How to Get Rid of Smile Lines: Causes, Treatments and Prevention
Smile lines, also called laugh lines, are folds and wrinkles that develop around the nose and mouth. They become more noticeable as skin loses collagen and elasticity with age, while repeated facial movement, sun exposure, genetics, and changes in facial volume can contribute to their appearance.
Skincare can help improve the appearance of fine smile lines by supporting hydration, collagen, skin texture, and protection from further photodamage. Ingredients such as retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and sunscreen can all play a role.
For deeper smile lines, skincare alone may not completely remove the fold. Professional treatments such as dermal fillers, microneedling, laser or other resurfacing procedures, and selected energy-based treatments may provide more noticeable correction depending on the cause and severity.
What Are Smile Lines?
Smile lines are facial folds that develop around the mouth and extend from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the lips. They are commonly called laugh lines or nasolabial folds.
Everyone develops some degree of facial lines with movement. Smiling, laughing, talking, and other expressions repeatedly fold the skin in the same areas. Over time, changes in collagen, elastin, skin thickness, hydration, and facial volume can make these folds more visible even when your face is at rest.
Smile lines are therefore not simply caused by smiling. They are the result of several structural and environmental changes that occur over time.
What Causes Smile Lines?
Several factors can contribute to smile lines and make them more noticeable.
Aging and Collagen Loss
Collagen and elastin provide structural support to the skin. As we age, collagen production decreases and the skin gradually loses some of its firmness and elasticity.
This can make previously temporary expression lines become more persistent.
Repeated Facial Movement
Every time you smile, laugh, speak, or make other facial expressions, the skin around the mouth folds. Repeated movement can contribute to lines becoming more visible over time.
However, smiling is not something you need to avoid. Facial expression is only one part of the process.
Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet radiation contributes to collagen breakdown and premature skin aging. Chronic sun exposure can therefore make wrinkles and skin laxity more noticeable.
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most important steps for preventing additional photoaging.
Genetics
Some people naturally develop smile lines earlier than others. Facial anatomy, skin thickness, collagen characteristics, and inherited patterns of aging can all influence when these lines become noticeable.
Changes in Facial Volume
Age-related changes in facial fat and underlying support can alter the way the skin sits over the cheeks and around the mouth.
For some people, this can make nasolabial folds appear deeper even if the skin itself has not developed dramatically deeper wrinkles.
Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin can make fine lines look more pronounced. Improving hydration can temporarily make the skin appear smoother and fuller, although hydration alone does not correct a deep structural fold.
Why Are My Smile Lines So Deep?
Deep smile lines are usually caused by a combination of skin aging, collagen and elastin changes, facial movement, genetics, and changes in underlying facial volume.
The distinction between a fine surface wrinkle and a deeper nasolabial fold is important.
A superficial line may respond reasonably well to a consistent skincare routine. A deeper fold that remains visible when the face is completely relaxed is more likely to require an in-office treatment if you want substantial correction.
Can Smile Lines Go Away Naturally?
Mild smile lines may become less noticeable when the skin is well hydrated and protected from sun exposure.
However, established smile lines generally do not disappear completely on their own. Skincare can improve the quality and appearance of the skin surrounding the fold, but it cannot completely replace lost collagen, elastin, or facial volume.
The goal of skincare is therefore to improve the skin and slow additional visible aging rather than promise that every smile line will disappear.
How to Reduce Smile Lines With Skincare
A consistent skincare routine can improve the appearance of fine lines and support healthier-looking skin around the mouth.
The most useful ingredients to consider include retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and sunscreen.
Retinol and Retinoids
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that can support skin renewal and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and uneven pigmentation with consistent use.
Because retinoids can cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting, introduce them gradually and use sunscreen during the day.
For a nighttime retinol option, The Skin Spot carries NazarianSkin Retinol+ Serum. The current formula contains all-trans retinol along with bakuchiol, licorice root, green tea polyphenols, and caffeine and is designed for nighttime use.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps attract and retain water. Better hydration can temporarily make fine lines look softer and give the skin a smoother, more plump appearance.
It is particularly useful if dehydration makes the lines around your mouth look more pronounced.
The Skin Spot offers NazarianSkin HA Boost Serum, which combines multiple forms of hyaluronic acid with sodium PCA, glycerin, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28 for hydration and smoother-looking skin.
Before-and-after photographs of a NazarianSkin HA Boost Serum user.
Does Retinol Help With Smile Lines?
