Nasolabial folds Nasolabial folds are a major culprit in making the face look older than it actually is. As we age, collagen under the skin decreases, causing nasolabial folds to become deeper and more prominent. Sometimes, this can make the face look tired and worn out even before reaching that age. Many people start looking for ways to fix this problem, whether it's through basic skincare or various treatments that help fill in nasolabial folds and make the face look smoother.
Main Idea
- Nasolabial folds can be caused by various factors, including aging, facial bone resorption, changes in facial fat, stress, insufficient sleep, facial expressions, overly harsh cleansing, sun exposure, sleeping on your side, rapid weight loss, and smoking.
- Nasolabial folds can be treated quickly with methods such as Ulthera Potenza, filler injections to reduce nasolabial folds, Thermage HIFU, and fat grafting.
- Natural and inexpensive ways to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds (smile lines) can be done at home. These include using anti-wrinkle products, applying sunscreen daily, facial massage to reduce folds, avoiding sleeping on your side (which puts pressure on your face), taking supplements, drinking enough water, avoiding frowning or pouting, and performing facial muscle exercises.
Where exactly are the nasolabial folds located?
Nasolabial folds are lines or creases in the skin that extend diagonally from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. They are caused by the collapse of collagen, fat, and tissue in the skin layers as we age, resulting in noticeable folds on the face. Nasolabial folds can affect self-confidence regarding appearance and may also be a sign of declining skin elasticity. Currently, there are several ways to treat nasolabial folds, including moisturizing creams, facial massage, and supplements, as well as procedures such as Ultraformer and filler injections.
What causes nasolabial folds (smile lines)?
- age As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, causing the skin to lose firmness and elasticity. This results in sagging skin, wrinkles, and deep lines around the cheeks.
- Facial bone collapse As we age, the orbital bone and upper jawbone naturally thin or resorb. Therefore, as the bone base that once supported the tissues and skin collapses, the skin on top also sags, resulting in deep grooves or sunken areas beside the nose.
- Changes in facial fat. Normally, our faces have natural fat deposits that support and give the face a full appearance. Over time, these fat deposits in the cheek area atrophy and sag. The pressure from this sagging fat causes the nasolabial folds to appear deeper and thicker.
- Stress and insufficient rest. When people experience stress or don't get enough rest, their bodies release more cortisol, or the stress hormone. This hormone directly damages collagen and elastin in the skin, resulting in a loss of elasticity, a tired appearance, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Regular facial expressions For example, smiling, laughing, or frowning constantly uses the muscles that pull and tug at the corners of the mouth and cheeks. It's like a piece of paper being repeatedly folded; over time, these temporary folds become permanent wrinkles deeply embedded in the skin.
- Insufficient skin care. Not using skincare products or sunscreen may cause wrinkles around the nasolabial folds to appear earlier than usual.
- Cleansing the skin too harshly Using cleansers that leave your face feeling dry and tight, or rubbing your face vigorously with cotton pads, damages the skin's natural barrier and strips it of moisture. When this barrier is broken, the skin loses elasticity, leading to premature wrinkles.
- sunlight Sunlight is considered a major culprit in damaging the skin because its UV rays destroy collagen and elastin in the dermis, resulting in a loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles.
- Sleeping on your side Sleeping with your face down or pressing your side against the pillow in the same position every night creates pressure that causes your cheeks to wrinkle, forming deep lines around your cheeks.
- Rapid weight loss. Rapid weight loss causes the fat that previously supported the face to disappear quickly, leaving the skin unable to adapt and resulting in sagging.
- Smoking Cigarettes contain nicotine, which damages collagen and causes blood vessels to constrict, resulting in the skin being deprived of oxygen and nutrients.
The groove is clearly visible; urgent correction is needed.
Ulthera lifts and tightens cheek lines.
Ulthera is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that uses high-frequency waves to target the SMAS layer, which is the muscle and tissue layer beneath the dermis. These high-frequency waves generate heat, which stimulates the body to produce new collagen and elastin, resulting in firmer facial skin. Results become noticeable within 3-6 months and last for 1-2 years.
