What Happens to the Lips and Mouth Area as We Age?

Dec 23, 2020 Ultimate Image Posted in Aging

As we age, all of our skin changes as it loses volume and elasticity. Your lips are no different! Over the years, you may start to notice changes in the lips and mouth area. This is natural and happens to everyone. But if you’re concerned about visible changes to the lips, know that cosmetic treatments are available at Ultimate Images Cosmetic Medical Center to rejuvenate the mouth area. 

The Lips Thin with Age

When girls reach age 14 and boys reach age 16, the lips have reached their full thickness. From this point on, the lips slowly begin to lose thickness and volume. You may notice that the lips flatten and become less visible, especially when you smile. This changes the appearance of your smile, with the teeth and gums becoming more prominent. 

Why Do the Lips Thin?

So why exactly do the lips and mouth area thin out with age? The drop in collagen production that naturally occurs with the aging process is the main culprit. In your 20s, the amount of collagen that your body produces reduces by about 1 to 2 percent per year.

Collagen is a protein that contributes volume and firmness to the skin. It gives the skin structure and is vital in the production of hyaluronic acid and elastin. Hyaluronic acid and elastin are also crucial to the skin’s volume, structure, and hydration. So with less collagen, the skin can begin to sag. When it comes to the lips, less collagen production leads to thinning.

Another cause of thinning lips is sun damage. Sun damage to the skin can worsen over the years, eventually leading to visible signs of aging. You can prevent UV damage to the lips by wearing a lip balm with SPF whenever you go outside. 

Counteracting Signs of Aging in the Lips

If you’re struggling with signs of aging in the lips and mouth area, dermal fillers that are targeted at the lips and mouth are available from Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center. Juvederm® Volbella XC and Restylane® Silk are two advanced dermal fillers designed to restore volume in the lips for a plumper, more youthful appearance. These fillers work with hyaluronic acid as the main ingredient. This will counteract volume loss, as well as fine lines around the mouth, without the need for surgery. 

For more information about how to reduce signs of aging in the lips, contact Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center today.