How to Smooth Out Laugh Lines

There are many kinds of fine lines people seek to soften and smooth as they age, and for some, laugh lines are high on the list. Laugh lines, also known as smile lines or nasolabial folds, are the lines and creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. "They are typically more pronounced when a person smiles or laughs, hence the name,'" says Shereene Idriss, MD. "It's a natural part of the aging process, and as we get wiser in life, they do become more noticeable." 

Over time, laugh lines become more pronounced for a number of reasons. "Laugh lines commonly appear as you age [due to] losing volume in the face and decreasing levels of collagen and elastin, which causes the skin to crease more easily," adds Dendy Engelman, MD. "These creases become more noticeable and permanent as the skin ages, depending on a variety of factors."

While laugh lines are a natural part of aging, there are ways to help prevent them and reduce their appearance if they're a concern. Ahead, find a breakdown of what causes laugh lines and how best to treat them.

Meet the expert

• Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology.
• Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic.

Causes of Laugh Lines

There are many factors that contribute to the appearance of laugh lines. "It's a natural part of the aging process and with that comes loss of collagen and elastin, which gives your skin that bounce," says Dr. Idriss. "Reduced hydration in the skin as we age also makes lines and wrinkles more prominent." 

There are also factors that you can't control, such as genetics. "Genetics do play a role in how your skin ages and where wrinkles and lines tend to develop," she adds. "Chances are if your parents or grandparents have prominent laugh lines, you're prone to have them as well." 

Dr. Engelman agrees and adds that your diet, weight changes, smoking, and sun damage can also contribute to the formation of these lines. 

How to Prevent Laugh Lines

Because laugh lines are a natural part of aging, you can only really prevent them from appearing prematurely. Dr. Idriss says that factors that accelerate aging include sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet. So you'll want to keep these things to a minimum. "Wearing sunscreen, not smoking, and maintaining a balanced diet can go a long way in preventing pronounced laugh lines," she says. 

Dr. Engelman adds that the use of over-the-counter retinols are a great preventive measure against laugh lines as retinol is known for its anti-aging properties and will help stimulate collagen. You'll also want to look to hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and peptides, to improve your skin's elasticity in your daily routine. 

At-Home Treatments for Laugh Lines

When it comes to at-home treatments to treat laugh lines, Dr. Idriss advises against anything gimmicky. She emphasizes that at the end of the day, sticking to a curated skincare routine with the right ingredients will make the biggest difference.

"You want to incorporate collagen-boosting ingredients into your skincare routine like retinoids or over-the-counter retinol; this will help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boost collagen production in the process," she says. "Second, antioxidants like vitamin C can help protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and may support collagen production."  

Dr. Dendy agrees and recommends a targeted treatment like the Sio Beauty Eye & Smile SuperLift to smooth out these fine lines. "They are made with 100% medical-grade silicone, which compresses the skin and replenishes moisture, plumps the skin, and help soften the look of laugh lines," she explains.

Last but certainly not least is a step that you should always take: wear sunscreen. "Sun exposure can accelerate the aging process of the skin and make laugh lines more prominent," says Dr. Engelman. "So if not for your health, wear it for vanity's sake."

In-Office Procedures for Laugh Lines

For in-office procedures that help reduce the appearance of laugh lines, you have a couple of options. Dr. Engelman says that injectable derma fillers made of hyaluronic acid, like Juvederm, are one of the most popular treatments that smooth laugh lines without undergoing surgery. Derma fillers plump the skin and improve the contours of your face, and they can be used in tandem with Botox injections, which relax the muscles to smooth out lines and make them less prominent.

Another option to explore is laser treatments. Dr. Idriss says that Fraxel, which uses light energy on targeted areas beneath the skin's surface, helps stimulate collagen production and plump up the skin to smooth out fine lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can laugh lines be completely eliminated?

  The short answer to this is no. But there are methods—both at-home and in-office—that can reduce their appearance. "I tell my patients that while injectables, lasers, and other professional treatment methods can significantly improve the appearance of laugh lines, it can be hard to completely eliminate them depending on the severity," says Dr. Engelman. 

• What is the best treatment option for laugh lines?

  Dr. Engelman says that this is dependent on each person, so it's best to consult your dermatologist for the best game plan for you and your skin. “It depends on the skin's condition, quality, and the severity of your folds, as well as your goals,” she says.

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