How To Make Hair Color Last Longer

How To Make Hair Color Last Longer

by | Mar 9, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important

There’s nothing better than the feeling of walking out of a hair salon with fresh, glossy highlights. It’s no secret that getting your hair dyed isn’t exactly cheap (not to mention very time-consuming!) so it’s understandable you’d be frustrated when your hair color starts to fade quickly, giving way to a brassy look you’re not exactly crazy about.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make hair color last longer—or if color-safe shampoo can help—you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about how to make your hair color last longer.

How to Maintain your Hair Color, Step By Step

First things first: What can you do to make your hair color last longer? Here, Dr. Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD, CEO and Founder of AmberNoon, provides a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Choose a color-treated hair shampoo

This will help maintain your hair color when you do wash your hair, Dr. Ilyas explains.

Step 2: Reduce the frequency of shampoo use

“Find a balance between your hair needs for cleanliness and reducing the exposure of your hair to the pH changes that can trigger a loss of hair dye,” Dr. Ilyas suggests. “This process may include consideration of use of conditioner without shampoo for some hair washes.”

Step 3: Use conditioner

According to Dr. Ilyas, a conditioner can protect the hair by almost placing a sealant over the surface of the hair follicle.

Step 4: Consider a UV-protecting finishing spray

If you have significant UV exposure, Dr. Ilyas says a UV spray can help. “Remember these are not necessarily protecting your scalp from UV exposure but they may help protect your hair from the breakdown of hair dye that can occur with UV exposure,” she explains.

How Long Should Color Last in your Hair?

All hair color is going to fade at some point, right? But how long should it last? It varies, according to Dr. Ilyas. “There are two ways that hair dyes become less effective over time. The first way is that as your hair grows out, the roots show with your original color making the hair dye less noticeable,” she says. “The second is that the hair dye naturally washes out over time or is impacted by UV and other light or heat sources. For most people, roots will take about six weeks to really show and warrant a touch-up. The time frame for hair dye to fade can vary depending on how the hair is managed in terms of frequency of washes, type of shampoo, and hair products used.”

Do you need Special Shampoo For Colored Hair?

Browse any drugstore aisle and you’ll be met with tons of different shampoo options. But if you’re hoping to maintain your color for as long as possible, how much does it matter that you buy shampoo for colored hair?

The answer, according to Dr. Ilyas, is yes. “The goal of shampoo for color-treated hair is to maintain a pH that allows your hair to hold onto its pigment and to avoid stripping color with harsh detergents that can strip the cuticle and the color along with it,” she explains. “If you do not use a color-treated shampoo you will need to color your hair more frequently since your hair simply will not hold the color as long.”

What Is Considered Color-Safe Shampoo?

If you see a “color-safe” label on a hair product, it typically means that it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that cause hair color to fade. Color-safe shampoos usually don’t contain sulfates, for example.

Choose The Right Color-Safe Shampoo For Your Hair

When shopping for a color-safe shampoo, Dr. Ilyas says it’s important to note that pH does matter.

“The pH of shampoos does matter. There is some research that suggests that the pH of shampoos can cause or make our hair more susceptible to breakage,” she explains. “Our hair needs an acidic pH to make it less susceptible to frizz and friction against other hair follicles that can result in breakage.”

In fact, she says, one study showed that 75% of salon shampoos had the right pH compared to only 38% of drugstore brands. “For color-safe shampoos, pH is even more important to maintain the integrity of the hair color. For this reason, I tend to favor brands that specifically state that they are for color-treated hair and consider spending a bit more on salon-favored brand names. Hair dye is an investment of money and time so it is worth maintaining it.”

What Is the Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Hair?

If you want to maintain your color, you might consider investing in Rodan + Fields’ Volume+ Regimen, which is a three-step regimen designed to boost thickness, repair damage, and minimize hair fall. It’s also great for color-treated hair as it doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, or dyes.

Other Tips and Treatments to Keep Your Hair Color

In addition to using a shampoo specifically geared toward color-treated hair, Dr. Ilyas says she finds that heat protectants and leave-in conditioners can play an important role in retaining hydration and a sealant-like effect on hair.

