Dear Doc,
Can you tell me why after a certain age our mouths droop down in a frown? Is that a natural thing? I know the muscles sag as we age, but why does our mouth settle into that downward droop and make us all look unhappy? How can people with frown lines eradicate them?
Dear Concerned Frown,
According to health line there are two main types of wrinkles, dynamic and static.
Dynamic wrinkles develop from repeated facial movements. If you pucker your lips around a straw frequently, for example, you might get lip lines. Static wrinkles result from a loss of elasticity and the takeover of gravity. Wrinkles that come with jowls are static.
Unfortunately, as we age wrinkles form. Our skin loses collagen and therefore elasticity. Like rubber band it eventually loses its ability to rebound, or snap in to its original position. The expressions you hold the most tend to be the position in which these lines form. Often as we age we get what is known as “smile lines”, medically known as wrinkles along the nasolabial fold, that is from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth. Individuals may even get wrinkles above their eyebrows or as you mentioned and frown lines. The good news is that they are many new skin products available to help with skin protection and rejuvenation.
Serums, antioxidants, moisturisers and most importantly sunscreen no matter your race or complexion.
However, there does come a point where skin products are not enough, and individuals will require the help of a dermatologist for aesthetic intervention. Many techniques are available to eradicate wrinkles, however the effectiveness of the procedure is dependent on how soon you seek help. Some of the common things available include, botox which involves relaxing the muscles which are responsible for creating these lines. In addition, products known as fillers are helpful for smile or frown lines. This is something you can get advice on from your dermatologist.
In conclusion, I want to also emphasise we are what we eat. The skin is the largest organ in the body and everything you consume affects the skin. So feed it well.
Exercise, eat fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated.
