July 22, 2023
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
Understanding Marionette Lines: Causes and Prevention
Be it due to chronological age or sun damage, one of the most visible signs of skin aging is the development of fine lines and different types of face wrinkles. One specific type of these facial creases is marionette lines, also known as puppet lines or oral commissure lines for how they resemble the split jaws of string puppets. While fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging, marionette lines can have the effect of making you look older than you actually are, leaving many to seek ways to prevent their development and mitigate their appearance. This article will dive into what causes marionette lines and will explore natural treatments and preventive measures to keep them at bay.
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
July 22, 2023
Understanding Marionette Lines: Causes and Prevention
Be it due to chronological age or sun damage, one of the most visible signs of skin aging is the development of fine lines and different types of face wrinkles. One specific type of these facial creases is marionette lines, also known as puppet lines or oral commissure lines for how they resemble the split jaws of string puppets. While fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging, marionette lines can have the effect of making you look older than you actually are, leaving many to seek ways to prevent their development and mitigate their appearance. This article will dive into what causes marionette lines and will explore natural treatments and preventive measures to keep them at bay.
What are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are creases that form around the mouth area and can give the face a droopy, or saggy appearance. These vertical lines develop from repeated facial expressions of the mouth and are deepened by effects of skin aging, such as loss of collagen, skin elasticity, skin thinning, and sun damage. While most people are likely to develop some degree of marionette lines as they age, those who smoke, omit sun protection, or do not take preventative measures against other external aging factors may notice these laugh lines developing earlier or more prominently.1
What are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are creases that form around the mouth area and can give the face a droopy, or saggy appearance. These vertical lines develop from repeated facial expressions of the mouth and are deepened by effects of skin aging, such as loss of collagen, skin elasticity, skin thinning, and sun damage. While most people are likely to develop some degree of marionette lines as they age, those who smoke, omit sun protection, or do not take preventative measures against other external aging factors may notice these laugh lines developing earlier or more prominently.1
Causes of Marionette Lines
What causes marionette lines? Sun damage is the greatest risk factor for wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, but there are many other factors that can increase one’s visible age, including:
- Loss of Skin Proteins with Natural (Intrinsic) Aging:As we age, our skin produces less of the two proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity: collagen and elastin, respectively. The natural decline in these proteins causes the skin to lose its suppleness, resulting in the development and worsening of wrinkles and lines, including marionette lines.2
- Sun Damage:Most important to avoid is exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which accounts for 80-90% of visible aging by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.3
- Lifestyle Choices: Also contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers are lifestyle choices such as smoking4, poor diet 5, and a lack of proper skin care. These can all contribute to the loss of skin elasticity and firmness, which can thus make marionette lines more prominent.
- Stress: An increase of cortisol in the body has been linked to a decrease in collagen production, which provides structure to the skin and thus protection against marionette lines.6
- Repeated Facial Expressions: Repeated facial expressions, such as frowning, squinting, or pursing the lips, are what trigger the development of marionette lines over time. These expressions cause the underlying muscles to contract and can leave a lasting imprint on the skin, especially if collagen and elastin is depleted from other factors, resulting in the formation of lines and wrinkles.7
Causes of Marionette Lines
What causes marionette lines? Sun damage is the greatest risk factor for wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, but there are many other factors that can increase one’s visible age, including:
- Loss of Skin Proteins with Natural (Intrinsic) Aging:As we age, our skin produces less of the two proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity: collagen and elastin, respectively. The natural decline in these proteins causes the skin to lose its suppleness, resulting in the development and worsening of wrinkles and lines, including marionette lines.2
- Sun Damage:Most important to avoid is exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which accounts for 80-90% of visible aging by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.3
- Lifestyle Choices: Also contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers are lifestyle choices such as smoking4, poor diet 5, and a lack of proper skin care. These can all contribute to the loss of skin elasticity and firmness, which can thus make marionette lines more prominent.
- Stress: An increase of cortisol in the body has been linked to a decrease in collagen production, which provides structure to the skin and thus protection against marionette lines.6
- Repeated Facial Expressions: Repeated facial expressions, such as frowning, squinting, or pursing the lips, are what trigger the development of marionette lines over time. These expressions cause the underlying muscles to contract and can leave a lasting imprint on the skin, especially if collagen and elastin is depleted from other factors, resulting in the formation of lines and wrinkles.7
How to Treat Marionette Lines Naturally
While there are various cosmetic marionette line treatment options available, such as dermal fillers, botox, thread lifts, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing, many individuals prefer natural remedies to address their concerns regarding wrinkles. Some potential marionette line treatment methods are facial exercises, massages, hydration and moisturization, and avoiding UV rays.
