It’s no secret that we can see the effects of aging on our face. When we look in a mirror, we see the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as sagging skin. The lips can also be affected by aging, as they tighten up and appear to thin out.

Unfortunately, the loss of lip volume can be particularly noticeable because the lips are a main focal point on the face, due to their mobility when talking and making facial expressions. However, there are things you can do to prevent your lips from thinning. Here, Dr. Paul Pin explains some of your options to improve the appearance of your lips.

What Causes Lips to Thin Out?

Collagen is a protein that your body naturally forms into fibers. These collagen fibers make your skin firm, smooth, and full. As your body ages, it begins to lose collagen, as these fibers break down. When this happens in your lips, they will thin out.

Protect Your Lips from the Sun

You probably already know how important it is to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Did you know that your lips also need protection?

Dr. Pin recommends a good lip balm that includes sun protection factor (SPF). Apply your lip balm to the area just around your lips to slow down the formation of lines and wrinkles due to dry skin from excessive sun exposure.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat when out in direct sunlight to protect your entire face, including your lips.

Keep Hydrated

You also likely know about the importance of keeping yourself properly hydrated. The general consensus is to aim for 64 ounces (eight 8-ounce glasses) of water per day.

This helps move fluids and food through your body, so staying hydrated is just a good general wellness practice. However, getting in your 64 ounces of water a day also serves to keep your skin and lips looking fresh and full.

Quit Smoking

There are so many good reasons to quit smoking, and improving the appearance of your lips should definitely be one of them.

Tobacco smoke dries out the delicate skin around your mouth, leading to premature aging and the development of fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth, sometimes known as smoker’s mouth.

Dr. Pin encourages you to consider quitting smoking for your general health, as well as to stop premature aging of your skin.

Lip Treatments

There are a number of lip treatments that will help keep your lips moist, which will make them appear fuller.

Lip scrubs will remove dead skin on your lips. Serum treatments restore moisture to your lips. There are also lip plumpers, which use a mild irritant, such as menthol, to make the lips appear larger.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers for the lips work along the same principle as dermal fillers for the face. They replace your body’s natural collagen to help keep your lips looking full.

Dr. Pin will inject the dermal filler just under the skin of your lips. In most cases, you should expect to see results relatively soon after treatment.