Fine lines are a part of the natural aging process, and we’ll all see these creases start to pop up at some point in our lives. While they’re inevitable, there are certain products you can use to lessen their appearance for a more youthful complexion. However, many are confused not only about what anti-aging products to add to their routine, but also whether you can use the same formulas to soften fine lines in different areas of the face. Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about targeting fine lines around the mouth and on the forehead.
Fine Lines Around Mouth
Around the mouth area, creases are naturally caused by repetitive facial muscle movements (such as from smiling, laughing, and frowning) that stretch the skin. These lines may become less prominent when the face is relaxed, but can become deeper set as we get older.
Beyond facial movements, there are other factors that can contribute to fine lines around the mouth area. As we get older, we naturally produce less collagen and elastin – two proteins responsible for the structure and elasticity of our skin. This leads to fine lines and eventual wrinkles around the mouth, as well as sagging and a loss of firmness and elasticity.
Environmental aggressors – including chronic UV exposure and pollution – can also lead to signs of aging, including fine lines. Smoking can also cause lines in a couple different ways. The repeated facial muscle movement can create these creases (known as smoker’s lines), and smoking itself breaks down our natural collagen and elastin.
Fine Lines On Forehead
Just like with mouth fine lines, forehead fine lines are caused in part by repetitive movements. Raising your eyebrows, squinting your eyes, knitting your eyebrows, and other facial movements can create temporary creases in the forehead, which can become more prominent over time.
Again, similar to fine lines around the mouth, forehead fine lines also become more prominent as we get older and as we are exposed to environmental aggressors. The breakdown of collagen and elastin can cause lines to become more prominent, and can eventually lead to deeper wrinkles on the forehead.
How To Prevent Them
While it is possible to soften the look of fine lines, preventing them from forming in the first place is always the best option. One of the most effective steps you can take to prevent fine lines (on the forehead, around the mouth, and in other areas) is wearing sunscreen on a daily basis and limiting your time in direct sunlight.
Beyond that, we also recommend working an antioxidant serum into your routine. Antioxidants are able to protect the skin against free radicals, which can contribute to fine lines and other visible signs of aging. Additionally, try adding other topical products to your routine that fortify the natural collagen production process to keep your skin youthful. We’ll go over a few recommendations below.
Products To Treat Mouth Fine Lines vs. Forehead
We have good news for the minimalists out there: you can use the same products to target fine lines both around the mouth and on the forehead. What’s ultimately important is using formulas made with effective ingredients that have been shown to reduce the appearance of facial creases. No matter where on the face they are applied, they’ll work to soften fine lines for a more youthful appearance.
One ingredient that is highly effective when it comes to targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging around the mouth and forehead is retinol, which should be used in the evening. Retinol stimulates collagen production and boosts skin cell turnover, working to soften fine lines and wrinkles and improve firmness, elasticity, and uneven tone. You can get retinol in over-the-counter formulations, as well as through prescription treatments prescribed by a dermatologist.
We also highly recommend working a vitamin C serum into your routine, as it works preventatively and as a treatment. Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen to improve elasticity and soften fine lines. It’s also an antioxidant that defends the skin against damaging free radicals. A great option is the Vitamin C Boost Serum, which combines a potent concentration of vitamin C with ferulic acid and vitamin E. These ingredients improve the efficacy of vitamin C, and also provide their own antioxidant benefits.
Fine lines are also more prominent when the skin is dehydrated, so it’s important to use products that keep your skin’s hydration levels in check. A hyaluronic acid serum (such as the Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum) is an excellent addition to anyone’s routine. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps it retain moisture in the long run. These types of serums are also gentle on the skin and layer well with other active ingredients (like vitamin C and retinol), so they’re easy to work into any routine.
