As we age, every square inch of our skin changes as it loses volume and elasticity. And sadly, our lips are no different. Over the years, most people will start to notice changes in the lips and mouth area. These signs of aging around the mouth is natural and happens to everyone eventually. But for patients concerned about these visible changes to the lips, be aware that cosmetic treatments are available to rejuvenate the mouth area. Below we take a quick look at how lips age and how these signs can be addressed.

The Lips Thin with Age

When girls reach age 14 and boys reach age 16, the lips have usually reached their full thickness and size. And from this point on, the lips slowly begin to lose thickness and volume. As you age, you may notice that your lips flatten and become less visible, particularly when you smile. The result is, as you age, your teeth and gums appear more prominent when you smile.

Why Do the Lips Thin?

So why exactly do the lips and mouth area get thinner with age? The drop in collagen production that occurs naturally with the aging process is the primary culprit. Once you are in your 20s, the amount of collagen that your body produces reduces by about 1 to 2 percent every year.

So what is collagen anyways? Collagen is a key protein that contributes volume and firmness to the skin. It provides the skin structure and is vital in the production of hyaluronic acid and elastin. In turn, hyaluronic acid and elastin are crucial to the skin’s volume, structure, and hydration. So with less collagen, the skin can begin to lose volume and sag. And when it comes to the lips, less collagen production leads to thinning lips.

Another major cause of thinning lips is sun damage. Sun damage to the skin accumulates as the years add up, eventually leading to visible signs of aging. It’s key to note that you can prevent UV damage to the lips by wearing a lip balm with SPF whenever you go outside. Don’t forget this important habit!

Counteracting Signs of Aging in the Lips

If you’re struggling with signs of aging in the lips and mouth area, like so many of us do, dermal fillers that are targeted to treat the lips and mouth are available to assist. Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Kysse are two leading dermal fillers designed to restore volume in the lips for a plumper, more youthful appearance. These fillers work with hyaluronic acid as the primary ingredient. These dermal fillers will counteract volume loss, as well as resolve the fine lines around the mouth, without the need for surgery.

Conclusion

For all but a very few of us, our lips will gradually lose their youthful volume over time, and fine vertical lines will also appear along the lips. This is caused primarily by a lack of collagen and hydration.  But rest assured, there are dermal fillers designed specifically to address the lips and mouth area. These fillers will hydrate the lips, adding lost volume and resolving those age-revealing vertical lip lines.