Much in the same way that certain facial expressions can make marionette lines more prominent, regularly performing counteracting facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the mouth and improve blood circulation to the area. By improving blood circulation, you may help support the natural systems of collagen and elastin production. Furthermore, exercises like the "smiling fish face" and the "cheek lift" can help tone the muscles and minimize the depth of the lines.8 By gently massaging the marionette lines with natural oils, such as olive oil or almond oil, it can also help improve blood flow and stimulate collagen production.9
Keeping the skin well-hydrated and moisturized is essential for maintaining its elasticity. To help keep skin hydrated, drink an adequate amount of water daily and use a nourishing peptide moisturizer or peptide body lotion that contains humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in the skin and plumps up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more about the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid HERE. Finally and most importantly, you should shield your skin from harmful UV rays which can help prevent further damage and deepening of marionette lines. By applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going outdoors and seeking shade during peak sun hours, you have the best potential for limiting UV damage.How to Treat Marionette Lines Naturally
While there are various cosmetic marionette line treatment options available, such as dermal fillers, botox, thread lifts, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing, many individuals prefer natural remedies to address their concerns regarding wrinkles. Some potential marionette line treatment methods are facial exercises, massages, hydration and moisturization, and avoiding UV rays.
Much in the same way that certain facial expressions can make marionette lines more prominent, regularly performing counteracting facial exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the mouth and improve blood circulation to the area. By improving blood circulation, you may help support the natural systems of collagen and elastin production. Furthermore, exercises like the "smiling fish face" and the "cheek lift" can help tone the muscles and minimize the depth of the lines.8 By gently massaging the marionette lines with natural oils, such as olive oil or almond oil, it can also help improve blood flow and stimulate collagen production.9
Keeping the skin well-hydrated and moisturized is essential for maintaining its elasticity. To help keep skin hydrated, drink an adequate amount of water daily and use a nourishing peptide moisturizer or peptide body lotion that contains humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in the skin and plumps up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more about the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid HERE. Finally and most importantly, you should shield your skin from harmful UV rays which can help prevent further damage and deepening of marionette lines. By applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before going outdoors and seeking shade during peak sun hours, you have the best potential for limiting UV damage.How to Prevent Marionette Lines
The best way to avoid marionette lines is to prevent their development in the first place. While some factors, like intrinsic aging, are beyond our control, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help minimize the risk of developing marionette lines.
- Practice Sun Protection: Sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily skin care routine. You should apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your face, neck, and other exposed areas. Remember, sunscreen during winter and on cloudy days is just as important as sunny days. By protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, you can prevent UV-induced collagen and elastin degradation, in turn helping to prevent the formation of marionette lines.
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Another great way to bolster and plump your skin is to fill your diet with a wide spread of foods for skin repairsuch as nutrients and antioxidants, which can be done through consuming fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as those found in nuts and seeds. In a similar vein, it’s crucial to limit the intake of overly processed sugary foods as foods that have a high glycemic index can likewise lead to inflammation, breaking down collagen and elastin in a process known as glycation.10
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for both preventing and treating deep marionette lines. By drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day, you in turn keep your skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Facial Skin Care: You may also establish a consistent skin care routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing your face daily. By using topical skin care products containing ingredients that boost the production of collagen and elastin will improve skin texture and reduce the potential for marionette lines to develop.
- Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol: The toxins ingested as a result of smoking accelerate the aging process by damaging collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.11 Excessive alcohol consumption can also dehydrate the skin and contribute to premature aging by decreasing collagen production.12
How to Prevent Marionette Lines
The best way to avoid marionette lines is to prevent their development in the first place. While some factors, like intrinsic aging, are beyond our control, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help minimize the risk of developing marionette lines.
- Practice Sun Protection: Sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily skin care routine. You should apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your face, neck, and other exposed areas. Remember, sunscreen during winter and on cloudy days is just as important as sunny days. By protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, you can prevent UV-induced collagen and elastin degradation, in turn helping to prevent the formation of marionette lines.
