What Causes Marionette Lines And How Can You Get Rid Of Them?

As we age, we go through many changes. There are many good things that come with getting older, like wisdom, confidence, and the ability to reflect. However, there are pesky side effects to long living that appear, like fine lines and wrinkles. If you are in your 40s, chances are, you may have noticed one of the signs of aging called marionette lines. These are the wrinkles that show up around the mouth and run vertically to the chin. They are most visible when we smile or laugh, and these lines mirror those on a marionette doll used by puppeteers to make a puppet's mouth open and close (via Cleveland Clinic). Although there's nothing wrong with having them, some aren't a fan of their appearance.

Because marionette lines are so common, many people have tried to seek out remedies for them. However, it's important to know what causes these lines before trying to combat them. Once you've done everything in your power to take care of your maturing skin from the inside out, then you may be more successful as you try to address them.

Although we know age is the primary cause of marionette lines, there are specific issues that can make them more prominent. Healthline states that marionette lines, much like all wrinkles, are a result of collagen loss that happens to everyone as we get older. In addition, gravity does not help anyone in the fine lines battle. While wrinkles occur no matter what, marionette lines appear faster because the skin around our mouths is thinner. In addition, genetics plays a big role in these lines, as does the quality of your skincare regimen and use of sun protection (via Sio).

In addition to sun exposure and gravity, severe stress can be a factor in how quickly marionette lines begin to form. When we experience stress, we tend to purse our lips a bit, which can cause these lines to form, says Westlake Dermatology. Stress can also lead to poor diet and sleep deprivation. These unhealthy side effects affect our skin as well.

Although wrinkles are an inevitable part of the aging process, there are things that you can do to lessen the impact. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water and eating fruit is important. In addition, using protection from the sun and eating clean protein will help you reduce those wrinkles (via Healthline). In addition, try adding hyaluronic acid or certain retinols to your face care routine. If you don't feel you are getting results from your diet and sun protection, there are more aggressive ways to reduce wrinkles. Some feel that derma fillers or Botox injections are an acceptable route. Westlake Dermatology explains that Botox work by relaxing the depressor muscles around the mouth, which results in the reduction of wrinkles, while fillers actually replace the lost facial volume. But the most extreme option to get rid of marionette lines for good is a facelift. Most doctors will recommend starting small to see if you can combat these wrinkles on your own though, because there are inexpensive and effective ways to reduce marionette lines.

Overall, wrinkles are a part of life we cannot escape. If your wrinkles are causing you to frown when you look in the mirror, consider what you eat, what you put on your face, and how much sleep you are getting. By making some small adjustments at home, you may just have the answers to lessen the appearance of these marionette lines.