“Hair dye is depositing itself in the scales of the cuticles of the hair follicle,” she explains. “The actual structure of the hair shaft itself may not be what you think. The surface of a hair follicle is actually not smooth, it is scaly. This plays a significant role in considering how hair products and hair color work by lodging within the scale of these follicles. Recognizing this can help you understand why maintaining hydration and protection of the hair shaft can also protect the color.”

Browse Our Products and Find the Best Shampoo For Colored Hair

Rodan and Fields’ has a handful of sulfate-free hair products that are perfect for color-treated hair. These include:

Rodan + Fields’ Volume+ Regimen (mentioned above).

Rodan + Fields’ Smooth+ Regimen, which is safe for color-treated hair while also improving shine and decreasing frizz.

Refresh+ Dry Shampoo, an excellent dry shampoo option for color-treated hair when you need a quick fix.

While hair will grow out and dye will inevitably fade over time, you can take steps to preserve your color for as long as possible. And a color-safe shampoo is a great start.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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What Is Dry Shampoo?

What Is Dry Shampoo?

by | Jan 12, 2023

Dry Shampoo - Refresh+

For many people, dry shampoo is a savior of sorts: When you don’t have time to wash your hair, it can give your hair that squeaky clean look in just a few sprays. But what is dry shampoo, exactly, and how are you supposed to use it? Is dry shampoo bad for your hair? We talked with experts—Here’s everything you need to know about what dry shampoo does, how to apply dry shampoo, and so much more.

What Is Dry Shampoo?

First things first: What is dry shampoo, anyway? According to Brian Moore, a board-certified dermatologist and Dermatology Advisor at Illuminate Labs, dry shampoos are basically alcohol- or starch-based products that cut the grease and oils in the hair without washing it.

“Some dry shampoo products deliver their agents through a spray, while others provide tinted powder to match hair color,” he explains.

How Does Dry Shampoo Work?

Dry shampoo works by soaking up the excess oil and grease in hair. “This gives the hair a fresher smell and cleaner look,” Dr. Moore says. “Dry shampoo can add volume by coating the hair fibers with starch or color products, almost like makeup.”

What Is the Difference Between Dry Shampoo and Regular Shampoo?

Board-certified dermatologist Erum N. Ilyas, CEO & Founder of AmberNoon, explains that Shampoo traditionally works via surfactants that attach to oils in your scalp with a hydrophobic end, and they are washed away by water.

“Dry shampoo is technically not ‘cleaning’ your hair in this traditional sense,” she adds. “Since water is not used with dry shampoo, these products focus on using alcohol or corn starch to soak up extra oils in our hair to give it a temporarily ‘fresh’ look”.

Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Hair?

No, the occasional use of dry shampoo is not bad for your hair, according to Dr. Ilyas. “For some people, these products can help manage hair types, hairstyles, and busy schedules, buying a little time between hair washes,” she says. “But dry shampoos cannot take the place of regular shampoos simply because they are not playing the same role in a hair care routine. Dry shampoo can reduce the appearance of excess oil on the scalp, but the oil is still present and adhering to alcohol and starches. These will need to be washed out with routine shampoo to avoid product residue buildup.”

What Are the Benefits of Using Dry Shampoo?

Dry shampoo is incredibly convenient.

“Some people find that excess hair-washing contributes to hair tangling and hair breakage and try to reduce the frequency of hair-washing,” Dr. Ilyas explains. “Hairstyles that are intended to last days or weeks at a time may benefit from the use of dry shampoo as well.”

Dr. Ilyas also adds that time, money, and effort can go into creating certain hairstyles or even blowouts, and washing with these styles will devitalize the look too quickly. “Dry shampoo use can give some wiggle room to avoid excess hair washing,” Dr. Ilyas notes. “And people who exercise regularly and sweat routinely can benefit from dry shampoos to avoid excess hair washing that can overdry the hair.”

