Wrinkles are a natural part of aging. As the body ages, the production of the proteins elastin and collagen slow down. Elastin and collagen provide the skin with volume, structure and flexibility. As the level of these proteins are fall, the skin begins to show noticeable signs of aging, such as fine lines, drooping and wrinkles. One place where this is especially apparent is around the mouth. Although completely preventing wrinkles from occurring is not an option, there are ways to reduce them.
Creams
One of the easiest ways to get rid of wrinkles around the mouth is by applying anti-aging creams. The most well-known of these creams are made from retinoids, such as tretinoin. Retinoids work by accelerating the rate in which skin cells grow and die, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. As the wrinkle-affected skin cells slough, smoother skin cells are revealed, reducing the look of wrinkles around the mouth.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels can also be effective at removing wrinkles from around the mouth. Dermatologists perform chemical peels by using chemicals such as phenol or hydroxy acids. Once applied to the area around the mouth, these chemicals detach the outer layer of wrinkle-affected skin from the face. This allows new smoother skin to be revealed, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dermabrasion involves the use of an abrasive tool to scrape or sand the wrinkle-affected skin tissue from the face. As the skin heals from the procedure, collagen beneath the area is increased and new smoother skin replaces the removed skin, reducing the appearance of the wrinkles.
Injections
Dermal fillers can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth. Dermal fillers are substances that can be injected beneath the wrinkled skin, plumping the wrinkle even with the surrounding tissue. Common dermal fillers include collagen, body fat and hyaluronic acid. Dermal filler injections are only temporary solutions for wrinkles, and may need to be repeated every few months, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Botox
Botox is a common way to address wrinkles around the mouth. Botox is a potent neurotoxin called botulinum type A, which is derived from a bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. When injected into the muscle beneath the wrinkled mouth, the toxin blocks the action of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used to contract the muscles in the body. By blocking this neurotransmitter, the muscles becomes paralyzed and lie flat, reducing the appearance of the wrinkles above the muscle tissue.
