Almost everyone has smile lines. Smile lines are natural anatomical features on the human face that appear when a person smiles or laughs.

Smile lines are also called nasolabial folds. The clarity of the folds or smile lines may vary from person to person. Some people may have folds that are more prominent and look deeper. This is due to a variety of different factors.

Some people may dislike smile lines because they affect their appearance. Through specific procedures, it is possible to conceal and diminish these smile lines.

Factors and causes of smile lines: what you need to know

Everyone's smile lines are affected by several different factors and causes, including:

Aging

As we age, the natural process of aging leads to a decrease in collagen and elastin production in the skin. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give the skin its elasticity, strength and ability to maintain its shape. When collagen and elastin production decreases, the skin becomes less elastic and more prone to wrinkles and sagging. This also causes smile lines to look more pronounced.

Smoking

Smoking may lead to negative effects on the skin, including skin discoloration, loose eye bags, sagging jawline, more pronounced smile lines or facial wrinkles. This is due to exposure to cigarette smoke which can destroy important proteins in the skin such as collagen and elastin.

Sun exposure damages

Excessive sun exposure can cause skin damage including melanin, collagen and elastin. The main function of melanin is to protect the skin from the adverse effects of UV rays. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, the melanin produced by the skin absorbs most of the UV rays and prevents DNA damage to skin cells.

However, when the skin is exposed to excessive amounts of UV light and too often, the skin burns, then collagen and elastin are damaged, the skin becomes dry, wrinkled and loses its elasticity.

Weight loss and gain

Significant weight changes in both loss and gain can affect the appearance of smile lines. As a person loses more weight, the skin sags and loses fatty tissue in the facial area. Conversely, weight gain can lead to an increase in facial volume, which then accentuates creases or smile lines.

How to reduce smile lines

Thanks to advances in technology, smile lines that some people think affect appearance can be reduced. Here are some treatments that can help reduce smile lines, among others:

Skincare

Using skincare products that contain ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid can help improve skin elasticity and reduce smile lines and frown lines on the face.

Filler injection

Filler injections, such as hyaluronic acid, can help fill and flatten smile lines for a smoother skin appearance.

Botox

Botox injections can help reduce smile lines and other frown lines on the face that you want to conceal. Botox works by blocking signals from nerves to muscles so that the injected muscles do not contract, becoming more relaxed and softened.

Surgery

Aesthetic surgery can help transform the skin and underlying tissues so that frown lines, including smile lines, can be reduced.

Smile lines on the face are actually not something that is dangerous or can affect health. However, if you feel that smile lines are affecting your appearance and making you feel less confident, you should consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. You can access our health consultation services by downloading the Ai Care app from the App Store or Play Store.

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