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Nasolabial folds: How can you get rid of them easily?

Nasolabial folds are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, and is a natural wrinkle that appears as we age following a decline in collagen levels. In this article, we will explain the causes of nasolabial folds and give some tips on how you can reduce the appearance of them naturally.
08 May 2024

What are nasolabial folds?

Why do nasolabial folds appear?

How can you minimise nasolabial folds naturally?

Our best products to help reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds

Facial skincare routine, your best ally


What are nasolabial folds?

Smile lines, also called laugh lines or nasolabial folds, are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These wrinkles are a typical sign of ageing as the skin loses collagen and elastin due to age, facial expressions and UV damage.

Although age is an important factor, other elements, such as genetics or weight loss, can also affect the formation of nasolabial folds.

The first step in order to find solutions that reduce the appearance of these lines, is to know what causes them.

Nasolabial folds can be combated with non-invasive methods. For those looking for non-surgical methods, hyaluronic acid is a great option. This ingredient is found naturally in the body and helps plump the skin with moisture, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can be applied through serums, creams and injections. Lifestyle aspects such as staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and getting enough sleep can help to maintain the skin's youthful appearance.

Half of a woman’s face with contours of the face labelled

Why do nasolabial folds appear?

Ageing can cause many changes in our appearance, including the formation of nasolabial folds. The reason for their appearance can be attributed to several factors.

  • Decreased collagen and elastin: Our skin's ability to remain firm and elastic depends on collagen and elastin, which decrease with age. This results in the formation of nasolabial folds.
  • Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may be more likely to develop nasolabial folds earlier than others, as well as more prominently if they experience significant weight loss.
  • Lifestyle habits: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, intense sun exposure, or an unhealthy diet, can contribute to the development of these wrinkles.
  • Sleeping position: To reduce the risk of nasolabial folds, try to sleep on your back, as this prevents your face from wrinkling against the pillow and can help the products you apply in the evening to stay on your face.

The causes of nasolabial folds are varied. However, healthy habits such as keeping the skin hydrated, protecting it from the sun, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and taking proper care of your skin, can reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

How can you minimise nasolabial folds easily?

Close up texture shot of hyaluronic acid
  • Use hyaluronic acid: Our body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, a powerful molecule renowned for its ability to retain moisture, helping to keep our skin looking young and plump, and feeling supple. However, as we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, leading to the formation of fine lines and nasolabial folds. Fortunately, incorporating hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine can help to reduce the appearance of this sign of ageing.
  • Start facial exercises: Facial Exercises can also be a great way to naturally diminish the appearance of nasolabial folds. By focusing on the muscles in the mid-face area and tensing them for a few seconds before releasing them, you can strengthen the area and reduce wrinkles.
  • Use a retinol: This skincare ingredient can help improve visible signs of ageing in the skin, impacted by the decline of collagen.
  • Remove makeup before going to bed: To prevent the formation of nasolabial wrinkles in the future, always remove makeup before going to bed as leaving it on overnight can clog the pores.

Our best products to help reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds



H.A. Intensifier

To reduce nasolabial folds, we recommend SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier serum This potent serum is formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which will help to maintain skin hydration and elasticity.

It also contains proxylane, an innovative active ingredient that supports the skins hyaluronic acid levels, increasing skin density and firmness. As we age, our body produces less of this potent ingredient, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

The composition of proxylane and hyaluronic acid can help the appearance of nasolabial folds and hydrate your complexion while reducing the appearance of fine lines.

"Hyaluronic Acid is naturally occuring in the skin but we can actually lose up to 50% of our own hyaluronic acid within 24 hours alone. That's why we often need to replenish this externally using skincare products. The SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Serum is my absolute go-to. It hydrates the surface level of the skin, but it also has this patented formula of proxylaneTM. It works on the deeper layers of the skin and slows it down the breakdown of your own hyaluronic acid levels. It's working on different levels to achieve that hydrated, plump, and smooth result. I recommend applying it to damp skin and then locking that in with a rich moisturiser to promote plumpness, hydration and smoothness to the texture of the skin."Dr. Ana Mansouri, Aesthetic Doctor

H.A. Intensifier serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used alone or as part of a complete anti-ageing routine. With regular use, you will experience smoother, firmer skin while reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds.



