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Do Lips Get Thinner with Age?

thinning lips

For many, the physical signs of getting older often bring to mind grey hairs and wrinkles. While most might think their foreheads or eyes are the first to show signs of aging, this isn’t always true. Thinning lips can often happen earlier than other signs of aging. Here’s what you need to know about this common sign of aging.

The key to full lips: Collagen

Collagen is considered one of the building blocks of skin – the protein is the most prevalent throughout the body including the hair, nails and skin. In the dermal system, collagen helps add volume by providing a structure for skin. During the late teens and early 20s, bodies produce a high amount of collagen. This is what creates the full, smooth-looking skin of youth and helps skin heal quickly when damaged.

As we get older however, collagen production slows down, leading to diminished volume across the face. Features like cheekbones begin to sharpen while other areas, such as below the eyes, begin to appear hollow. At the same time, external factors like sun damage, smoking and pollution can wear on skin cells and volume. Gradually, these factors outpace collagen production and can compromise an individual’s appearance, making patients look older than they really are.

Just like other facial features, lips are susceptible to changing collagen levels and external damage. However, the thin skin of lips can make them especially vulnerable to the aging process. Whereas the rest of the face may not show signs of getting older until patients reach their late 20s to 30s, lips can begin to lose important volume starting in the late teens. As the process continues and the mouth loses collagen, the lips can begin to flatten out and appear much thinner in just a few short years.

Keep lips looking full longer

While it’s almost impossible to stop aging, there are important proactive steps and treatment options for patients to keep their lips looking full and luscious longer.

Just like other forms of skincare, protective care is the best defense against sun damage, unwanted lines and wrinkles. As lip skin is thinner than other skin on the face, fine lines and wrinkles can quickly appear and be difficult to hide without cosmetic treatment. To help prolong smooth, full lips, our New Orleans specialists recommend that patients make regular lip balm application part of their daily beauty regimen and add lip ointments to their nighttime routine. For daytime use, be sure to use a lip balm with SPF to help protect against UV ray damage. At night, we recommend a thicker ointment or oil to provide important external hydration.

Subconscious behaviors like puckering your lips, chewing the inside of your lip and using straws as well as conscious habits like smoking or not drinking enough water can also contribute to the appearance of aging lips. To help mitigate the lasting impact of these factors, it’s recommended that women and men stay well hydrated and add plenty of protein and vitamin C to their diets. Likewise, adding can be important strategies to protecting your lips.

In addition to these natural and daily treatment options, dermal fillers have become a popular option for women of all ages. Over the years, injectables like Restylane® and Juvéderm® have become more sophisticated in their formula, giving patients the chance to add subtle volume or lift without looking cartoonish.

Preserve Your Pout at Etre Cosmetic Dermatology

A great, confident smile can leave a lasting impression. If you feel like your lips are undermining your self-confidence, it’s time to consider your treatment options. In New Orleans, our cosmetic dermatologist has helped countless women enhance and preserve their appearance while ensuring that they look naturally beautiful. Learn more about your available treatment options by scheduling your consultation at Etre Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center today!

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