For deeper lines, stronger procedures like ablative lasers or phenol peels can offer significant improvements, says Dr. Hibler, noting that these treatments come with more risk and should only be performed by an experienced dermatologist. While at-home treatments can slowly help reduce lip lines, professional options deliver quicker, more noticeable results. It’s all about finding what works best for you and consulting with a dermatologist to get the most out of your treatment.
How can you prevent lip lines?
Preventing lip lines entirely isn’t possible, as they’re a natural part of aging, but there are proactive steps you can take—staying hydrated, wearing SPF, and not smoking—to help soften their look. According to Dr. Hibler, lip lines form due to a loss of collagen and elastin, which happens naturally with age and is exacerbated by factors like sun exposure. Genetics can also play a role in how and when these lines develop.
Dr. Hibler adds that repetitive muscle movements—such as puckering your lips, drinking through a straw, or smoking—can make these lines more prominent over time. So, while you can’t entirely prevent lip lines, you can take steps to slow their formation and maintain smoother-looking skin around your lips.
Meet the experts
- Brian Hibler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
- Laura Lam-Phaure, a cosmetic chemist in Los Angeles
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist in Cincinnati
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but mascaras are another story. While some can be used across different lash lengths, thicknesses, shape, colors, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience. For instance, a new, innovative mascara may feature an industry-leading formula, but if the wand still needs some tweaking to prevent clumps and webbing, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best treatments for lip lines to smooth, plump, and hydrate, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different lash concerns, desired outcome (i.e., want length over volume), and whether one product was tested across varying lash types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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