Potenza lifts and firms the cheek lines.
This treatment combines two technologies: Microneedling (using very small nano-needles) and Radiofrequency (RF) to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the deep layers of the skin. This results in fuller, firmer skin in areas with sagging cheeks and nasolabial folds, restoring tightness from within.
Filler injections to reduce nasolabial folds.
Filler injection for nasolabial folds This is another popular non-surgical facelift method. A specialist doctor injects a filler substance called hyaluronic acid to replace shrunken fat or bone structure, as well as to support lost skin structure. After filler injection, the face appears firmer, tighter, and more youthful-looking naturally. With proper post-injection care, the results of facelift with fillers can last up to 2 years.
Thermage skin tightening
This treatment uses radio frequency waves to penetrate the dermis and subcutaneous fat layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and resulting in a lifting and tightening effect. The results include firmer skin, reduced wrinkles, smoother skin texture, and a potential reduction in facial fat. However, it is important to avoid touching the treated area, refrain from using creams or cosmetics containing acids or alcohol, and drink plenty of water to maintain the longest-lasting results.
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) Skin Tightening
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a medical treatment that uses ultrasound waves to target the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer of the skin. These ultrasound waves cause the skin to contract, similar to sutures, resulting in a lifting and tightening effect, making the face appear younger. The effects of HIFU can last for 6-12 months.
Fat injection
This treatment involves using fat from the patient's own body and injecting it to fill in problem areas. The process involves the doctor harvesting fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and then preparing the fat by separating the purified fat cells before injecting them. This results in shallower nasolabial folds and a reduction in facial wrinkles.
How to naturally reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds.
Choosing the right products to reduce nasolabial folds.
For moisturizers or serums, look for ingredients like retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen production and replenish moisture. Proper skincare can help delay the appearance of wrinkles on the cheeks and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds in the long term.
Applying sunscreen every day.
UV radiation damages collagen in the skin, causing sagging and premature wrinkles.
Facial massage to reduce nasolabial folds
Massaging the face daily along the facial muscles stimulates blood circulation and relaxes contracted muscles in the cheek area, promoting relaxation and reducing repeated skin folding, which is a cause of nasolabial folds.
Avoid sleeping on your side and pressing your face down.
Sleeping on your side with your face buried in the pillow causes your cheeks to be pressed against the pillow, creating creases and wrinkles for 6-8 hours a day. It's recommended to sleep on your back or use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and pressure on the skin.
Taking dietary supplements.
Dietary supplements should contain ingredients such as collagen, vitamin C, vitamin E, or antioxidants that help nourish the skin from within.
Drinking enough water
Water is an essential component of the body. Dehydration leads to dry, wrinkled skin and a sagging complexion, resulting in more pronounced wrinkles and fine lines. Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily helps keep skin cells firm from within.
Avoid frowning or pouting.
Regularly pursing your lips, turning your mouth down, or sucking through a straw will repeatedly stress the muscles around your mouth, causing them to contract and creating prominent cheek folds.
Facial muscle exercises
This method helps strengthen the upper cheek muscles, preventing sagging and the formation of nasolabial folds. These three exercises can be performed alternately daily.
- Pose 1: The Balloon Pose Inflate your cheeks as much as possible, holding for 5-10 seconds. Then, shift the air to your left cheek and hold there, then move to your right cheek. Repeat this alternating cycle 5 times. This exercise helps stretch the muscles and reduce tension in the skin around the mouth.
- Pose 2: The O and E poses. Open your mouth wide, forming a long "O" shape, feeling the tension in your cheek grooves. Hold for 5 seconds. Then, smile widely and pronounce the "E" sound, lifting your cheek muscles. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this 10 times.
- Pose 3: The cheek-lifting smile pose. Smile as wide as you can without pursing your lips. Then, using both index fingers, gently massage the area above the nasolabial folds and push upwards. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this 10 times.
