Thinning lips are a natural part of aging, as are lines or wrinkles on the lips and around the mouth. In this post, I outline ways to prevent thinning lips and share terrific products that can help keep your lips beautiful as you age.

Before we jump into this post, I need to be transparent that I am not a medical professional of any kind. Please talk to professionals before trying some of the more aggressive treatments discussed in this post.

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Why Do Our Lips Get Thin as We Age?

Just as our skin begins to wrinkle as we age, our lips lose their fullness and begin to wrinkle as well. This happens for the same reason we begin to see wrinkles, under eye bags and skin that is less firm than it once was. The culprit is Collagen. Beginning in our twenties, our bodies begin to lose collagen. Can you believe that? It begins in our twenties! Collagen is literally the protein that holds our bodies together. As we age, and we make less Collagen and the structure of our skin literally begins to break down.

But, don’t worry, there are things you can do to slow this process down. Taking care of your lips is similar to taking care of the skin on your face, and the products are similar as well. In general, we need to address three important factors that contribute to thinning lips.

• Wrinkles
• Moisture
• Fullness

How to Prevent Wrinkles Around Your Mouth

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging. But, just because it’s a natural process, it doesn’t mean we have to just give up and live with it. Addressing the wrinkles around your mouth is similar to addressing wrinkles on other parts of your face. Unfortunately, just living life well takes a toll. Smiling, laughing and generally enjoying life contributes to the wrinkles around your mouth. And, I certainly wouldn’t suggest giving up laughing or smiling. However, there are a few things you can do to slow down the formation of wrinkles around your mouth.

Don’t smoke. Smoking pollutes your skin with chemicals, causes dryness and damage and accelerates wrinkles. There are many reasons to avoid cigarettes and one of them is your beautiful lips. To be clear, there’s no judgment from me on this one. Cigarettes have been a lifelong struggle of mine, so I understand how hard it can be to give them up. But, I promise, the sooner you do, the better. Your lips will thank you.

Drink water. Dry skin looks more wrinkled than hydrated skin, and the skin on your lips is no exception. Drink plenty of water to keep all of your skin, including your lips, smooth and fresh.

Supplement with Collagen. While many topical products claim to contain Collagen, your body is not actually able to absorb Collagen through the skin. You’re going to want to look for a high quality Collagen that you eat or drink to replace the Collagen you’re losing as you age.  

Consider Laser treatments. Over the years, I’ve tried a few different kinds of laser treatments. And ladies, in my opinion, they do work very well. There are honestly too many different types of lasers and laser brands to outline them all in this post. And, the minute I do, my list will be out of date. This is a very competitive industry and new products come out so fast it’s hard to keep up. However, here are a few things to look for:

1. Choose a quality salon with experienced aestheticians. I can’t tell you how important this is. These folks are working on your face. Do you want an amateur working on your face? I didn’t think so.
2. If it’s cheaper, there is usually a reason. This is not to say that you should always go with the most expensive treatment. However, be aware of the going rate for a procedure you’re interested in and be wary of big price differences. Is the technology being used a little older? Maybe that is OK. Is one procedure more effective than another?
3. Go in for a consultation. The Internet is great. After all, you landed here, didn’t you? However, after you’re finished with your Internet research, go in for a consultation. Most salons won’t (and shouldn’t) charge you for this, and you’ll learn a lot.
4. Consider recovery time. Many laser treatments don’t require any recovery time. For many treatments, a little redness and a tingly feeling similar to a sunburn is expected. However, some more aggressive treatments do require a bit of recovery time. Usually the more aggressive laser procedures are more effective. However, you’ll want to balance the pain and required recovery time with your lifestyle.
5. Try to talk to people before you try out something new. All salons will post before and after pictures, and they will all include testimonials, but it’s best to ask someone you know about their experience before embarking on any new treatment.
6. I have been using a new at-home laser device called the NIRA Skincare Laser. It’s not as strong as the professional lasers, but I can use it at home and I’ve had good results so far. For a fraction of the long-term cost, you can try something like this. Check out my post about the NIRA Skincare Laser.

