe Socks

Treat your feet to a night of pampering with these socks infused with aloe vera. 

In order to get the most moisture for your money, Earth Therapeutics suggests applying your favorite lotion on your feet before putting on the socks.

Online reviewers praised the product for curing cracked, dry skin, but some noted that the socks did leave residual fuzz on their sheets and floor.

Beneficial ingredients

• aloe vera to moisturize feet 
• vitamin E to help penetrate dry skin 

5. Hot Tools: Spongy Rod Rollers

If you want to avoid the stress of getting ready in the morning and need a few extra minutes of sleep, these Spongy Rod Rollers will create ringlets for you overnight. And unlike those vintage — and very uncomfortable — rollers that the beauty industry once relied on, these spongy rollers are soft enough to sleep in.

Plus, these curlers are sure to add a boost of volume to your hair without the addition of any product.

Beneficial aspects

• sponge-like material that’s soft enough for sleeping
• can be applied to dry or wet hair

6. Glow Recipe: Watermelon Sleeping Mask

Online reviewers love this liquid’s candy scent, and using it overnight is bound to leave visions of watermelons dancing in your head.

Applied before bed, the Watermelon Sleeping Mask from Glow Recipe can help provide relief from dull complexion and dryness. 

Packed with active ingredients and acids, including watermelon extract, peony root, and hyaluronic acid, Glow Recipe recommends only using the product once or twice a week, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Beneficial ingredients

• hyaluronic acid (listed 2nd) for moisturizing 
• watermelon extract (listed 6th) to soothe and hydrate skin
• peony root (listed 14th) to brighten a dull complexion

7. Zimasilk: Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Unlike traditional cotton pillowcases that can be troublesome for skin, sleeping on a silk pillowcase prevents skin irritation and compression.

Made of Mulberry silk, this pillowcase also prevents static while sleeping and keeps your hair from getting messy or tangled while you snooze.

Beneficial aspects

• prevents hair from becoming matted
• hypoallergenic 
• reduces skin wrinkles and irritation

8. Nimni: Face Cream

Before you slip under the covers to catch some Zzz’s, you’ll want to apply this anti-aging night cream to your face and neck. 

With skin-softening ingredients including shea butter, sunflower oil, and time-release retinol, this cream was made to be multipurpose and will fight off signs of dryness and harsh lines, while leaving you with glowing skin.

Plus with an easy application process — just cover your face and neck before bed — this product is great for those new to products with retinol and other anti-aging ingredients.

Beneficial ingredients

• shea butter (listed 5th) for softening skin
• sunflower oil (listed 8th) to fight signs of aging
• retinol to prevent wrinkles 

9. Andalou: 1000 Roses Heavenly Night Cream

From face masks to sprays, rose-infused products have taken the beauty world by storm. In the case of this night mask, alpine rose stem cells have been added to a cream mixture, creating a bedtime beauty ritual that will lead to softer skin. 

In online reviews, the cream was commended for curing drying skin, but some did note that the cream’s texture felt heavy and waxy on their face.

Beneficial ingredients

• aloe vera (listed 1st) to hydrate and clear up skin
• sunflower oil (listed 4th) to protect the skin barrier and act as an anti-inflammatory
• alpine rose (listed 8th) for moisture 
• shea butter (listed 12th) for softening skin

No matter which overnight product you choose, Imahiyerobo-Ip notes it’s important to always test out any new item you’re adding to an already established routine, especially night creams. 

“I recommend using it on your forearm for at least a week to make sure that you won’t have a reaction to it,” she says. 

With your bedtime beauty regimen officially sorted, now you can move on to the next step in the sleep process that matters: properly waking up.

Your skin type matters

You may suspect you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, but do you really know your skin type? Knowing your true skin type can help the next time you’re in the cosmetics aisle. In fact, using the wrong products — or even popularized Internet hacks — for your skin type could worsen acne, dryness, or other skin problems.

Read on to learn:

• how to build your own skin care routine
• how to treat specific skin concerns like acne or scars
• which DIY skin hacks aren’t healthy, even if they seem to work

Building a daily skin care routine

No matter what your skin type is, a daily skin care routine can help you maintain overall skin health and improve specific concerns like acne, scarring, and dark spots. A daily skin care routine has four basic steps you can do once in the morning and once before you sleep.

