Treatment for Smoker’s Lines 

What Are “Smoker’s Lines” and the Most Effective Treatments for Them?

Smoker’s lines, also known as lipstick lines, are wrinkles between the upper lip and nose, presenting a common ageing concern. Despite their name, these fine vertical lines around the mouth are not exclusive to smoker’s and can be a visible sign of ageing, impacting the overall youthful appearance of the skin. Concealing them with makeup can be challenging; in some cases, makeup may accentuate the lines. Various cosmetic treatments are available to address and diminish the appearance of smoker’s lines, offering a more effective solution than attempting to cover them with makeup.

Understanding Smoker’s Lines

Smoker’s lines are refined, and vertical wrinkles extending from the lip to the nose can affect the upper and lower lips. These lines can create an uneven and aged look, even though they are relatively small. While not medically problematic, smoker’s lines can significantly impact facial aesthetics, making individuals appear tired or older.

Causes of Smoker’s Lines

The name “smoker’s lines” may suggest a direct association with smoking, but other factors contribute to their formation. Ageing is a natural culprit, leading to reduced collagen and elastin production, essential for maintaining skin plumpness and elasticity. Specific lip movements, such as pursing lips while smoking or engaging in other activities like drinking through a straw, can accelerate the development of these lines. Sun exposure and genetic factors also play a role in their formation.

Prevention of Smoker’s Lines

Preventing smoker’s lines involves adopting certain practices:

1. Quit all forms of smoking, including vaping.
2. Limit the use of straws or bottles for drinking.
3. Apply SPF around the mouth and use lip balm with SPF.
4. Keep the lips moisturised and maintain adequate hydration.

Treatment Options for Smoker’s Lines

Several cosmetic treatments effectively target smoker’s lines, each with its own set of benefits:

1. Muscle relaxing injections: Ideal for subtle lines or preventive measures, Anti-wrinkle injections can soften the muscles responsible for the puckering expression associated with smoker’s lines.
2. Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing: This minimally invasive procedure removes damaged skin cells, promotes the regeneration of healthier skin cells, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Polynucleotides: A revolutionary anti-ageing treatment derived from Salmon DNA, Polynucleotides stimulate skin renewal, induce collagen production, and offer long-lasting rejuvenation.
4. Radiofrequency Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best treatment for smoker’s depends on individual preferences and our clinic Nurse Rebecca and Doctor Savan’s recommendations. Consultation with our skincare specialists and/or Doctors and nurses in our Norwich skin clinic can help determine the most suitable option based on specific conditions and desired results.

If you’re ready to address smoker’s lines, contact our Norwich Clinic to schedule a consultation and explore the available treatment options tailored to your needs.