Nasolabial folds—commonly known as “smile lines” or “laugh lines”—are the creases that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. While they’re a natural part of facial anatomy and often deepen with age.
They can become more pronounced due to lifestyle, environmental factors, and loss of skin elasticity. Thankfully, there are both natural approaches and medical treatments available to minimize their appearance and promote smoother, younger-looking skin.
We’ll explore what causes nasolabial folds and how to reduce them using both non-invasive, natural methods and professional treatment options.
What Causes Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds are caused by several factors:
Aging: As we age, collagen and elastin production decrease, leading to sagging skin and deeper folds.
Sun Exposure: UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers.
Facial Expressions: Repeated smiling and laughing contribute to the formation of these lines.
Loss of Fat Volume: With age, facial fat redistributes and diminishes, making folds more prominent.
Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and damages skin structure.
Genetics: Some people are more predisposed to deeper folds due to their facial structure.
Natural Ways to Reduce Nasolabial Folds
1. Facial Exercises
Facial yoga and targeted exercises can tone the muscles around the mouth and cheeks, improving firmness.
Try this simple move:
Puff your cheeks out with air.
Move the air from one cheek to the other.
Repeat for 1–2 minutes daily.
Another effective move is to smile widely while pressing down gently on the folds with your fingers to create resistance. Hold the smile for 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.
2. Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for maintaining skin elasticity. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin plump and reduce the appearance of lines.
3. Use Natural Oils
Natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or rosehip seed oil are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that support skin repair.
Apply a few drops daily, massaging gently into the folds.
Use at night for deep absorption.
4. Incorporate Antioxidants
Eating foods high in antioxidants or applying topical antioxidant serums (like Vitamin C) can help protect your skin from damage and stimulate collagen production.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is key to maintaining skin health. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are particularly beneficial for collagen synthesis and skin repair. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and nuts help keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Foods to include in your diet:
Vitamin A-rich foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Sun Protection
Sun exposure is one of the primary causes of premature aging and deepening of nasolabial folds. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is essential for reducing the appearance of these folds.
Sun protection tips:
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for extra protection.
Professional Treatments for Nasolabial Folds
While natural remedies can help reduce the appearance of folds, more pronounced folds may benefit from professional treatments. These treatments provide faster, more noticeable results, often with minimal downtime.
1. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid-based products (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane), are one of the most popular options for reducing folds. They work by adding volume to the skin, which smooths out wrinkles and restores a youthful appearance. The results can last from 6 months to a year, depending on the product used.
Benefits:
Immediate results.
Minimal downtime and non-invasive.
Little to no risk of scarring.
2. Botox
While Botox is typically used for wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, it can also be used in the nasolabial area to relax the muscles that contribute to the deepening of the folds. The treatment is often used in conjunction with dermal fillers for a more comprehensive result.
Benefits:
Non-invasive procedure.
Results can last 3-6 months.
Relatively quick procedure with minimal downtime.
3. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing treatments, such as CO2 or erbium lasers, stimulate collagen production by targeting the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, including nasolabial.
Benefits:
Stimulates collagen production.
Long-lasting results.
Effective for improving overall skin texture.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling involves tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin, which trigger the body’s natural healing process. This promotes collagen and elastin production, helping to improve skin tone, texture, and the appearance of folds. Microneedling can be performed alone or combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for enhanced results.
Benefits:
Improves skin texture and elasticity.
Minimal downtime.
Helps with other skin concerns like acne scars and fine lines.
5. Ultrasound Therapy (Ultherapy)
Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, resulting in firmer and tighter skin. This treatment is particularly effective for sagging and is commonly used to target areas like the cheeks, jawline, and folds.
Benefits:
Non-invasive.
No downtime.
Results continue to improve over 2-3 months.
Consulting with a Professional
Before undergoing any professional treatments, it’s important to consult with a licensed dermatologist or aesthetician. They can assess your skin’s condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options based on your needs and goals.
Conclusion
Nasolabial folds are a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply accept them. Whether you prefer to adopt natural methods or explore professional treatments, there are a variety of ways to reduce the appearance of these lines.
By staying consistent with hydration, using skin-nourishing ingredients, and protecting your skin from sun damage, you can maintain a more youthful, radiant complexion. For those seeking faster results, dermal fillers, Botox, and other advanced treatments offer effective, non-invasive solutions. Whatever path you choose, remember that maintaining healthy habits is key to supporting long-term skin health and beauty.
