Marionette lines are commonly called “laugh lines” or “smile lines” that appear vertically around the mouth and chin. They can make you look like you have a frown on your face. The skin around your mouth is thinner compared to the rest of your face, making it easier for these lines to form as facial volume minimizes with age. There are treatments that allow us to help treat these.
How to Treat Marionette Lines
If you’re already dealing with marionette lines, there are ways to help minimize and treat them. An effective solution for around the mouth and eyes is BOTOX® Cosmetic. It works by relaxing the muscle underneath your skin, smoothing out its appearance. It is particularly effective for marionette lines before they become deeply set, and by consistently treating them (every 4-6 months) you can help prevent them from further deepening.
How to Prevent Marionette Lines
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent them, but there are general everyday tips to help reduce marionette lines and the impact of aging on your skin.
Taking Care of Your Skin
Wearing sunscreen every day is a basic necessity for taking care of your skin. Make sure you use a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen and try to avoid being out in the sun during peak UV hours. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so even in the winter months, you want to limit exposure during these hours.
Another way to protect your skin is to have a daily skin care regimen using quality skin care products. Adding a product to your daily routine that contains vitamin C, peptides, retinol, or hyaluronic acid can help in maintaining skin’s elasticity.
Lastly, habits such as staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, all contribute not only to your general health, but to the health of your skin.
Visit Alaska Center for Dermatology to schedule an appointment with an experienced Provider to talk about marionette lines. You can make an appointment online or call us at 907.646.8500.