Retinol can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by supporting skin renewal and collagen-related processes.
It is more appropriate for superficial lines and overall skin quality than for deeply established nasolabial folds caused partly by facial volume changes.
If you are new to retinol, start slowly rather than applying it every night immediately. Irritation and excessive dryness can make the skin temporarily look worse.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Get Rid of Smile Lines?
Hyaluronic acid skincare does not permanently remove a deep smile line.
Topical hyaluronic acid works primarily by improving hydration at the skin surface. This can temporarily make fine lines appear softer and the skin look more plump.
This is different from injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which are placed beneath the skin and can restore volume in selected areas.
Best Skin Care Products for Smile Lines
If your goal is to improve the appearance of smile lines through skincare, I recommend choosing products based on the specific changes you are trying to address rather than using multiple products that perform the same function.
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
P-TIOX is particularly relevant for smile lines because the current The Skin Spot product page specifically lists smile lines among the expression lines it is designed to target. Its formula combines an advanced peptide complex with 5% PHA, 5% niacinamide, and 1% laminaria extract.
It is a good option when your primary concern is visible expression lines and overall skin texture.
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan
If dehydration is making fine lines around the mouth look more pronounced, a dedicated hyaluronic acid serum can be useful.
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier is designed to increase hydration and improve the appearance of firmness, smoothness, and facial plumpness. The current formula contains hyaluronic acid and Proxylane and is positioned as a hydration-focused anti-aging serum.
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Vitamin C is useful when your goal is not only to address wrinkles but also to protect skin from oxidative stress and improve the appearance of photodamage.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a vitamin C antioxidant serum designed to brighten skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The current formula contains 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid.
NazarianSkin Retinol+ Serum
For nighttime correction, NazarianSkin Retinol+ Serum combines all-trans retinol with bakuchiol and antioxidant ingredients. It is designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, pores, and discoloration with consistent use.
NazarianSkin HA Boost Serum
HA Boost is a useful option when dryness or dehydration contributes to the appearance of fine lines. It combines hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, glycerin, copper PCA, zinc PCA, antioxidants, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28.
Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
For a broader anti-aging approach, Alastin Restorative Skin Complex is designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity, tone, texture, and firmness. Its formula uses TriHex Technology along with peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients.
Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
LightStim for Wrinkles
LightStim for Wrinkles provides an at-home LED option for people interested in light-based wrinkle care. The current The Skin Spot page includes lower-face before-and-after imagery showing the appearance of smile lines and describes the device as an anti-aging treatment for facial lines and wrinkles.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream
This product is not intended to treat smile lines directly. I would consider it a complementary product for patients who are addressing multiple areas of facial aging at the same time.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye is designed for the eye area, including the appearance of crow's feet, puffiness, dryness, dark circles, and other visible signs of aging.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream
Which Skincare Product Should You Choose for Smile Lines?
The best choice depends on what is actually making the lines noticeable.
For expression lines and fine wrinkles, consider a peptide-focused product such as SkinCeuticals P-TIOX.
For dehydration and fine lines that look worse when the skin is dry, consider SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier or NazarianSkin HA Boost.
For long-term nighttime skin correction, a retinol such as NazarianSkin Retinol+ Serum may be appropriate.
For antioxidant and photodamage support, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a well-established option within the SkinCeuticals range.
For broader anti-aging support, Alastin Restorative Skin Complex addresses several visible signs of skin aging at once.
What Is the Best Treatment for Deep Smile Lines?
Deep smile lines are different from superficial wrinkles. If the fold is clearly visible when your face is relaxed, skincare may improve the surrounding skin but may not fully correct the underlying structural change.
Professional treatments may provide a more significant improvement.
1. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
For deeper smile lines and nasolabial folds associated with volume loss, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can restore volume and soften the appearance of the folds.
At Spa26, RHA® Filler is specifically designed for dynamic facial areas and can be used to address smile lines, nasolabial folds, perioral lines, and other deeper facial wrinkles. Its resilient hyaluronic acid formulation is designed to move naturally with facial expressions.
Best suited for:
Deep smile lines, nasolabial folds, perioral lines, and volume loss.
2. Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing can improve the skin quality around smile lines by addressing fine lines, uneven texture, sun damage, and collagen loss.
Spa26 Laser Skin Rejuvenation treatments include technologies such as HALO Fractionated Resurfacing, Genesis Laser Treatment, and MicroLaser Peel. These treatments can improve fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and uneven skin tone.
