Full, well-defined lips are considered a sign of youth, beauty, and sensuality. Unfortunately, lips lose volume over time as a result of aging. The volume loss is due to the natural degradation of collagen and elastin and a decrease in moisture levels.
And the aging process doesn’t end there. Studies have shown that significant skeletal, facial, and other soft tissue changes continue from mid-adulthood (22 to 45 years old) into old age (80+ years old). The facial profile becomes flatter as the nose gains more prominence and the lower part of the face becomes shorter. The naso-labial (“naso” – nose; “labial” – lip) complex rotates clockwise resulting in a longer upper lip, and thus less tooth display when your lips are at rest and during smiling.
But there are also three important factors that can accelerate the process—excessive sun exposure, genetics and smoking. Since two of these instigators are completely preventable, it’s imperative to wear an SPF 15 daily on the lips (one that also moisturizes is best) and avoid the less-than-healthy lifestyle habit of smoking.
How to reduce lip lines and volume loss?
Temporary lip enhancement techniques can help you look younger by plumping the lips and redefining their natural outline. These techniques are simple, safe, and effective solutions. Most can be performed in a very short amount of time. Temporary lip enhancement works to naturally enhance your lips giving long-lasting, yet non-permanent results:
1) Peptide Lip Therapy by PCA – hydrates lips to minimize lines and wrinkles.
2) Dermal Fillers – enhance volume and soften upper lip wrinkles.
3) Fractionated Laser Resurfacing – stimulates collagen production to reduce the appearance of lip lines.