- Follow a Healthy Diet: Another great way to bolster and plump your skin is to fill your diet with a wide spread of foods for skin repairsuch as nutrients and antioxidants, which can be done through consuming fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as those found in nuts and seeds. In a similar vein, it’s crucial to limit the intake of overly processed sugary foods as foods that have a high glycemic index can likewise lead to inflammation, breaking down collagen and elastin in a process known as glycation.10
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for both preventing and treating deep marionette lines. By drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day, you in turn keep your skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Facial Skin Care: You may also establish a consistent skin care routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing your face daily. By using topical skin care products containing ingredients that boost the production of collagen and elastin will improve skin texture and reduce the potential for marionette lines to develop.
- Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol: The toxins ingested as a result of smoking accelerate the aging process by damaging collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.11 Excessive alcohol consumption can also dehydrate the skin and contribute to premature aging by decreasing collagen production.12
How Does OneSkin Address Marionette Lines?
As deep marionette lines are predominantly caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin, and dehydration of the skin, a product that helps counteract these losses is crucial. Because collagen is a large protein, applying it topically to skin will have little effect, as it won’t pass through the skin barrier. Rather, utilizing skin care products with ingredients that promote collagen production by your own skin cells will be much more effective at improving collagen levels in skin. OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide has been scientifically proven to promote the expression of key biomarkers associated with collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production and to reduce the expression of UV-induced collagen-degrading enzymes.* This indicates that skin could be better equipped to produce and maintain collagen levels, along with improving elastin and hyaluronic acid levels. The peptide has also been shown to increase skin’s epidermal thickness and skin’s barrier function*, which can help mitigate the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles. OS-01 FACE has been clinically validated to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles (shown in 87% of users) and improve barrier function by an average of +15%.** Formulated with three sizes of hyaluronic acid to reach each layer of the skin, OS-01 FACE is designed to provide lasting hydration as well. *Shown in lab studies on human skin samples (Zonari, et al., 2023)**Shown in a 2 week clinical study performed by a third party research organization
How Does OneSkin Address Marionette Lines?
As deep marionette lines are predominantly caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin, and dehydration of the skin, a product that helps counteract these losses is crucial. Because collagen is a large protein, applying it topically to skin will have little effect, as it won’t pass through the skin barrier. Rather, utilizing skin care products with ingredients that promote collagen production by your own skin cells will be much more effective at improving collagen levels in skin. OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide has been scientifically proven to promote the expression of key biomarkers associated with collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production and to reduce the expression of UV-induced collagen-degrading enzymes.* This indicates that skin could be better equipped to produce and maintain collagen levels, along with improving elastin and hyaluronic acid levels. The peptide has also been shown to increase skin’s epidermal thickness and skin’s barrier function*, which can help mitigate the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles. OS-01 FACE has been clinically validated to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles (shown in 87% of users) and improve barrier function by an average of +15%.** Formulated with three sizes of hyaluronic acid to reach each layer of the skin, OS-01 FACE is designed to provide lasting hydration as well. *Shown in lab studies on human skin samples (Zonari, et al., 2023)**Shown in a 2 week clinical study performed by a third party research organization
Key Takeaways
- Marionette lines are caused by repeated facial expressions around the mouth combined with a number of factors linked to intrinsic and extrinsic aging such as loss of skin elasticity with age and sun damage.
- Sun damage accounts for 80-90% of visible aging, in large part due to UV-induced collagen degradation and the subsequent development and worsening of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lifestyle habits, such as sun protection and a diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants are crucial to avoiding the development of marionette lines.
- Marionette lines can be naturally treated through facial exercises, massages, hydration and moisturization, and avoiding UV rays.
- Power your skin cells with the OS-01 peptide to encourage natural production and maintenance of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Key Takeaways
- Marionette lines are caused by repeated facial expressions around the mouth combined with a number of factors linked to intrinsic and extrinsic aging such as loss of skin elasticity with age and sun damage.
- Sun damage accounts for 80-90% of visible aging, in large part due to UV-induced collagen degradation and the subsequent development and worsening of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lifestyle habits, such as sun protection and a diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants are crucial to avoiding the development of marionette lines.
- Marionette lines can be naturally treated through facial exercises, massages, hydration and moisturization, and avoiding UV rays.
- Power your skin cells with the OS-01 peptide to encourage natural production and maintenance of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
By Felix Tajanko. Felix is studying Bioengineering at the University of California - San Diego and is passionate about scientific writing as well as the research of hormones and microhemodynamics.
By Felix Tajanko. Felix is studying Bioengineering at the University of California - San Diego and is passionate about scientific writing as well as the research of hormones and microhemodynamics.
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
