How to Smooth Wrinkles at the Corners of the Mouth

How to Smooth Wrinkles at the Corners of the Mouth
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As the skin ages, wrinkles form. Wrinkles around the corners of the mouth are caused by a variety of factors, including smoking and sun exposure, according to MedlinePlus. Repeating facial expressions also causes wrinkles in the corner of your mouth. Each time you use muscles in your face, a groove develops under the skin. As the skin ages, it loses its ability to bounce back into place, according to MayoClinic.com. Fortunately, treatments are available to smooth out wrinkles at the corners of your mouth.

Step 1

Use non-prescription creams to smooth out mouth wrinkles. Choose products with effective ingredients such as copper peptides, retinol, kinetin and coenzyme, recommends MayoClinic.com. Apply topical creams as directed. If you discontinue using the cream, wrinkles may come back.

Step 2

Apply topical medications. Visit your dermatologist and request a prescription for retinoids to smooth out wrinkles. Tazarotene and tretinoin are commonly prescribed to get rid of wrinkles at the corner of the mouth. Apply as directed and report burning, tingling or excessive redness to your doctor, recommends MayoClinic.com.

Step 3

Request dermabrasion to smooth out wrinkles around your mouth. Dermabrasion is performed by your dermatologist and removes the top layer of skin. As a result, new skin grows, providing a less wrinkled appearance. Expect the area to be red after treatment. Multiple treatments may be required, according to MayoClinic.com.

Step 4

Use laser light treatments. A laser wounds the wrinkles in the corner of the mouth by heating deep layers of the skin. As a result, new collagen grows, providing a smoother and tighter appearance. Several laser treatments are typically required to achieve the desired results, according to MayoClinic.com.

Step 5

Use a chemical peel to burn off wrinkled skin. Your dermatologist will apply an acidic solution on wrinkles around the corners of your mouth. New skin that is less wrinkled will grow and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Typically, more than one chemical peel is required, according to MayoClinic.com. Your doctor will examine your wrinkles to determine the number of treatments you'll need.

Tips and Warnings

  • Apply sun protection each day to minimize the risk of new wrinkles. Choose skincare products with a sun protection of at least 15, recommends MayoClinic.com. Sun protection should protect from UVA and UVB rays.
  • Smoking is linked to wrinkles around the corners of the mouth. Reduce your risk of forming new wrinkles by giving up cigarettes. This will improve your skin's texture and tone, according to MayoClinc.com.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Slough Last updated on: Oct 5, 2010

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