I deep dive and research a lot. Here are ideas. One note: a person will likely need to do more than one thing from the list below to see things shift. However, I do find it simplest to start with one, observe my response, then add things as I go. I do 3-4 things from this list myself.
1. Do you regularly see an esthetician? Or see one at all? This can be one of the biggest, most important things one can do. I used to have severe cystic acne. I started seeing an esthetician and have seen her now for nearly 15 years. It’s worth it. Not all estheticians are great or a fit for someone. A bit of trial and error? Mine does work remotely if you want her information. I stand by seeing an esthetician.
2. Protein, particularly animal protein. I know you’re a vegetarian so I don’t share this to offend <3 Veggies are great but they are only one leg of a three-legged stool. Collagen in our skin is made up of particular types of protein. As we age our stomach acid can slowly decrease. (Due to declining sex hormones and many other factors including accumulated toxins, stress, how much joy we take in life, etc.) This makes it more difficult to digest and absorb nutrients, including and especially protein. Animal hydrolyzed collagen has the most research and results. Either way, I would definitely look at gut health and protein consumption. If you can consume eggs and even fish, it will help. They make a marine hydrolyzed collagen that is well absorbed if fish isn’t an issue. Just make sure the brand has third party independent testing. collagen can carry heavy metals, which we don’t want.
3. hyaluronic acid. HA provides deep hydration. There are several factors with absorption, including molecular weight. This is where I would search out esthetician grade brands. I don’t use drugstore products for many reasons. One that I can recommend is Dr. Esthe’s Hyal Moisture Solution. It’s an HA serum. It’s highly touted by the anti aging estheticians I follow including Christine Byer and Jeanna of Art of Skincare. It’s pricey! But it should last a very long time. I. e. one does not need to use multiple full dropper-fills all over the face like Instagram influencers.
4. Facial massage, particularly intra-oral massage. This technique from Christine Byer is AMAZING! If you are storing a lot of tension in your mouth it could hurt some when you massage and release. Don’t push the pain. Go lighter if needed. But I would try doing it daily for 1-2 weeks (even 30 days) and see what happens. https://youtu.be/setPHIMEZeA?si=5Ph5vxNjJHaCqeGc
5. Dermaroll. Also known as micro needling. It hurts around the mouth due to all the nerve endings and thinner skin. You’ll probably need to use a numbing cream. Also, I would start with a .15mm or .25mm needle then slowly work up to a deeper depth needle. (Don’t go above .05mm to .075mm on face without professional supervision.) can’t find the video again, but I stumbled across a woman in her 70s who completely reversed smokers’ mouth using a derma roller on her lips. You need to be meticulous with disinfecting the roller and your skin with rubbing alcohol. You can also have it performed by an esthetician or dermatologist. This how-to is from a master esthetician.
https://youtu.be/4hqOOBciaQc?si=FExW8BCrmZWcrzCC
6. Red light therapy. Lots of options though I wouldn’t go too cheap or you may not be getting real red light wavelengths. I haven’t specially researched about its results with mouth lines. But it is used for rebuilding collagen, reducing depth of wrinkles, evening skin tone, removing hyperpigmentation, and more.
Hope that helps <3