Best suited for:
Fine lines, sun damage, uneven texture, and overall skin quality.
3. Microneedling and Radiofrequency Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates the skin's natural collagen-production process and can help improve texture and fine lines.
For patients who need additional skin tightening, Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to address wrinkles, skin laxity, and uneven texture. Spa26 also offers Microneedling treatments as part of its aesthetic treatment options.
Best suited for:
Fine lines, early skin laxity, uneven texture, and collagen support.
4. ProFractional Laser Treatment
For more noticeable textural changes and wrinkles, fractional laser treatments can stimulate collagen remodeling while improving the surface appearance of the skin.
Spa26 ProFractional Laser treatment uses fractional laser technology to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture while stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Best suited for:
Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and photodamaged skin.
Can Light Therapy Help Smile Lines?
Light-based treatments may be useful as part of a broader anti-aging routine, particularly when the goal is to improve overall skin quality and the appearance of fine lines.
At-home devices should not be presented as equivalent to injectable treatments, resurfacing procedures, or surgical correction.
If you are interested in an at-home LED option, LightStim for Wrinkles is available through The Skin Spot. The product page positions it for facial lines and wrinkles and includes lower-face imagery involving smile lines.
How to Prevent Smile Lines
You cannot completely prevent facial aging, but you can reduce factors that accelerate visible skin aging.
Use Sunscreen Every Day
UV exposure is one of the most important environmental contributors to premature skin aging.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and reapply as appropriate for your level of sun exposure.
Use an Evidence-Based Skincare Routine
A simple routine is more useful than constantly changing products.
A basic anti-aging routine may include:
Morning:
- Antioxidant serum
- Hydrating serum if needed
- Moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Evening:
- Cleanser
- Retinol or another appropriate treatment
- Hydrating or peptide serum as appropriate
- Moisturizer
Avoid Smoking
Smoking accelerates visible skin aging and can contribute to collagen degradation and poorer skin quality.
Protect Your Skin From Chronic Sun Exposure
Hats, shade, protective clothing, and regular sunscreen use can reduce cumulative UV exposure.
How to Get Rid of Smile Lines Around the Mouth
The area around the mouth requires a balanced approach because the skin is constantly moving.
For early or fine lines, focus on:
- Daily sunscreen
- Retinol at night
- Hydration
- Peptides
- Antioxidants
- Consistent skincare
Avoid applying irritating products too aggressively around the corners of the mouth. Irritation can cause dryness and make lines temporarily appear more pronounced.
For deeper folds that remain visible at rest, professional assessment is more appropriate than simply adding more skincare products.
Before-and-after photographs of a SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum user.
Why Are My Smile Lines Dark?
Smile lines can sometimes look darker because of shadows created by the fold, uneven pigmentation, dryness, irritation, or cumulative sun exposure.
If the skin itself is hyperpigmented, an antioxidant and pigment-focused skincare routine may help improve uneven tone.
However, new or changing pigmentation should be evaluated if it is persistent, unusual, or associated with other symptoms.
Are Smile Lines Wrinkles?
Yes. Smile lines can include wrinkles, but not every visible line around the mouth has the same cause.
Fine surface wrinkles are primarily changes in the skin itself. Deeper nasolabial folds can also reflect changes in facial volume, tissue support, and the underlying anatomy.
That distinction matters when deciding how to treat them.
Are Smile Lines Normal at 20?
Yes. It is possible to have visible smile lines in your teens or twenties.
Genetics, facial anatomy, skin type, facial movement, sun exposure, and individual differences in collagen can all influence when these lines become visible.
Having smile lines at 20 does not necessarily mean your skin is aging prematurely.
The most important steps at a younger age are sun protection, maintaining a healthy skin barrier, and avoiding unnecessary irritation.
Do Smile Lines Get Worse With Age?
They can become more noticeable with age because collagen and elastin decline, skin structure changes, and facial volume can shift.
Sun exposure and other environmental factors can accelerate visible aging.
This is why prevention and long-term skin maintenance are generally more effective than waiting until wrinkles become deeply established.
Smile Lines vs. Frown Lines
Smile lines and frown lines have different anatomical patterns.
Smile lines generally occur around the nose and mouth and can involve both facial movement and changes in facial structure.
Frown lines usually occur between the eyebrows and are more closely associated with repeated contraction of the muscles in the glabellar region.
Because the underlying anatomy differs, the treatments used for each type of wrinkle can also differ.
Can You Completely Eliminate Smile Lines?
