How to Support Laugh Lines Around the Mouth
Laugh lines are a natural sign of a life filled with expression, but you may still want them to look softer and less noticeable.
Also known as smile lines or nasolabial folds, laugh lines run from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth. While skincare cannot completely remove deeper folds, the right routine can help hydrate, plump and smooth the skin so fine lines appear less prominent.
Here is how to reduce the appearance of laugh lines around the mouth while supporting firmer, healthier-looking skin.
What Causes Laugh Lines Around the Mouth?
Laugh lines develop partly because of repeated facial expressions such as smiling, talking and laughing.
When we are younger, the skin usually springs back quickly after each expression. Over time, natural changes in collagen, elastin, facial volume and skin hydration can cause these folds to become more noticeable, even when the face is relaxed.
Other factors that can make laugh lines appear more prominent include:
- Sun exposure
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Natural loss of firmness and elasticity
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Repeated facial movement
- Changes in facial volume
- An inconsistent skincare routine
Laugh lines are completely normal and can occur in people of all ages, although they often deepen over time.
Can You Completely Get Rid of Laugh Lines?
Skincare can help soften the appearance of fine lines and improve overall firmness, hydration and texture. However, it cannot permanently remove deep nasolabial folds or replace lost facial volume.
Over-the-counter skincare products generally create gradual, subtle improvements rather than results comparable to cosmetic procedures.
The aim of a supportive skincare routine is to help the area look:
- Smoother
- Plumper
- More hydrated
- Firmer
- Fresher and more radiant
Consistency is essential, as visible improvements in firmness and texture take time.
How to Reduce the Appearance of Laugh Lines
1. Keep the Skin Deeply Hydrated
Dehydration can make fine lines appear deeper and more noticeable.
Hydrating ingredients help attract and retain moisture, creating a plumper and smoother-looking surface. Moisturisers can temporarily soften the appearance of small lines by trapping water within the skin.
Our 4D Hyaluronic Acid Serum uses different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deliver multi-level hydration and help the complexion appear softer, bouncier and more refreshed.
Apply it to clean, slightly damp skin before your treatment serum and moisturiser.
2. Seal in Hydration With a Firming Moisturiser
A serum should always be followed with moisturiser to help seal in hydration and support the skin barrier.
The Firming Peptide Moisturiser has been created to support smoother, firmer and more resilient-looking skin.
Its peptide-powered formula includes Argireline® Amplified, Uplevity™ e-Lift, Cutifine™ CLR and Pentavitin® to help improve the look of firmness while delivering long-lasting hydration.
Use it morning and evening, paying particular attention to the cheeks and area surrounding the mouth.
SHOP FIRMING PEPTIDE MOISTURISER
The Complete Firming Peptide Routine
For best results, use the Firming Peptide Range as part of a consistent morning and evening routine.
Morning routine
1. Gentle cleanser
2. 4D Hyaluronic Acid Serum
3. Firming Peptide Eye Cream
4. Firming Peptide Moisturiser
5. Broad-spectrum SPF
Evening routine
1. Gentle cleanser
2. AHA Exfoliating Lotion two to three times per week
3. 4D Hyaluronic Acid Serum
4. Firming Peptide Eye Cream
5. Firming Peptide Moisturiser
4. Wear SPF Every Day
Daily sun protection is one of the most important steps for preventing existing lines from becoming more noticeable.
UV exposure contributes to the breakdown of the structures that give skin its strength and elasticity. This can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles, sagging and uneven texture.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning and reapply as directed when spending time outdoors.
Also support your SPF with:
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Shade
- Protective clothing
- Avoiding unnecessary direct sun exposure
5. Exfoliate Gently
Gentle exfoliation can help smooth dull surface build-up and improve the appearance of uneven texture around the mouth.
Our AHA Exfoliating Lotion can be used two to three evenings per week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
Avoid applying excessive amounts or combining too many active products at once. Over-exfoliating can cause dryness and irritation, which may make fine lines look more obvious.
Dermatologists also caution that using several anti-ageing products at once can irritate the skin rather than improve its appearance.
6. Apply Your Products Correctly
How you apply your skincare can make your routine feel more comfortable and luxurious.
Rather than pulling the skin downwards:
1. Apply your serum using gentle pressing motions.
2. Smooth moisturiser upwards and outwards.
3. Avoid aggressively rubbing the mouth area.
4. Allow each layer to absorb before applying the next.
5. Use only the recommended amount of product.
Facial massage may temporarily help the complexion appear refreshed, but it will not permanently remove laugh lines.
7. Avoid Habits That Accelerate Skin Ageing
Smoking and unprotected sun exposure can contribute to premature skin ageing and more prominent wrinkles.
Supporting your skin also means:
- Avoiding smoking
- Eating a balanced diet
- Getting adequate sleep
- Drinking enough water
- Managing excessive sun exposure
- Following a consistent skincare routine
These habits will not erase existing folds, but they can help support the overall health and appearance of your skin.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Hydrating products may make the skin feel softer and look plumper soon after application.
Visible improvements in firmness, elasticity, expression lines and texture usually require consistent use over several weeks. Results will vary depending on your age, skin condition, lifestyle and the depth of your laugh lines.
Take progress photos in the same position and lighting every few weeks rather than checking the mirror daily.
What About Makeup Settling Into Laugh Lines?
If foundation tends to gather around your smile lines, skincare preparation can make a significant difference.
Before applying makeup:
1. Hydrate with your serum.
2. Apply a thin layer of moisturiser.
3. Allow skincare to absorb.
4. Use lightweight layers of foundation.
5. Avoid placing too much setting powder around the mouth.
6. Gently press away excess product with a damp sponge.
Heavy foundation or excessive powder may make lines appear more noticeable.
The Best Skincare for Laugh Lines Around the Mouth
You may not be able to completely remove laugh lines with skincare, but you can help them appear softer by focusing on hydration, peptides, firmness and daily sun protection.
The Lust Minerals Firming Peptide Range has been created to support skin that feels less firm, less bouncy or no longer looks the way it used to.
For a simple targeted routine, combine:
Your expressions tell your story. The goal is not to erase them, it is to help your skin look smooth, supported and radiant through every stage.
SHOP THE FIRMING PEPTIDE RANGE