How to Use Dry Shampoo On Your Hair

To use dry shampoo on your hair, Dr. Moore recommends holding the bottle about six inches from your scalp and only spraying as much as needed. “Then, massage the scalp or run the fingers through your hair to make sure the dry shampoo gets spread evenly and can’t be seen,” he says. “In general, it should only be sprayed on oily areas. To avoid extra dryness or static, avoid spraying the ends of the hair.”

When Should You Use Dry Shampoo?

You should use dry shampoo if:

  • You want to preserve a blowout or other hairstyle
  • You exercise a lot
  • You don’t have time to wash your hair
  • You need an easy, convenient pick-me-up for your hair

Dry Shampoo: Before and After

Refresh+ Before & After

What Is the Final Purpose of Dry Shampoo?

The final purpose of dry shampoo is to give hair a clean, fresh look and feel without going through the often time-consuming process of washing it.

Find the Best Dry Shampoo at Rodan + Fields

For a high-quality dry shampoo, try the Refresh+ Dry Shampoo, a lightweight dry shampoo that balances the scalp and absorbs excess sweat, oil, and odor so you can keep your hair refreshed between washes. This dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types and includes chamomile extract, rice starch, and ozone-friendly repellant.

Dry Shampoo FAQs:

Is dry shampoo liquid or powder?

Although it may not be obvious, the substance that comes out of a dry shampoo bottle is a powder that’s often based on corn or rice starch.

Is it better to use dry shampoo on wet or dry hair?

As the name implies, dry shampoo should be used on dry hair. If you use it on hair that’s even slightly damp, it can clump at the scalp—probably the opposite of the effect you’re hoping for.

How long should dry shampoo sit in the hair?

After applying dry shampoo, you’ll want to wait for one to two minutes before you brush it out so it can absorb the grease.

Should I dry shampoo before or after showering?

You don’t want to use dry shampoo directly before or directly after showering—it’s supposed to be used between washes.

Should I use dry shampoo at night or in the morning?

While you can use dry shampoo at any time of day, it may be helpful to use it at night because your hair will have time to absorb it and look fresh in the morning.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever.

Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant, who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging


Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging

by | Dec 5, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

We all know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ, but what’s the purpose of skin and how does our growing older change skin’s ability to perform this role?  We know this skin’s basic functions are to:

  1. Protects us from the outside world of germs and the environment
  2. Maintains our equilibrium – holding in water, controlling our temperature
  3. Is our outward, visible, indicator of health, age and well being

Why does your skin age?

As we age, the appearance and functioning of our skin changes.  Typically, skin becomes thinner, more wrinkled, rougher, less radiant, more lax, less firm, shows changes in pigment levels, and often dryer.  This aging of the skin is a result of two separate but interrelated factors: intrinsic or chronological aging, which is the biological process associated with your genetics and the passage of time, and extrinsic aging, changes caused primarily by external factors, the most important of which is UV exposure, but also includes exposure to pollution, weather, stress, and lifestyle habits.

What is Extrinsic Aging?

It’s generally thought that extrinsic factors have more influence on the visible signs of aging than intrinsic factors. In fact, 80% of skin aging is likely due to exposure to sunlight[1]. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding sun exposure and the use of a good quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 as the most important steps in maintaining skin health and preventing the signs of aging[2]. The good news, 80% of how your skin ages is in your hands.

What is Intrinsic Aging?

Intrinsic aging is the change in your skin related to your age and your genetics, and there are three main causes:

  1. Slower cell turnover
  2. Reduced cellular energy levels
  3. Reduced collagen production

Cell Turnover

We know that skin has the capacity to constantly renew itself.  Dry, dead skin cells slough off the surface to be replaced with new cells that have migrated up from deeper layers.  This replacement process is driven by something called turnover or proliferation.  Proliferation just means one cell dividing itself into two identical copies. Remarkably, cells can do this repeatedly, up to a maximum of about 50 times[3], but research tells us that as we age, this proliferation slows down considerably and eventually stops.  There is no foolproof way of reversing this decline.

Cellular Energy

As you can imagine, for cells to divide constantly, they need a lot of energy, but as we age, our energy levels drop too, sort of like how your phone battery slowly loses the ability to stay charged and runs down more quickly as it gets older.  The good news is that research has shown this decline can be addressed to an extent by providing very specific nutrients, ones that are important to a cell’s energy cycle[4].  Look for products that contain ingredients such as vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) and adenosine, both vital molecules in cell’s energy cycle.

