Ageing is a natural process, but let’s face it – most of us would prefer to slow it down, especially when it comes to our faces.
And if there’s one area that seems to age faster than we’d like, it’s the perioral region (that’s the fancy term for the area around your mouth). Those tiny fine lines, marionette wrinkles, and thinning lips seem to have their own agenda. But don’t fret – there’s hope yet! Let’s dive into the delightful world of perioral ageing, exploring what it is, why it happens, and how you can keep your smile looking as youthful as ever.
What is Perioral Aging?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s break down what perioral ageing really means. Perioral ageing refers to the visible signs of ageing that show up around your mouth. This can include fine lines above the lips (sometimes called smoker’s lines), laughter lines (nasolabial folds), and marionette lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin. These signs are often among the first to appear, which can be a bit frustrating, especially when your eyes still feel 25 but your smile says otherwise.
Why Does Perioral Aging Happen?
Now, you might be wondering why the skin around your mouth seems to betray you before other areas. The answer lies in the structure of the skin itself. The perioral area is constantly in motion – whether you’re talking, eating or smiling. All that movement causes wear and tear on the skin, which is already thinner and more delicate than other areas of the face. Add in a little sun exposure, a sprinkle of gravity, and maybe a pinch of genetics, and voila – you’ve got yourself some perioral ageing.
But wait, there’s more! Other factors that accelerate perioral ageing include smoking, dehydration, and even the way you sleep. If you’re a side sleeper who smooshes your face into the pillow, you might be speeding up the process without even realising it.
Tips and Tricks to Slow Down Perioral Ageing
The good news? You can fight back! While we can’t stop time, there are plenty of things you can do to keep the area around your mouth looking youthful.
- Sunscreen is Your BFF – If you do nothing else, slap on some sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays are a major culprit when it comes to ageing skin, and the perioral area is no exception. Make SPF a daily habit, even in the winter.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate – Keeping your skin moisturised is key to preventing wrinkles. Drink plenty of water, and use a good quality moisturiser to keep the skin around your mouth plump and happy.
- Lip Service – Don’t forget about your lips! Use a hydrating lip balm, especially one with SPF, to protect against sun damage and keep your lips soft and smooth.
- Consider Retinoids – Retinoids are a gold standard in anti-aging skincare. They help increase cell turnover and collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Just be sure to start slow – retinoids can be potent!
- Professional Help – If creams and serums aren’t cutting it, there are always professional treatments to consider. At Face Medical in Heywood, near Manchester, a wide range of anti-ageing procedures are available to help smooth out those pesky lines, including: anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, lip augmentation, microneedling, polynucleotides, fractional skin resurfacing, regenerative skin boosters, and ZO Skin Health advanced skincare.
All you need to do is book a private consultation with one of our highly trained practitioners, and we can provide a personalised treatment plan that rejuvenates and refreshes your look.
Embrace the Process
At the end of the day, ageing is a privilege, and those lines around your mouth are a testament to a life well-lived. While it’s perfectly okay to want to keep them at bay, remember to embrace the process. Smile lines mean you’ve been smiling, after all! With a little care and attention, you can ensure that your perioral area ages as gracefully as the rest of you.