September 09, 2023
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
The Lip Lineage: Exploring the Why Behind Wrinkled Lips
As we smile, frown, laugh, talk, and enjoy food, our lips are a key part of communication, emotion, and consumption. While lips are essential to so many daily behaviors, they are delicate and often overlooked when it comes to skin care. Lip skin is unique, with a different composition and function than the other skin on the body. Therefore, lips can benefit from specialized care to keep us smiling with confidence at every age.
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
September 09, 2023
The Lip Lineage: Exploring the Why Behind Wrinkled Lips
As we smile, frown, laugh, talk, and enjoy food, our lips are a key part of communication, emotion, and consumption. While lips are essential to so many daily behaviors, they are delicate and often overlooked when it comes to skin care. Lip skin is unique, with a different composition and function than the other skin on the body. Therefore, lips can benefit from specialized care to keep us smiling with confidence at every age.
How do you view aging and longevity?
The structure of our lips’ skin differs from that of the skin on the rest of our faces. While facial skin contains up to 15+ layers, the lip skin, which separates the mucous membrane of the inner mouth and facial skin, contains between 3-5 layers. 1 The lip skin has a thinner stratum corneum (SC), the skin’s top layer, and no hair or sweat glands, which means that lips do not receive the same protection and moisturization by the body’s natural oils and sweat. Because of this, lips experience a higher trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). 2 With direct exposure to the external environment, the skin barrier of lips can sustain more damage in dry conditions and lips tend to have less hydration than the rest of facial skin.3
While lip skin has unique factors that predispose it to damage that other skin does not, it also shares the same vulnerabilities as the rest of the skin on our bodies. These include UV exposure which can degrade the skin barrier, and loss of elastin and collagen production that occur as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic aging. 4
How do you view aging and longevity?
The structure of our lips’ skin differs from that of the skin on the rest of our faces. While facial skin contains up to 15+ layers, the lip skin, which separates the mucous membrane of the inner mouth and facial skin, contains between 3-5 layers. 1 The lip skin has a thinner stratum corneum (SC), the skin’s top layer, and no hair or sweat glands, which means that lips do not receive the same protection and moisturization by the body’s natural oils and sweat. Because of this, lips experience a higher trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). 2 With direct exposure to the external environment, the skin barrier of lips can sustain more damage in dry conditions and lips tend to have less hydration than the rest of facial skin.3
While lip skin has unique factors that predispose it to damage that other skin does not, it also shares the same vulnerabilities as the rest of the skin on our bodies. These include UV exposure which can degrade the skin barrier, and loss of elastin and collagen production that occur as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic aging. 4
The Role of Sun Exposure in Lip Wrinkles
UV damage from the sun is the number one contributor to premature aging on skin. 5 Like the rest of your skin, from wrinkled necks to wrinkled feet, excess sun exposure can increase the likelihood of visible wrinkles appearing on the lips.
While sunscreen use is becoming more common, most people forget to consider their lips as skin needing protection. But just like the rest of skin, lips still need SPF to stay protected from UV light. A good choice to keep lips both protected and hydrated is a chapstick that contains SPF. Experts recommend at least 30+ SPF. 6
The Role of Sun Exposure in Lip Wrinkles
UV damage from the sun is the number one contributor to premature aging on skin. 5 Like the rest of your skin, from wrinkled necks to wrinkled feet, excess sun exposure can increase the likelihood of visible wrinkles appearing on the lips.
While sunscreen use is becoming more common, most people forget to consider their lips as skin needing protection. But just like the rest of skin, lips still need SPF to stay protected from UV light. A good choice to keep lips both protected and hydrated is a chapstick that contains SPF. Experts recommend at least 30+ SPF. 6
Lifestyle Factors and Lip Aging
One sure fire way to accelerate aging in the lips is by smoking. Whether it’s a vape or cigarettes, smoking puts the lips in direct contact with nicotine and other harmful toxins. 6 These toxins break down collagen and elastin fibers, leaving the skin weakened and with less volume, making lips unable to return to their full shape. In addition, nicotine shrinks the blood vessels that supply lip skin, preventing blood flow and important nutrients from reaching the lip tissues. 8
Another lifestyle factor that accelerates the development of lip wrinkles is unmanaged stress. Stress releases cortisol into the bloodstream, which prevents the production of two important compounds for keeping skin full and vibrant: collagen and hyaluronan synthase. Stressed skin disrupts the skin barrier which leads to the premature formation of fine lines and wrinkles.Lifestyle Factors and Lip Aging
One sure fire way to accelerate aging in the lips is by smoking. Whether it’s a vape or cigarettes, smoking puts the lips in direct contact with nicotine and other harmful toxins. 6 These toxins break down collagen and elastin fibers, leaving the skin weakened and with less volume, making lips unable to return to their full shape. In addition, nicotine shrinks the blood vessels that supply lip skin, preventing blood flow and important nutrients from reaching the lip tissues. 8