What Can You Do To Address Intrinsic Aging?

Firstly, cleanse, tone, treat and protect your skin everyday[5] as this will enable your skin to be as resilient as possible to the signs of aging. Secondly, use products that contain ingredients that address the visible signs of aging caused by changes in cell turnover, energy, and collagen. Third, only use products that have been independently clinically tested to validate their efficacy.

R + F’s groundbreaking Total RF Serum is a powerful anti-aging serum that revitalizes skin to help achieve stronger, healthier, more resilient skin.

The serum does this through the use of carefully chosen ingredients proven to energize surface skin cells, including a propriety blend of ayurvedic sandalwood, Indian Kino extract + omega-6 fatty acids, combined with niacinamide and adenosine.  R+F’s patented antioxidant complex also fortifies the skin making it more resilient and defending against environmental aggressors.

A recent clinical trial published in Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, has shown how Total RF Serum can have a noticeable and positive impact on a broad range of anti-aging concerns and is capable of boosting the benefits of almost any skincare routine[6].

In Summary

Don’t assume all skincare is the same.  R+F is a dermatology inspired, problem solution skincare brand that sets out to identify key issues and provide demonstrable benefit. Do your research, identify your issues and do the best thing for your skin because what you do to your skin everyday has a huge impact on how it looks and feels.

Article by Simon Craw, PhD

Dr. Simon Craw holds a PhD in Chemistry from University of Manchester and held academic posts at the University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and University of Sydney (Australia). He has over 25 years’ industry experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and skin care research and development.  He began his career at Merck Research Laboratories before moving to a series of start-ups and early-stage biotechnology and skincare companies. At Lifeline Skincare, Dr. Craw helped develop and commercialize one of the first and most innovative stem cell extracts used in topical cosmetics.  At Rodan + Fields Dr. Craw has brought a number of skincare innovations to market including Retinal MD, one of the most powerful non-prescription retinoids and Total RF Serum a breakthrough anti-aging serum powered by a patent-pending new technology targeting cellular energy, RF TriEnergy Complex.

REFERENCES

[1] Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013 Sep 27;6:221-32. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S44686. PMID: 24101874; PMCID: PMC3790843.

[2] American Academy of Dermatology.  Skincare Tips Dermatologist’s Use. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use

[3] Watts G. Leonard Hayflick and the limits of ageing. Lancet. 2011 Jun 18;377(9783):2075. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60908-2. PMID: 21684371.

[4] Nicotinamide effects on the metabolism of human fibroblasts and keratinocyte assessed by quantitative, label-free fluorescence imaging. Liu Z, Chiang CY, Nip J, Feng L, Zhang Y, Rocha S, Georgakoudi I. Biomed Opt Express. 2021 Sep 20;12(10):6375-6390 https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.432561

[5] American Academy of Dermatology.  Should I Apply My Skincare Products in a Certain Order? https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/apply-skin-care-certain-order

[6] Craw JS, Falla T, Ong D and Butani S, Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Facial Serum.  Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, 2022,7(1) doi: 10.23880/cdoaj-16000259

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

by | Aug 6, 2022

How to even your skin tone

If you suffer from uneven skin tone, rest assured that you’re not alone. “Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation is often characterized by skin discoloration and is a result of an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “This overproduction of melanin often occurs unevenly which results in dark spots and patches.”

While common—a form of hyperpigmentation called melasma impacts approximately five million people in the United States and has a prevalence rate of 40% in some populations—anyone who has ever dealt with this issue has probably wondered how to get even the skin tone on their face. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Causes An Uneven Skin Tone?

There are many factors that contribute to uneven skin tone, according to Dr. Green. These include:

Hormones

According to Dr. Green, hormonal fluctuations can cause an increased risk of hyperpigmentation, especially in the form of melasma. “Many individuals may experience this while taking oral contraceptives or during pregnancy,” she notes.

