How to Treat Wrinkles Above Your Lips, According to a Dermatologist

Get Fillers

One of the most common solutions to unwanted aging signs is injectables—specifically hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. "Fillers can be used to soften the appearance of lip lines," Dr. Camp explains. "These products make the etch mark of the wrinkle less pronounced. The effects can last six to twelve months."

The amount of filler you'll need to use varies from case to case—and your dermatologist can help you decide exactly which problem areas you want to be addressed. (Read up on injectables with our guide to fillers.)

Give Yourself an Oil Massage

For an easy—albeit unconventional—at-home treatment, you can give yourself a mini facial with an ultra-hydrating oil. 

Oils are famously revered for their anti-aging benefits—they fight free-radical damage to cells and are typically rich in antioxidants. Most importantly, moisturizing is the best thing you can do for your skin to prevent wrinkles. 

Technically, you can use anything from coconut oil to grapeseed oil to olive oil—really, any oil will do the trick. (If you prefer to keep those ingredients in the kitchen, you can find our favorite facial oils here.) Just massage a generous amount onto the fine lines around your lip area using your fingertips and leave it on overnight for a plumper appearance. 

Try Laser Resurfacing

Lasers can be used to treat many skin issues, from sunspots and acne scars to stretch marks and skin growths—and, most pertinently, fine lines and wrinkles. "Ablative lasers, such as a CO2 laser, can also be used to treat lip lines," Dr. Camp adds. "Ablative lasers damage both the epidermis and dermis, and in doing so stimulate wound healing and collagen production. The effect is to tighten the skin and make the lines less visible."

There are tons of different types of laser treatments—with different price points and necessary downtime—and you should consult with your dermatologist to find the right one for you. 

Use a Collagen-Based Serum

Like hyaluronic acid, collagen is something our bodies produce less of as we get older. 

And you’ve certainly heard this before: It’s one of the most important proteins for promoting healthy skin—as well as banishing wrinkles and dryness. Collagen plays a pivotal role in maintaining our connective tissues and muscles and boosting our skin’s elasticity and hydration. 

To keep up with the collagen, try a night serum that’s rich and abundant in it. (You can find our faves here.) Apply it every night after cleansing and toning, and follow it with an ultra-hydrating moisturizer as an easy, at-home routine that should—over time—reduce those fine lines. 

Try Microneedling

"Microneedling can be done to target the dermal tissue and cause small injuries in the skin," Dr. Camp notes. "This triggers the body's repair mechanisms to produce new collagen, which makes skin look smoother in appearance." (You can read more about the process—including the downsides and potential side effects—here.)

Again, this is a professional treatment you should only consider after speaking with a dermatologist. While we love at-home microneedling tools, if misused, you risk scarring and infection; therefore, it might be best to stick with the pros if it's your first time. 

Use Vitamin C

"Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free oxygen radicals,
which form as a result of UV exposure and normal metabolism," Dr. Camp shares. "The oxidative stress these molecules cause can contribute to premature
aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots."

Wear SPF Daily

The importance of sunscreen can never be overstated—especially when it comes to preventing wrinkles. "Sun protection, in the form of an SPF moisturizer, is important to mitigate the effects of UV radiation," Dr. Camp says. "UV rays contribute to the formation of fine lines because they accelerate the collagen and elastin degradation process."

Incorporate Retinol Into Your Routine

"When used consistently, retinols can stimulate collagen production," Dr. Camp says. "This can help lessen the appearance of fine lines by keeping skin firm."

Try Neurotoxin Injections

Neurotoxins, like Botox, can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles." Neurotoxins can be injected into the muscle that surrounds the lips, the orbicularis oris, to soften the appearance of lip lines," Dr. Camp says. "By limiting the muscle's ability to contract, lip lines become less pronounced, and the skin looks smoother."

Talk to your dermatologist about all your options— you can also read the beginner's guide to preventative Botox here.