In most cases, the goal should be improvement rather than complete elimination.
Fine lines may become significantly less noticeable with consistent skincare and appropriate professional treatments.
Deep folds may improve substantially with procedures that address volume, skin quality, or tissue structure, but attempting to completely erase every natural facial line can produce an unnatural appearance.
Some facial lines are part of normal anatomy and expression.
When Should You Consider Professional Treatment?
Consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional if:
- Your smile lines are deep and visible at rest
- Skincare has not produced the improvement you want
- You are considering dermal fillers
- You have significant facial volume loss
- Wrinkles are accompanied by noticeable skin laxity
- You are unsure whether your lines are wrinkles, folds, or pigmentation
- You want to discuss resurfacing, microneedling, or other procedures
The correct treatment depends on the cause of the line, your skin type, facial anatomy, and your overall goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are smile lines?
Smile lines are folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth that become more visible with facial movement and changes in skin structure over time.
Q: Are smile lines the same as laugh lines?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both generally refer to lines around the mouth that become noticeable with smiling and facial expression.
Q: Does smiling cause wrinkles?
Smiling contributes to repeated facial movement, but smile lines are not caused by smiling alone. Aging, collagen loss, genetics, sun exposure, skin quality, and facial volume changes also play important roles.
Q: Can retinol reduce smile lines?
Retinol can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and other signs of skin aging. It is less likely to completely correct a deep fold caused by structural or volume changes.
Q: Does hyaluronic acid help smile lines?
Topical hyaluronic acid can improve hydration and make fine lines appear temporarily softer. Injectable hyaluronic acid filler works differently because it is placed beneath the skin to restore volume.
Q: What is the best serum for smile lines?
There is no single best serum for everyone. Peptide serums can target the appearance of expression lines, retinol can support long-term skin correction, hyaluronic acid can improve hydration, and antioxidant serums can help address photodamage.
Q: Can microneedling remove smile lines?
Microneedling may improve skin texture and the appearance of superficial wrinkles. It is not equivalent to a filler treatment for a deep nasolabial fold.
Q: Can smile lines go away naturally?
Fine lines may become less noticeable when the skin is well hydrated and protected from the sun, but established smile lines generally do not disappear completely without treatment.
Q: Why do I have smile lines at 20?
Genetics, facial anatomy, skin characteristics, facial movement, and sun exposure can all influence when smile lines become visible. Having them at 20 does not automatically mean something is wrong.
Q: How do I get rid of deep smile lines?
Deep smile lines may require professional treatment if you want substantial correction. Depending on the cause, options can include dermal fillers, resurfacing procedures, microneedling, and other treatments selected after an individual assessment.
About Dr. Sheila Nazarian
Dr. Sheila Nazarian, MD, MMM, is an Emmy-Nominated, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with a private practice in Beverly Hills, California. She holds a Master of Medical Management degree from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and serves as a Teaching Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at USC.
Dr. Nazarian is the founder of Nazarian Plastic Surgery, The Skin Spot, Spa26, and the Nazarian Institute. She is also the founder of NazarianSkin, her physician-developed skincare line. Her clinical experience in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery informs her approach to skincare, skin health, and aesthetic treatments.
The Skin Spot was created as a physician-curated source for medical-grade skincare. Products carried by The Skin Spot are evaluated by Dr. Nazarian and her team before being offered to patients and customers. Read more about Dr. Sheila Nazarian and The Skin Spot
Reference
American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Retinoid or retinol?” Guidance on retinoids, retinol, fine lines, wrinkles, nighttime use, and sun protection. American Academy of Dermatology Association: Retinoid or retinol?
American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Wrinkle remedies.” Guidance on sunscreen, moisturizing, and reducing visible signs of premature skin aging. American Academy of Dermatology Association: Wrinkle remedies
Kahn DM, Shaw RB. Overview of current thoughts on facial volume and aging. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2010;26(5):350-355. The review discusses age-related changes in facial soft tissue, fat, skin elasticity, and facial volume. PubMed: Overview of current thoughts on facial volume and aging
Glogau RG, et al. Structural and volumetric changes in the aging face. This review examines age-related structural and volumetric changes that contribute to facial aging and the development of folds and laxity. PubMed: Structural and volumetric changes in the aging face
Pavicic T, et al. Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects. The review examines topical and injectable hyaluronic acid in relation to skin hydration, wrinkles, facial rejuvenation, and nasolabial folds. PubMed: Hyaluronic acid and skin rejuvenation review