1. Cleansing: Choose a cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin tight after washing. Clean your face no more than twice a day, or just once, if you have dry skin and don’t wear makeup. Avoid washing for that squeaky-clean feeling because that means your skin’s natural oils are gone. Cleansers known to work well for all skin types include Cetaphil and Banila Clean It Zero Sherbet Cleanser.

2. Serums: A serum with vitamin C or growth factors or peptides would be better in the morning, under sunscreen. At night, retinol or prescription retinoids work best. Makeup Artist’s Choice has an effective vitamin C and E serum and retinol available.

3. Moisturizer: Even oily skin needs moisturizer, but use one that is lightweight, gel-based, and non-comedogenic, or doesn’t block your pores, like CeraVe’s facial lotion. Dry skin may benefit from more cream-based moisturizers like MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream. Most brands will label their products as gel or cream on their packaging.

4. Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 15 minutes before heading outdoors, as it takes a while for sunscreen to activate. Darker skin tones actually need more sun protection because hyperpigmentation is harder to correct. Try EltaMD’s sunscreen, which offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Choose products that fit your skin type and sensitivity, and remember to read the labels. Some products, such as retinol or prescription retinoids, should only be applied at night.

For all skin types

• Stay hydrated.
• Change pillow cases at least once a week.
• Wash or wrap up hair before bed.
• Wear sunscreen every day and apply 15 minutes before going out.

Start with a basic and simple routine to see how your skin reacts. Once you’re comfortable, you can then add extra products such as exfoliants, masks, and spot treatments to boost your skin’s health.

And don’t forget to patch test new products, especially if you suspect you have sensitive skin. This can help you identify potential allergic reactions.

To patch test a new product:

1. Apply a small amount of product on your skin in a discreet area, such as the inside of your wrist or your inner arm.
2. Wait 48 hours to see if there’s a reaction.
3. Check the area at 96 hours after application to see if you have a delayed reaction.

An allergic reaction may include irritation, redness, small bumps, or itchiness. If you notice these symptoms, wash the area you tested with water and a gentle cleanser. Then return the product and try another that better suits your skin type.

DIY hacks to avoid (even if everyone does it)

People report wonders from using DIY hacks like lemon juice and toothpaste for common skin problems like acne bumps and dark spots. Even award-winning actress Emma Stone claims her skin care secret is baking soda. But the truth is these hacks may cause more long-term harm than benefit because they can damage your skin’s barrier.

Avoid these DIY hacks

• Lemon juice: It may have citric acidic, but it’s far too acidic and can cause dark spots to appear after sun exposure. It can also dry and irritate your skin.
• Baking soda: At a pH level of 8, baking soda will stress your skin, significantly decreaseTrusted Source your skin’s water content, and cause dry skin.
• Garlic: In raw form, garlic can cause skin allergies, eczema, skin inflammation, and watery blisters.
• Toothpaste: The ingredients in toothpaste may kill germs and absorb oil, but they can also dry out or irritate your skin.
• Sugar: As an exfoliant, sugar is too harsh for the skin on your face.
• Vitamin E: Topical application of vitamin E can irritate your skin and is not proven to improve scar appearance.

Some of these ingredients may be all natural and cost-effective, but they aren’t formulated for your skin. Even if you don’t feel immediate side effects, these ingredients can cause delayed or long-term damage. It’s best to use products formulated for your face. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist before trying DIY applications on your skin.

How to treat skin problems

There are ways to tackle skin problems without damaging your skin. Just remember the number one rule of skin care: Don’t pick! Picking at acne, blackheads, scabs, or other skin problems can cause open wounds or darker skin spots known as hyperpigmentation. Open wounds can lead to infections, more acne, or scars. The deeper the wound, the more likely your skin will scar.

Here are some scientifically backed ways to treat problem areas.

Acne

Acne treatment depends on how deep or serious your acne is. Overall skin care is the most important step in treating acne, but for mild acne you can use nonprescription products from your local drugstore such as:

• salicylic acid (Stridex maximum strength acne pads)
• benzoyl peroxide (Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 acne medication)
• alpha hydroxy acids
• adapalene
• tea tree oil

Always apply sunscreen after using these products in the morning, since they can cause extra skin sensitivity.

