Did you know that lips are the one of the first areas to show signs of aging? With time, our lips begin to lose volume and lines start to form on and around the soft tissue area. The results of aging can be harsh on the lips as collagen breaks down and slowly diminishes over time. This leads to thinner, more visibly lined lips that often look flatter as we age. According to research, the blood vessels (vermillion) bordering the lips weaken over time resulting in loss of color.

Genetics plays a big role in how our lips age, but there are things that can be done to protect the area. Studies show that UV damage is the most notorious cause of aging lips, with smoking as a close second. Applying SPF 30 or higher protects your lips from the sun and is best way to slow down the progression of aging lips and lessen your chances of getting lip cancer. Many lipsticks now contain SPF, but remember to reapply throughout the day as eating and drinking removes products from the lips. If lipstick isn’t your thing, wear lip sunscreen.

But what if you have already noticed signs of aging on your lips? Or perhaps you want to slow down aging lips. No worries! There are things that can be done to address lip thinning and lip lines.

Caring for Your Lips with Age

1. Hyaluronic acid acts a natural lip plumper and combats lip lines. This topical agent works to hydrate the lips providing shape and volume. My go-to HA lip balm is perfect for everyday use! Another product I love and comes in a trio with Vitamin C and retinol. Vitamin C stimulates lip collagen providing you with nourishing, hydrated lips (perfect for winter months!). Retinol works to prevent premature aging so when using retinol, be sure and apply the hydrating agent to keep lips from feeling chapped and dry! The trio is an oil so a little goes a long way! And you can use it on your face and neck area.
2. Peptides have restorative abilities that work by strengthening the essential substructure of the skin. They work to increase blood flow and circulation. Peptides may also be used on the outside lip line to boost the collagen around the mouth to provide an even fuller lip area. The best peptide lip treatment I’ve found is Dermilogica Renewal Lip Complex. It does wonders for the lips by keeping them protected, hydrated, and voluminous. Be sure and order a couple because this product stays sold out!
3. If your lips are prone to dryness, apply a morning lubricant (emollient) to your lips to lock in moisture. Doing so before heading out will keep moisture from escaping the lips, giving a softer and more plush pout.

Aging lips are a multi component mixture of factors comprised of genetics, self-care, and environmental effects. Using these products concurrently will provide you with the best results and preserve the youthful appearance of lips. While there are advanced lip treatments available, it is always best to naturally protect and preserve the lips first, as fillers and laser treatments can be costly and require more downtime.