Another lifestyle factor that accelerates the development of lip wrinkles is unmanaged stress. Stress releases cortisol into the bloodstream, which prevents the production of two important compounds for keeping skin full and vibrant: collagen and hyaluronan synthase. Stressed skin disrupts the skin barrier which leads to the premature formation of fine lines and wrinkles.Lip Care Habits for Wrinkle Prevention
Fortunately, many topical skin care products
and ingredients can help bolster skin’s hydration and prevent UV damage. Important ingredients to look for in products that will encourage hydration include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, and the best way to prevent UV-induced damage is to opt for a lip care product with SPF of at least 30+. 9, 10
Another tactic for promoting healthful lips is to encourage cell turnover, or the growth of new skin cells to replace aged ones. This can be achieved through gentle exfoliation with a washcloth or a lip scrub product, which will leave lips free of dead skin cells, and feeling soft. 9
Special note: OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide is scientifically proven to increase key biomarkers associated with collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, and decrease UV-induced collagen degradation.* While OneSkin does not currently offer a lip care product, we appreciate the health of all skin, including lip skin. Be sure to sign up for our email list to stay up to date on all product launches and exciting data coming straight from the OneSkin lab!*Shown in lab studies on human skin samples (Zonari, et al., 2023)Lip Care Habits for Wrinkle Prevention
Fortunately, many topical skin care products
and ingredients can help bolster skin’s hydration and prevent UV damage. Important ingredients to look for in products that will encourage hydration include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, and the best way to prevent UV-induced damage is to opt for a lip care product with SPF of at least 30+. 9, 10
Another tactic for promoting healthful lips is to encourage cell turnover, or the growth of new skin cells to replace aged ones. This can be achieved through gentle exfoliation with a washcloth or a lip scrub product, which will leave lips free of dead skin cells, and feeling soft. 9
Special note: OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide is scientifically proven to increase key biomarkers associated with collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, and decrease UV-induced collagen degradation.* While OneSkin does not currently offer a lip care product, we appreciate the health of all skin, including lip skin. Be sure to sign up for our email list to stay up to date on all product launches and exciting data coming straight from the OneSkin lab!*Shown in lab studies on human skin samples (Zonari, et al., 2023)Hyaluronic Acid and Lip Rejuvenation
Hyaluronic acid supports many functions in the body, such as cushioning the joints and in the eyes, and especially as a humectant, attracting and holding water to provide hydration to the skin. 11 Hyaluronic acid products can be applied topically, and is a core ingredient in many lip treatment methods and balms off the shelf. 9 Hyaluronic acid is also a key compound in a filler, which can be injected into lips to fill out wrinkles and add more volume. As with any injectable, hyaluronic acid fillers come with risks including vascular occlusion and cutaneous necrosis. 12
Hyaluronic Acid and Lip Rejuvenation
Hyaluronic acid supports many functions in the body, such as cushioning the joints and in the eyes, and especially as a humectant, attracting and holding water to provide hydration to the skin. 11 Hyaluronic acid products can be applied topically, and is a core ingredient in many lip treatment methods and balms off the shelf. 9 Hyaluronic acid is also a key compound in a filler, which can be injected into lips to fill out wrinkles and add more volume. As with any injectable, hyaluronic acid fillers come with risks including vascular occlusion and cutaneous necrosis. 12
Nutrition and Lip Collagen Support
Collagen is another beneficial molecule for the maintenance of lip structure and shape. Though the scientific jury is still out on whether ingested collagen can mitigate visible signs of aging, some research shows that it can reduce visible wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. 13 Some of the foods that are highest in collagen content include bone broth of pork and beef, and chicken with skin-on. Some vegetarian options include berries, broccoli, and aloe vera juice for high collagen content and building blocks of collagen such as vitamin C. 13 In addition, you should be wary of collagen-containing topical products that boast the ability to increase collagen levels in skin, as most collagen proteins are too large to penetrate the skin barrier and therefore won’t make a meaningful difference in skin’s collagen levels. A more effective method of boosting collagen levels in skin is to apply collagen-promoting ingredients topically, such as the OS-01 peptide.
Nutrition and Lip Collagen Support
Collagen is another beneficial molecule for the maintenance of lip structure and shape. Though the scientific jury is still out on whether ingested collagen can mitigate visible signs of aging, some research shows that it can reduce visible wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. 13 Some of the foods that are highest in collagen content include bone broth of pork and beef, and chicken with skin-on. Some vegetarian options include berries, broccoli, and aloe vera juice for high collagen content and building blocks of collagen such as vitamin C. 13 In addition, you should be wary of collagen-containing topical products that boast the ability to increase collagen levels in skin, as most collagen proteins are too large to penetrate the skin barrier and therefore won’t make a meaningful difference in skin’s collagen levels. A more effective method of boosting collagen levels in skin is to apply collagen-promoting ingredients topically, such as the OS-01 peptide.