For immediate, inflamed, and individual pimples, you can also try acne patches or stickers. These are clear, thick patches that work as spot treatments to help promote blemish healing and prevent infections. Like blister bandages, acne patches pull out the fluid, sometimes overnight. It’s best to use these before you sleep as makeup can’t cover them.

Sebaceous filaments

Sebaceous filaments are tiny, cylinder-like tubes in your pores that are whitish yellow. These are often confused with blackheads, but blackheads are actually a type of acne that’s oxidized. Sebaceous filaments can make your pores look bigger, and you may be tempted to remove them by pinching your skin or using pore strips. But these methods may have more side effects than benefits for your skin, especially if you don’t do them properly.

Overtime, you can also cause:

• irritation
• open pores and infection
• dryness
• redness
• peeling

Topical preparations containing retinol or retinoids can help keep pores clear and clean. You may also find benefits from massaging your face with mineral or castor oil for one minute.

Another way of removing sebaceous filaments is with an extraction tool. This is a small metal instrument with a tiny circle at the end.

The safest method is to have an esthetician or dermatologist remove them for you, but you can also do this at home:

1. Start with a clean face and instrument.
2. Gently press the circle around the bump to see if the filament comes out. Be careful as excessive pressure can cause bruising and scarring.
3. Treat the area with toner and moisturizer after.
4. Always sanitize your instrument with rubbing alcohol before and after use to prevention infections.

You may also see extra benefits by applying benzoyl peroxide after washing before extraction.

Blemishes, scars, and hyperpigmentation

Blemishes, scars, and dark spots can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months to heal and fade. Immediate treatment for scars and blemishes include using makeup and sunscreen to avoid further sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

Other ingredients known to help fade scars include:

Silicone: Studies show that topical silicone can improve scar thickness, color, and texture. You can apply silicone gel for eight to 24 hours per day. Look for products with silicone dioxide listed as an ingredient.

Honey: Preliminary studies show that honey can heal wounds and scars. You may want to use honey if you’re looking for home treatment.

Vitamin C: Look for this ingredient when shopping for creams and moisturizers. Vitamin C works better when combined with other lightening ingredients like soy and licorice.

Niacinamide: Studies showTrusted Source that niacinamide can help reduce blemishes and dark spots, especially from acne. Topical two percent to five percent niacinamide is effective for people with lighter skin tones. An affordable option is The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%serum, which costs $5.90.

Retinoic acid: One studyTrusted Source found that acne scars improved in 91.4 percent of people who applied a combination of retinoic acid and glycolic acid. The Ordinary also has a product that’s two percent retinoid for $9.80. Use products with this ingredient only at night.

Look for products with these ingredients and add them to your routine after washing your face. Don’t forget to always wear sunscreen after application to avoid sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

How to test your skin type at home

If you aren’t sure about your results from the quiz, you can also do a physical test to check your skin type. A home test measures sebum production. Sebum is a waxy, oily liquid that comes from your pores. The amount of sebum your skin produces can determine if your skin is:

• dry
• oily
• normal
• combination

Testing sebum production on a clean face is the most accurate way to determine what kind of skin you have. Follow these steps:

1. Wash your face and pat it dry. Wait 30 minutes.
2. Gently press oil blotting paper or tissue on your face. Press the paper on different areas of your skin, such as your forehead and nose, cheeks, and chin.
3. Hold the sheet to the light to see how transparent the paper is.

Test results	Skin type
No transparency, but with flakes or tight skin	dry
Soaked through	oily
Different levels of absorption on different areas of the face	combination
Not too oily and no flaky skin	normal

Along with the above skin types, you can also have sensitive skin, which doesn’t follow the sebum criteria. Sensitive skin depends on:

• how fast your skin reacts to product application
• how well your skin protects itself
• how easily your skin turns red
• likelihood of skin allergy

When to see a doctor or dermatologist

You should see a dermatologist if your skin problems don’t go away with over-the-counter products. More severe acne, scarring, or other problems may need prescription treatment such as oral antibiotics, birth control, or topical prescription retinoids. Your dermatologist may perform an extraction for deeper cysts or acne spots that are stuck underneath your skin.

Remember that your skin type can affect how products work. Using the wrong product, even when natural, can cause breakouts, worsen blemishes, or cause redness. It’s best to find out what skin type you have and build your skin care routine around that. You can also take notes on product ingredients to see if specific ingredients are causing unwanted skin