Genetics

For some people, an uneven skin tone is as simple as a genetic predisposition. “Individuals are more prone to uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation based on their family history,” Dr Green says. “For example, there is a strong hereditary component to the hyperpigmentation disorder melasma with half of the patients reporting a positive family history.”

Skin Tone

The tone of your skin might make you more likely to develop hyperpigmentation. “Individuals with darker brown skin are more likely to develop an uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation since they naturally have more melanin,” Dr. Green says.

Laser Damage

Sometimes, a dermatologist or other skin expert might use a laser treatment that isn’t suited to your skin, which can lead to uneven skin tone. “If laser treatment is used on a skin tone that it is not well suited for, it can result in skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “This is often because the energy or heat of the laser is too high for a particular skin tone and your body reacts by increasing melanin production.”

Steps to Even Your Facial Skin Tone

What can I do to brighten my face? How can I fix discoloration on my face? How can I prevent uneven skin tone? Dr. Green shares some answers to these questions and steps you can take to help even out skin tone:

Step 1: Start using sunscreen

Before thinking about the steps you should take to even out your facial tone, start by using sunscreen to prevent further damage. “Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above daily and to reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says.

Step 2: Use a vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, Dr. Green says. “This will help fade hyperpigmentation that may appear as sunspots, age spots, and melasma.”

Step 3: Try a retinol

Known for its anti-aging benefits, retinol can help even out skin tone, too. “Retinol inhibits the activity of tyrosinase which helps to lighten the skin while also improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which can help make skin look more even.”

Step 4: Consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss cosmetic procedures

If you’re not getting the results you want from your skincare products, consider consulting a professional. “Consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Several cosmetic procedures can help like the Cosmelan Peel, Fraxel Laser, AlexTrivantage Laser, Clear + Brilliant, Chemical Peels, and more,” Dr. Green says.

Other Facial Skin Tone Treatments

Here are other things you can do to achieve an even skin tone on your face:

Natural treatments

Vitamin C serum is a great natural treatment option for uneven skin tone. “As a strong antioxidant ingredient, Vitamin C can combat the negative effects of harmful free radicals in the environment that contribute to the development of the signs of premature skin aging, including hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “Vitamin C also helps to inhibit melanin production in the skin, thus brightening overall skin complexion. Additionally, Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis of collagen in the skin. By promoting skin cell regeneration and inducing the production of collagen, vitamin C improves both the texture and tone of the skin.”

Lifestyle Measures

The most important lifestyle measure you can take to even the skin tone on your face, Dr. Green says, is sun protection.

“Everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above regularly because it is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation and prevent hyperpigmentation,” she says. “Pregnant women, in particular, should be diligent in applying sunscreen regularly. During pregnancy, it is common for patients to suffer from a skin condition known as melasma. Melasma often results due to hormonal fluctuations and presents itself as patches of skin that are darker than the patient’s natural skin tone. Sun exposure can worsen melasma and any hyperpigmentation so wearing sunscreen is especially important”

Medical Procedures

While you should always talk to your dermatologist about which procedures might be right for you, Dr. Green says chemical peels, laser treatments, and other procedures can be helpful when it comes to evening out skin tone. But as mentioned above, the wrong treatment can actually worsen hyperpigmentation—so make sure to have a thorough conversation beforehand.

How Can You Prevent an Uneven Skin Tone?

The very best thing you can do to prevent uneven skin tone? It probably won’t come as a surprise at this point, but you should apply sunscreen.

“The best thing you can do for your skin to prevent uneven skin tone from occurring or worsening is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above daily and reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says. “Sunscreen is great for protecting against hyperpigmentation that is a result of sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure will result in an increase in melanin production in the skin which ultimately manifests as hyperpigmentation.”

Key Takeaways

Long story short: Hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as uneven skin tone, is common—but there’s a lot you can do to make it less visible and protect your skin from further damage.

