How to Reduce Nasolabial Folds: 10 Causes & 6 Care Options

1) Age
From as early as our 20s, Collagen levels can reduce by 1% each year. Lower levels of Collagen lead to wrinkling and sagging skin. Our facial structure also changes with age as once high cheekbones begin to flatten, leading to nasolabial folds.

2) Sun Damage (Photoaging)
When UV rays penetrate the skin they disturb processes important for its regeneration and repair. In the short-term sun damage can cause sunburn, long-term it weakens connective tissue, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, lines and dark spots.

3) Smoking
Both the nicotine and thousands of other harmful substances in the smoke can harm the skin, due to the oxidative stress that harms Collagen formation. Studies have further shown that skin in nasolabial folds is thicker in smokers than in non-smokers. Facial expressions pulled whilst smoking can also contribute to smile lines.

4) Changes in Weight
It’s common to experience excess skin after weight loss, which can sag and accentuate the appearance of facial lines. Whereas weight gain can cause the cheeks to grow in size, also increasing the appearance of laugh lines.

5) Dehydrated Skin
Dehydrated skin is different to dry skin: it refers to a lack of water as opposed to a lack of natural oils. One of the characteristics of dehydrated skin is a sunken or shadowy complexion, causing wrinkles to be more defined.

6) Genetics
The amount of Collagen and Elastin you produce is influenced by your genetic makeup. If your parents had prominent nasolabial folds, chances are you will also get them.

7) High Sugar Diet
As much as we might enjoy a sweet treat, unfortunately sugar breaks down both Collagen and Elastin - leading to laugh lines becoming more prominent. This doesn’t mean you should stop enjoying delicious cake but should try to limit the amount of sugar in your diet overall.

8) Repetitive Facial Expressions
To begin with, nasolabial folds may only appear as dynamic wrinkles when you laugh or smile. Over time these repetitive expressions can cause the dynamic wrinkles to become static as skin loses its ability to snap back into place. Consider these a permanent reminder of the good times!

9) Pollution
Air pollution such as smog and car fumes can cause free-radical damage to the skin, disrupting its defensive barrier. One of the effects of this is accelerated skin ageing, leading to nasolabial folds.

10) Sleep Deprivation
Skin enters its natural regeneration and repair process as you sleep, rebuilding its defensive barrier and producing Collagen. Therefore without enough beauty sleep, your skin has a harder time staying plump and firm.

To begin with, nasolabial folds may only appear as dynamic wrinkles when you laugh or smile. 

The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Expert Targeted Wrinkle Filler Serum offers an advanced solution against wrinkles. Combining pure Coenzyme Q10 with Bioxifill Peptides to penetrate skin 10 layers deep, helping stimulate Collagen production and give near-instant wrinkle filling results.

Work this solution into part of your anti-aging face care routine, after cleansing and before applying your moisturiser to see a reduction in smile lines over time. 

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps to recharge and rejuvenate skin. The NIVEA Q10 range has been carefully created to meet the needs of different skin types, protect cells from damage and slow the process of ageing. Including these products in your skincare routine can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

 Muscles on the face can be toned like elsewhere on the body, helping to better control expressions.

To reduce nasolabial folds naturally, you can give them a massage every day. Massaging aims to improve skin structure and prevent sagging. Here are a few tips to carry out the massage:

- Using your knuckles, swipe downwards from your cheekbones to your chin and back
- Repeat this process approximately 20 times on each side of your face
- Apply a light amount of pressure
- Repeat every day as part of your skincare routine

Muscles on the face can be toned like elsewhere on the body, helping to better control expressions. When repeated over time, you may see a reduction in smile lines. You can give the following a try every day, without risking any harm:

- Push your lips upwards as though you are trying to kiss the sky and hold for 15-20 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
- Pull the corners of your mouth apart with your index fingers whilst contracting your facial muscles in slight resistance. Hold for 2-3 seconds and repeat 30 times.
- Pout your lips whilst pulling the corners of your mouth out. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 5 times.
- Gently lift your cheekbones using the palms of your hands whilst pouting your lips out in a kissing motion. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat 5 times.

Smile lines appear at any age as a dynamic wrinkle, however, they begin to appear more static between the ages of 25-30

At what age do nasolabial folds appear?
Smile lines appear at any age as a dynamic wrinkle, however, they begin to appear more static between the ages of 25-30. As Collagen production slows they begin to deepen: at age 40 they will generally be visible on most people's resting face and at age 50 will be more marked.

Who is more likely to get nasolabial folds?
In short, everyone. Those taking better care of their skin and living a healthier lifestyle may see them appear more faintly or later in life; whereas those neglecting their skin and leading an unhealthy lifestyle may see them earlier and deeper. Genetics will also influence who has more pronounced smile lines.

Are nasolabial folds attractive?
Yes! They definitely can be as they are a sign of a life full of laughter and smiles. 

Does losing weight reduce nasolabial folds?
Gradual weight loss can decrease the prominence of smile lines as cheeks will not be so full. Rapid weight loss can make them appear more pronounced though due to excess skin.

How to sleep to avoid nasolabial folds?
Try to sleep on your back or without the lower half of your face touching the pillow. Also, make sure to apply a night cream before putting your head down for the night.

Does stress cause nasolabial folds?
Yes, it can. Stress has all sorts of effects on the skin, one of those being accelerated signs of aging. High levels of stress are likely to lead to premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Does alcohol affect nasolabial folds?
Alcohol consumption is likely to contribute to deeper nasolabial folds. One of the effects is dehydration, which can cause the skin to lose its elasticity and begin to droop. Another is that it speeds up the depletion of Collagen, further contributing to their appearance.

Does Hyaluronic Acid help nasolabial folds?
It certainly does; the most popular fillers contain Hyaluronic Acid as it helps to pad them and hinder the progression of wrinkles. Products containing Hyaluronic Acid can also help to hydrate, firm and plump skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. 

The Cellular Expert Lift and Cellular Expert Filler ranges offer some of NIVEA’s most efficacious anti-age care. Combining Hyaluronic Acid with other superior anti-age actives, these products can help to improve the firmness of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.