Retinol 0.3

Retinol promotes cell renewal, which helps improve visible signs of ageing in the skin, impacted by collagen decline. Enriched with a soothing complex, Retinol 0.3 is our nighttime retinol face cream which reduces pore size and helps to maintain a youthful-looking, healthy appearance.

When using retinol, a process of skin adaptation to the molecule occurs. This is a normal effect of this molecule, so it is important that the application of Retinol 0.3 night facial cream is gradual in order to minimise any side effects. It should only be used at night, and the following day a high SPF sunscreen should be applied, as the epidermal renewal action of retinol can cause sensitivity in the skin.

"Fine lines appearing around the mouth is a sign that we have seen in my clinical research studies as well as lines of expression in the lower cheek, around the eyes, and dehydration. I would recommend a retinol in the majority of patients from at least 30 and a topical antioxidant from at least 20."Dr. Jonquille Chantrey, Aesthetic Doctor

In addition, it is ideal to use retinol alongside a moisturiser that helps repair and protect the skins barrier, such as our highly concentrated anti-ageing moisturiser Triple Lipid Restore.

In the case of very reactive skin, it is best to consult a Dermatologist before use.



Triple Lipid Restore

To complement the effect of the H.A. Intensifier serum and Retinol 03, and continue to deeply hydrate the skin, we recommend Triple Lipid Restore Cream. This cream is specially formulated to replenish the skin's essential lipids, improving the skin's protective barrier and providing a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. It contains a combination of lipids: ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to nourish and strengthen the skin. It is ideal for dry skin and sensitive skin.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Cream can be incorporated into an overall anti-ageing skincare routine. It works perfectly in conjunction with hyaluronic acid serum for extra hydration. With this SkinCeuticals product, you will be assured an effective solution to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds.



A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

If you want to reverse the visible signs of ageing caused by glycation and collagen loss, SkinCeuticals A.G.E Interrupter Advanced anti-ageing treatment provides a powerful solution to combat the signs of ageing, such as the appearance of nasolabial wrinkles.

Its special formula contains proxylane, a patented molecule that helps to reinforce the skin matrix and reduce the formation of signs of advanced glycation that causes the loss of proteins, such as collagen or elastin, generating wrinkles. Combined with blueberry extract, pomegranate and glycyrrhizic acid, this product visibly smooths the appearance of wrinkles, helps to restore firmness, and boosts radiance.



Resveratrol B E

Alongside retinol, another ingredient you can incorporate into your nighttime facial care routine to help prevent the appearance of nasolabial wrinkles is resveratrol. For this, we recommend Resveratrol B E antioxidant night face serum, which is a potent elixir that can help diminish the visibility of nasolabial wrinkles.

This serum is formulated with a blend of powerful antioxidants, such as resveratrol, vitamin E and baicalin, which work together to protect the skin from environmental damage and restore firmness and radiance to the face.

Resveratrol boosts the skin's antioxidant defence mechanism, which has been observed to have anti-ageing properties on the skin, while vitamin E is a known antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage.

For nighttime use, Resveratrol B.E. is formulated to stimulate the antioxidant defense system and enhance the natural repair process, increasing resistance to free radical attack and preventing the appearance of the signs of ageing.


Facial skincare routine, your best ally

To keep your complexion looking young, develop a consistent day and night skincare routine that includes the following steps:

  1. Cleanser: Cleanse your face daily to remove dirt and makeup.
  2. Antioxidant: Use antioxidants formulated with vitamin C to prevent free radical damage and correct the signs of ageing.
  3. Corrective treatment: To further reduce the appearance of wrinkles, try using anti-ageing products containing ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid.
  4. Moisturiser: Apply a moisturising cream to keep the skin hydrated.
  5. Photoprotection: This is an essential step in your daytime routine, especially if your nighttime routine includes retinol.

With regular care and maintenance, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best. At SkinCeuticals, we work hard to design skincare ageing products that meet your needs at every stage of life. We formulate with cutting-edge ingredients so that our treatments deliver results that exceed your expectations. So, try pairing our lifestyle suggestions with our product suggestions, to notice a huge improvement in the appearance of your nasolabial wrinkles and the quality of your skin.


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