Reference Pages

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2019/10/31/how-to-get-an-even-skin-tone-according-to-dermatologists/

https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-advice/how-to-even-skin-tone.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-even-skin

https://usa.renskincare.com/blogs/clean-thoughts/5-natural-ways-to-achieve-an-even-skin-tone

https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-even-skin-tone

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

Lip Wrinkles: Causes and Treatment

Lip Wrinkles: Causes and Treatment

by | Jun 30, 2022

Reverse Regimen

When we think about areas of our face where wrinkles and fine lines show up, our lips aren’t usually the first spot we think of. But lip wrinkles, which are vertical lines that form on and around your lips as you age, can be a source of annoyance that can leave us feeling less confident than we deserve to be.

But what are lip wrinkles, exactly, and what can you do about them? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are Lip Wrinkles?

As noted above, lip wrinkles are vertical lines that form on and around your lips as you get older. They’re sometimes called “lip lines,” “lipstick lines,” or “smoker’s lines,” and they can be tough to hide or conceal, making them more bothersome than other wrinkles or fine lines.

What Causes Lip Wrinkles?

There are a handful of causes of lip wrinkles, but there are the most common ones:

Aging

Unfortunately, one of the top causes of lip wrinkles is pretty inevitable: Aging skin. “As we age, we gradually produce less and less collagen,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.  “This means our skin is less able to repair itself and retain moisture, resulting in drier, thinner, and less elastic skin. This also makes our lips and other areas of our face more prone to fine lines and wrinkles”.

Sun exposure

Sun exposure (and lack of protection) can be another culprit when it comes to lip wrinkles. “Repetitive unprotected sun exposure can make lip wrinkles worse since the ultraviolet rays can damage our collagen stores and cause premature aging,” explains Dr. Green.

Smoking

There’s a reason why lip wrinkles are often referred to as “smoker’s lines” — smoking is a big reason why lip wrinkles show up in the first place. “Smoking can cause premature aging since cigarettes contain free radicals that damage our bodies and prevent our skin cells from getting adequate nutrients.”

Treatments for Lip Wrinkles

As with most skin-related issues, the best treatment for lip wrinkles is to stop them from popping up in the first place — or at the very least, do your very best to stop them from getting worse. “You can change your diet to include foods that are high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and nuts,” Dr. Green suggests. “These foods can fight free radicals and other agents that cause premature aging. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can improve your blood flow and improve both your complexion as well as prevent any more free radicals from damaging your skin cells.”

Here are some other options worth trying:

Anti-aging lip serum and balm

There are tons of different lip serums and balms out there, so look out for a lip wrinkle serum that contains specific ingredients.

“Look for products containing either vitamin C or retinoids,” suggests Dr. Green. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is known to support healthy collagen production, making it optimal for preventing lip lines and keeping them from getting worse. Meanwhile, retinoids support natural cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production. This makes them a great option in reducing the appearance of fine lines and rejuvenating the skin.”

That being said, if you opt for a serum or balm that contains a retinoid, it’s extra important to remember to apply a lip balm with SPF afterward.

Exfoliate lips

Since exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, lip exfoliants can be a great way to keep the skin on your lips healthy. Just remember not to overdo it (once a week is fine), and make sure to apply a moisturizer and SPF afterward. “Many people fail to apply SPF to their lips when they go out,” Dr. Green says. “Always apply a lip balm with SPF and reapply every two hours to protect your lips from UV damage.”

Oil massages

Treat your lips to a luxurious oil massage, especially if you’re regularly exfoliating them. Lip oils are an excellent way to deeply moisturize the skin of the lips, helping to protect them from further damage.

Dermal fillers

Dr. Green notes that dermal fillers can be an excellent treatment option for lip wrinkles. “Dermal fillers that are made of hyaluronic acid like Belotero Balance, Restylane, and Juvederm can temporarily fill in lip lines and give the appearance of natural, supple, and beautiful lips,” she notes. “Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our bodies and when injected, can add volume, smooth out the surface of the skin, and immediately improve the skin’s overall appearance.”  It’s always important to discuss your options with your dermatologist to determine what is right for you.

While annoying, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the appearance of lip wrinkles and stop them from getting worse. So fill up your cart with antioxidant-rich foods, remember to exfoliate, and don’t forget the SPF!

Sources

Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

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Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

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*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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