Expression lines, also known as frown lines, are what happens when you get into the habit of holding repeated expressions for a considerable length of time. We are talking about squinting, furrowing your brows, smiling or excessive frowning. Still, expression lines on face may be caused by several other related issues that we will get into in a few. The bottom line, however, is that no one really looks forward to the day expression wrinkles will have muddled their otherwise pristine complexion. Luckily, we have also compiled a few easy hacks on how to get rid of expression lines, both temporarily and permanently.
Table of Contents:
What are Expression Lines? The Different Types of Expression Lines
As the name suggests, expression lines are those wrinkles that are associated with laugh or smile lines. In most people, these wrinkles are the vertical lines that usually extend from the sides of your nose before curving around the mouth. Sometimes, they may extend downward to the chin, especially as one gets older. There are two types of expression lines.
The nasolabial crease – Found between the cheek and the upper lip
The nasolabial fold – This is the fold that is seen above the cheek and upper lip
Both develop progressively over time due to a combination of lifestyle/genetic factors and natural aging as we will see shortly.
What Causes Expression Lines Forehead?
Apart from aging, there are a few other varied reasons you may experience frown lines on your forehead. And this includes;
- Genetics: Here’s the thing; your DNA primarily determines whether or not you have the skin type that is resilient to fine lines. It is, consequently, not surprising to find out that some people have skin that is more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.
- Exposure to strong sunlight: Light-skinned people living in the tropics tend to have more creases on their forehead than those who live in more temperate climates. Apparently, it seems as if the UV rays from the sun contribute immensely to the breaking down of elastin and collagen which ultimately leads to expression lines on the forehead.
- Stress: Chronic stress is believed to cause facial tension that then triggers repeated facial expressions and frown lines forming as a result of this.
What Causes Creases Around the Mouth?
If you have recently started noticing creases around mouth, you could be guilty of one of the following;
- Smoking: The repeated and constant motion of smoking a cigar or cigarette can cause deep frown lines to form around the mouth. What’s more, the tobacco smoke that you are inhaling also causes fine lines and wrinkles since it is associated with the progressive narrowing of one’s blood vessels that then deliver even less oxygenated blood to the target tissues.
- Dehydration: Proper hydration is required to keep your skin cells plump and able to resist the formation of facial lines.
- Not using sunscreen: The sun’s injurious UV rays are extremely damaging to both collagen and elastin which are both responsible for keeping your skin taut and youthful.
How to Handle Horizontal Lines on Cheeks
The best way of handling horizontal lines on cheeks is by investing in a comprehensive skincare regimen that takes into account that your skin starts aging incrementally in your 20s and 30s before accelerating in your 30s. Maryann’s Collagen Cream combines a series of well-researched ingredients including hyaluronic acid and a complimentary collagen complex to defend against expression lines. Top this with a suitable anti-aging moisturizer supplemented with retinol for smile lines such as Bloommy’s Collagen & Retinol Cream for the face to give those skin cells the much-needed hydration boost to keep expression lines at bay.
Does Everyone Have Smile Lines? How to Get Rid of Expression Lines
Apart from makeup and cosmetic shadows, there is a more permanent way of how to hide smile lines. For starters, you have to remember that sooner or later everyone does have smile lines, particularly if they are fond of certain repetitive facial expressions. The only difference is just how conspicuous these fine lines are in the grand scheme of things. Here’s a quick recap of how to get rid and prevent the formation of fine lines.
- Get enough sleep
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and water
- Stop smoking and cut back on alcohol
- Use sunscreen every day even on overcast and cloudy days
- Moisturize at least 3 times a day, more on warmer, humid or sweaty days
- Regular exfoliation and facial scrubs are a must (at least once a week)
Final Thoughts
Expression lines are totally reversible. You, nonetheless, have to act sooner rather than later before they set in and become a permanent feature of your complexion.