Are thinning lips a sign of aging?

1. Why do lips thin as we age?

As you age, you may start to notice your lips getting thinner. In fact, thinning lips can be one of the first signs of aging on your face.

The aging process of the lips is similar to other changes in the face. These changes can begin in the 30s. This is not unusual. Our lips reach their maximum fullness at age 16, but then gradually decrease in volume at a rate of about 1% per year after that.

As we age, our faces begin to change. Dark circles under the eyes, laugh lines, crow’s feet, or a few wrinkles on the forehead. These changes are the result of the skin losing elasticity and collagen over time. Collagen and elastin are two types of fibers in the skin that help maintain the elasticity and plumpness of the skin. As we age, damage and reduced production of collagen and elastin can cause the thickness of the epidermis and dermis of the lips to decrease, causing the lips to become thin and saggy.

‎Other possible causes of thin lips include:

- Genetics: Genetics can determine how much collagen your body makes and breaks down. Some people are born with full, plump lips while others are born with thin lips.

- Vitamin deficiency: Vitamins play an important role in health. Vitamin deficiency, especially B12, can cause thin lips. Furthermore, if your lips are dry and cracked, it can be a sign that your body is lacking essential vitamins.

- Too much exposure to sunlight: UV rays from the sun are responsible for breaking down the collagen in the lips.

- Smoke: Nicotine from cigarettes can reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to lip tissues, causing thinning of the lips.

2. What can I do to prevent my lips from thinning due to age?

Thinning lips is a natural part of aging. However, if you want to prevent lip aging for cosmetic reasons, prevention is important.

-Get enough sleep: This is not only good for your lips, but also for your overall health. Studies show that getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night is important for tissue repair.

-Moisturize lips: Drink enough water. The body depends on adequate water supply to restore the skin. In addition, to keep the lips moist, you can use lip balm.

-Sun protection: Apply sunscreen not only to your skin but also to your lips with a lip balm that has UV protection.

-Maintain healthy eating habits: Do not smoke, drink alcohol and supplement with antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E. If your lips are dry, inflamed and have symptoms of dermatitis such as itching and stinging, you should go to the hospital for early treatment.

You can also discuss with your plastic surgeon or dermatologist about treatments or cosmetic techniques to enhance the elasticity of your lips. For example, topical retinoids (a type of vitamin A) can boost natural collagen production, helping to repair and restore your lips. If retinoids are not effective, you may consider lip fillers. Lip fillers are a semi-permanent option to improve lip fullness.

The most popular and effective lip augmentation procedure is through hyaluronic acid fillers or collagen injections, botox, etc. However, these options tend to carry a higher risk of side effects and the results may not be long-lasting. Fillers typically last between 6 and 12 months, although individual results will vary.