Smokers lines: What causes them? And what are the most effective ways to treat them?

Smokers Lines Treatment, North Wales

 Smokers’ lines, also known as lip lines or barcode lines, are the fine vertical wrinkles that form around the mouth, particularly on the upper lip. They can make the lips appear older, less defined, and even cause lipstick to bleed, which is why many people seek effective ways to smooth them out and restore a youthful appearance to the perioral area. While these lines are commonly associated with smoking, they can develop in anyone over time due to a combination of lifestyle, genetics, and natural ageing.

Fortunately, advancements in aesthetic medicine mean that smokers’ lines can be effectively treated and softened, helping to rejuvenate the area without making it look unnatural. If you’re looking to understand why these lines form and what the best treatments are, here’s everything you need to know.

What causes smokers’ lines?

While smoking is one of the main causes of lip lines, these wrinkles can appear in non-smokers too. The biggest contributing factor is the natural ageing process, which leads to a gradual breakdown of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid - all essential components that keep the skin firm, plump, and hydrated. As we age, collagen production declines, making the skin thinner and more prone to fine lines.

Repeated muscle movement from talking, sipping from a straw, or pursing the lips can also cause these lines to develop over time. The orbicularis oris muscle, which surrounds the mouth, is constantly contracting, and without adequate collagen support, the skin in this area begins to crease and fold more easily. This is why smokers’ lines are sometimes referred to as expression lines, as they are formed through years of repetitive movement.

Lifestyle factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and dehydration also play a significant role in the formation of lip lines. Sun damage accelerates collagen breakdown, while a lack of moisture in the skin can make fine lines appear more pronounced and etched in. Genetics can also be a factor, as some people naturally have thinner skin and less collagen density, making them more prone to developing fine lines earlier in life.

How can smokers’ lines be treated?

Smokers’ lines can be challenging to treat, as the perioral area is delicate and prone to movement, meaning treatments need to be carefully tailored to provide a natural and subtle result. The good news is that there are several effective non-surgical treatments that can help to smooth out lip lines, restore hydration, and stimulate collagen production for long-lasting improvement.

Dermal fillers to restore lost volume and smooth the perioral area

One of the most effective ways to soften smokers’ lines is with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Unlike traditional lip augmentation, which adds volume to the lips themselves, treating smokers’ lines involves a more refined approach, where small amounts of filler are placed strategically to smooth fine lines while maintaining a natural expression.

The microdroplet technique is often used to deliver tiny amounts of filler directly into the lip lines to gently plump and hydrate the area without creating bulk. Another approach is blanching technique, where filler is injected superficially along the fine lines, helping to smooth them out while maintaining the natural movement of the lips.

For those experiencing loss of structure around the mouth, filler can also be placed in the vermillion border (lip border) and philtrum columns, helping to redefine the lips and prevent further creasing. The results are instant, long-lasting, and can dramatically improve the appearance of the mouth area while still looking subtle and natural.

Microneedling to stimulate collagen production

Microneedling is a highly effective treatment for fine lines around the mouth, particularly for those who prefer a collagen-stimulating approach rather than injectables. This treatment works by creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to an increase in collagen and elastin production.

Over time, this strengthens and thickens the skin, reducing the depth of smokers’ lines and making the skin appear smoother and firmer. Microneedling can also improve skin texture and tone, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sun damage, fine lines, or crepey skin around the lips. Results develop gradually, and a course of treatments is usually recommended for the best outcome.

Skin boosters like Profhilo and Sunekos for deep hydration

For individuals who don’t need volume but want to improve skin texture and hydration, skin boosters like Profhilo and Sunekos can be an excellent choice. These treatments work by delivering intense hydration beneath the skin and stimulating collagen and elastin production, helping to restore skin quality from within.

Profhilo is an ultra-pure hyaluronic acid injectable that spreads evenly under the skin, providing deep hydration and improving skin laxity. When used around the mouth, it helps to smooth out fine lines and improve elasticity, giving the skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Sunekos, on the other hand, contains a combination of hyaluronic acid and amino acids, making it particularly effective for thinning, fragile skin. It works by encouraging fibroblast activity, which helps to rebuild lost collagen and restore strength to delicate areas like the perioral region.

Both treatments are ideal for individuals who want to improve skin quality without altering facial structure, and they can also be combined with other treatments such as microneedling or fillers for enhanced results.

Polynucleotides for skin repair and rejuvenation

Polynucleotides are an exciting new development in regenerative aesthetics, offering powerful skin-healing benefits for the perioral area. These injectables are derived from DNA fragments that stimulate deep tissue repair, making them highly effective for reversing fine lines, improving elasticity, and strengthening thinning skin.

Unlike fillers, polynucleotides work at a cellular level to encourage collagen synthesis, hydration, and skin renewal, helping to restore a healthier, firmer appearance over time. This makes them an excellent option for those with severely crepey or weakened skin around the mouth.

Which treatment is right for you?

Choosing the best treatment for smokers’ lines depends on your skin type, level of volume loss, and desired results. If you have deep, etched-in lines, dermal fillers can provide immediate softening by restoring lost volume and support. If your concern is skin quality and hydration, treatments like Profhilo, Sunekos, and polynucleotides can help to rejuvenate and strengthen the skin over time. For those looking to stimulate long-term collagen production, microneedling is an excellent choice that can be combined with other injectables for enhanced results.

As an experienced aesthetic nurse, I specialise in tailoring treatments to suit each patient’s individual needs, ensuring that results look natural, refreshed, and never overdone. If you’re concerned about smokers’ lines and want to explore the best treatment options, we’d love to help. Book a consultation with Skin Medika, North Wales, to discuss how we can help you smooth, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin for a more youthful appearance.