Lip Treatment and Skincare Solutions
Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to delay or prevent cell damage by counteracting free radicals
and oxidative stress. 14 The antioxidant most present in the skin is Vitamin C, which can be applied topically to the skin or ingested via foods such as raspberries, grapes, and red cabbage. 14 Some other foods high in antioxidants beneficial to the skin are blueberries, kale, spinach, beans, and strawberries. 14
A helpful product that allows for concentrated delivery of vitamins and peptides are serums. Many serums contain ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, that are beneficial for plumping the skin. These serums are best used after washing your face at night, so that the serum has time to absorb overnight.15
Lip Treatment and Skincare Solutions
Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to delay or prevent cell damage by counteracting free radicals
and oxidative stress. 14 The antioxidant most present in the skin is Vitamin C, which can be applied topically to the skin or ingested via foods such as raspberries, grapes, and red cabbage. 14 Some other foods high in antioxidants beneficial to the skin are blueberries, kale, spinach, beans, and strawberries. 14
A helpful product that allows for concentrated delivery of vitamins and peptides are serums. Many serums contain ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, that are beneficial for plumping the skin. These serums are best used after washing your face at night, so that the serum has time to absorb overnight.15
How do you view aging and longevity?
To put it all together, here are some steps for a lip care routine that can help prevent lip damage and wrinkles, as well as treating factors that lead to lip wrinkles.SPF - During the daytime, try applying a lip balm that has an SPF as often as possible. This is by and far the easiest way to prevent lip wrinkles, especially if this practice is adopted early in life. Cleanse - Don’t neglect your lips during your daily skin care routine. Make sure to clean your lips from daily pollutants and toxins with a gentle cleanser. Using a lip scrub or wash cloth to gently exfoliate lips a couple of times a week can help promote cell renewal. Moisturize and Hydrate - Now is the time for a lip serum, balm, or mask of your choice, which can contain beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Better yet, introduce a dual action peptide body lotion, peptide face moisturizer
, or lip balms with SPF and scientifically-proven ingredients.
How do you view aging and longevity?
To put it all together, here are some steps for a lip care routine that can help prevent lip damage and wrinkles, as well as treating factors that lead to lip wrinkles.SPF - During the daytime, try applying a lip balm that has an SPF as often as possible. This is by and far the easiest way to prevent lip wrinkles, especially if this practice is adopted early in life. Cleanse - Don’t neglect your lips during your daily skin care routine. Make sure to clean your lips from daily pollutants and toxins with a gentle cleanser. Using a lip scrub or wash cloth to gently exfoliate lips a couple of times a week can help promote cell renewal. Moisturize and Hydrate - Now is the time for a lip serum, balm, or mask of your choice, which can contain beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Better yet, introduce a dual action peptide body lotion, peptide face moisturizer
, or lip balms with SPF and scientifically-proven ingredients.
Your Lip Lineage: Preserving Youthful Lips
Facial wrinkles like frown lines or mouth wrinkles can be triggered by repeated facial movements, and lips are no exception. Movements specific to the lips that cause wrinkles include puckering, such as sucking from a straw or puffing on a cigarette. By reducing drinking from a straw and quitting smoking, you can reduce movements that contribute to the development of wrinkles on the lips. 15
Your Lip Lineage: Preserving Youthful Lips
Facial wrinkles like frown lines or mouth wrinkles can be triggered by repeated facial movements, and lips are no exception. Movements specific to the lips that cause wrinkles include puckering, such as sucking from a straw or puffing on a cigarette. By reducing drinking from a straw and quitting smoking, you can reduce movements that contribute to the development of wrinkles on the lips. 15
Key Takeaways
- Lips have skin unique to that of the rest of the body, with fewer layers and no hair/sweat glands for moisturization and protection. This makes them especially vulnerable to extrinsic and intrinsic aging factors.
- Like the rest of exposed skin such as wrinkled hands, wrinkled arms, and a wrinkled stomach, the biggest extrinsic aging factor for lips is UV damage. Opt for a lip balm with SPF of at least 30+ to prevent UV damage from occurring.
- Because lips don’t receive moisturizing oils from sebum glands like other areas of skin, it is essential to provide this moisture in the form of a lip balm or oil to prevent dryness and chapped lips that can compromise the skin barrier.
- Antioxidants and hyaluronic acid are ingredients to look for in lip balms, masks, and serums to maintain moisture and hydration in the lips for a full, wrinkle-less appearance.
Key Takeaways
- Lips have skin unique to that of the rest of the body, with fewer layers and no hair/sweat glands for moisturization and protection. This makes them especially vulnerable to extrinsic and intrinsic aging factors.
- Like the rest of exposed skin such as wrinkled hands, wrinkled arms, and a wrinkled stomach, the biggest extrinsic aging factor for lips is UV damage. Opt for a lip balm with SPF of at least 30+ to prevent UV damage from occurring.
- Because lips don’t receive moisturizing oils from sebum glands like other areas of skin, it is essential to provide this moisture in the form of a lip balm or oil to prevent dryness and chapped lips that can compromise the skin barrier.
- Antioxidants and hyaluronic acid are ingredients to look for in lip balms, masks, and serums to maintain moisture and hydration in the lips for a full, wrinkle-less appearance.
References
References
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Discover More