Consider Microneedling. Microneedling is a procedure that involves pricking the skin with a special device containing tiny sterile needles. In the process of healing, the body generates new Collagen, which results in smoother, younger looking skin. I’ve tried microneedling myself and I liked the results. It does work quite well and is very effective for reducing fine lines and improving the texture of your skin. For example, if you have large pores or acne scars, microneedling will help. The aesthetician will use a numbing substance beforehand, so there is no pain. However, be warned that you will look truly terrible for three or four days following a microneedling procedure. Afterwards, the dead skin flakes off and you look positively radiant.

In addition to the tips above, here are some products I’ve found that help with lines around the lips.

Line-Blurring Wrinkle Filler

This Line-Blurring Wrinkle Filler from City Beauty is an intensive spot treatment that fills in creases and instantly blurs the look of wrinkles. Advanced ingredients support and plump skin for a smooth, young-looking complexion.

StriVectin Double Fix for Lips Plumping and Vertical Line Treatment

StriVectin Double Fix for Lips Plumping and Vertical Line Treatment is a 2-in-1 treatment that tackles both lip volume and lip lines around the mouth.

How to Keep Your Lips Soft

Soft lips are one of the hallmarks of youth. In addition to staying hydrated, there are several things you can do to help keep your lips soft.

Avoid Drying Products. Avoid using lipsticks and lip products that dry out your lips. Some kinds of lipsticks, especially those designed to last all day, can really dry out your lips. If you do need a product that stays on all day, use a lip primer under your lipstick for extra softness. Sometimes I rub a little pure Coconut oil on my lips, then apply lip primer, and then lipstick on top. It makes your lipstick go on beautifully!

Exfoliate Your Lips. Use a lip exfoliator to remove dead skin that makes lips look even drier and older. As we all know, regular exfoliation can help to keep your skin looking young and smooth. Treat your lips as you do the skin on the rest of your face and you won’t regret it.

Use Lip Moisturizers. Carry lip balm with you at all times (preferably one with SPF), and use it every few hours. A few additional items to consider are lip masks, hyaluronic acid lip treatment and skin treatments for the skin around the lip area.

Here are some of my favorite products for promoting soft lips.

Dream Kiss Lip Balm

This Dream Kiss Lip Balm is actually an overnight lip mask and rich lip balm. The leave-on mask contains some of my favorite moisturizing ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E.

MAC Prep + Primer

MAC Prep + Primer is a lightly moisturizing color-free primer that smooths whelps under your lipstick. Primer hydrates and softens the lips and prevents feathering.

Pillow Lips Solid Serum Lip Gloss

I love IT Cosmetics and Pillow Lips Solid Serum Lip Gloss does not disappoint. This 5-in-1 moisturizer combines the hydration and care of a lip balm with the sheer tint of a gloss.

Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment

Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment by Clinique helps repair the look of lines on and around the lips. Use this deeply moisturizing treatment in the morning under your lipstick and at night before bed.

Perricone MD No Makeup Lipstick

Perricone MD No Makeup Lipstick is a revolutionary solid-to-serum anti-aging lip treatment. Lips are left full and hydrated with a hint of shine and color.

How to Keep Your Lips Full

Try Plumping Products. There are many products that plump the lips and often the active ingredients are natural. These are not permanent fixes, but they work well and look natural. Personally, I love a good plumping lip gloss. Here are some of my favorites.

City Lips Plumping Gloss

This fantastic City Lips Plumping Gloss by City Beauty is one of my personal favorites. The gloss goes on clear helps restore the look of healthy lips by hydrating and instantly plumping them. Be sure to give City Lips a try. You’ll love it!

City Lips Matte

City Lips Matte is another fantastic product by City Beauty. City Lips Matte is a non-drying lip creme that is both long lasting and moisturizing.

Consider Fillers. Fillers are widely accepted as a treatment that is effective for remediating thinning lips. Don’t worry, you won’t have big weird overinflated lips unless you ask for that. Choose your aesthetician carefully, and talk honestly and openly about your goals. Two fillers commonly used for lips are Restylane and Jevederm. Both of these are hyaluronic acid based fillers that are administered by professionals. How long treatments last depends on the product and the individual. In general, fillers are promoted as lasting anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.

Good luck with your new lip care regimen! I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about how to have beautiful, sexy lips over the age of 50.

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