Lips tend to get left out of the anti-aging conversation, right? We talk about eyes, forehead lines, even neck and hands — but the lips? They age too. And if you’re noticing fine lines, dryness, thinning, or less definition around your lips… you’re not imagining it.
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What causes lips to age?
There are a few main culprits:
1. Natural collagen loss:
We lose about 1% of our collagen every year after age 20. That includes the lips! Over time, lips become thinner, less plump, and less defined.
2. Sun damage:
We cannot stress this enough — the lips are skin, and they’re extremely delicate. UV rays break down collagen and elastin here too, leading to fine lines, dryness, and uneven texture.
3. Repetitive movements:
Just like forehead wrinkles come from muscle movement, those little vertical lip lines — sometimes called “smoker’s lines” — can come from talking, sipping, puckering, and yes… smoking.
4. Dehydration:
Our lips don’t have oil glands, so they can’t moisturize themselves. If you’re not hydrating inside and out, the lips will show it first.
5. Genetics and lifestyle:
Some of it is genetic, but things like stress, poor sleep, and not enough water accelerate the process.
How do we treat aging lips topically?
1. SPF!
We’re going to sound like a broken record here, but this is non-negotiable. Get a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply constantly, especially if you’re outdoors.
2. Hydration + barrier repair:
Look for lip treatments with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Also consider occlusives like shea butter, Vaseline or Aquaphor. Occlusives don’t actively put moisture in, but they prevent the loss of it.
3. Gentle exfoliation:
Our favorite way to remove flaking or dead skin cells on the lips is through chemical exfoliation. Try the acid blend found in Polishing Pads a few times a month. (We do NOT recommend using Toning Pads on the lips as they can be too drying!)
If you prefer physical or mechanical exfoliation, gentle rubbing is key. Once or twice a week, use a very gentle lip scrub or even a damp washcloth to remove dead skin.
4. Retinoids (carefully!):
If you’re advanced with your skincare, you can use a tiny bit of retinoid around the lips — not on the lips themselves — to help smooth fine lines. Start slow, and moisturize after to minimizes your chances of irritation.
5. Peptides:
Peptides can help stimulate collagen production around the mouth area. Look for products designed for perioral wrinkles or lip treatments with collagen-boosting ingredients. Something like Youthfull Lip Replenisher.
In-office treatments for aging lips
Okay, if you’re ready to go beyond topicals, here are Jordan’s favorite in-office treatments for treating aging lips and the surrounding area:
1. Lip filler (hyaluronic acid-based):
Now, this is not about making the lips big or unnatural. A conservative amount of filler can restore volume, redefine the border of the lip, and smooth vertical lines. The goal is natural, hydrated, happy lips.
2. Botox for lip lines:
We can use tiny amounts of Botox around the mouth — sometimes called a “lip flip” or peri-oral Botox — to soften those fine lines and prevent them from deepening.
3. Microneedling with PRP:
This is amazing for collagen stimulation around the mouth and lips. It can improve texture and fine lines over time.
4. Laser resurfacing (like Halo or Fraxel):
For more advanced lines around the mouth, laser treatments can help resurface the skin and stimulate collagen production. This can make a dramatic difference.
5. Sculptra or biostimulators:
In some cases, we can use biostimulators around the mouth area to help your body rebuild its own collagen. This is great for someone not ready for filler but looking for structural support.
How do you prevent premature lip aging?
Let’s talk prevention, because if you’re in your 20s or 30s, you can absolutely make choices to help slow this process down.
1. Daily SPF on the lips. Every. Single. Day.
And reapply as needed after eating, drinking, and kissing babies or pets.
2. Stop sipping through straws all day.
Let’s talk about the straw thing. A few years ago, Jordan posted on Instagram telling people to stop using straws if they care about lip lines. And let me tell you — we did not expect the response. The comments section was on fire. People were either totally on board, or they were like, “Jordan, I would rather look my age than give up a straw! You’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.”
Here’s the deal: repetitive puckering, like sipping through a straw over and over, contributes to those fine vertical lines around the mouth — the same lines we associate with smoking, but they happen to straw-users, too! And if you’re also drinking hot coffee or iced drinks with a straw? That repetitive motion plus temperature changes plus dehydration = faster collagen breakdown in that delicate area.
We’re not saying you can never use a straw again. If you’re drinking something that stains your teeth, or you’re in the car and it’s just easier — use the straw! We do sometimes, too. But if you’re someone who sips every single beverage through a straw, every single day… you’re creating those repetitive movements hundreds to thousands of times a week. That really adds up.
So — balance! Use straws mindfully. Be aware of the habit. And if you do use them often, make sure you’re doing everything else to protect and support the skin around your mouth: SPF, hydration, collagen support, and gentle treatments.
And if you were one of the thousands who commented on that post — we love you for it. We’re all just here trying to keep our lips smooth and happy without giving up every little joy in life… including iced coffee.
3. Stay hydrated.
Not just water — electrolyte balance matters too. If your body is dehydrated, your lips will show it first.
4. Moisturize before bed.
A thick layer of nourishing balm before bed can make such a difference. It’s like a dense mask for your lips overnight.
5. Start slow with collagen support.
Even if you’re not ready for in-office treatments, using topicals with peptides and gentle retinoids like RetinAL Skin Therapy around the mouth area can help build and maintain collagen.
Okay, that was a lot, but we hope it was helpful! The goal is not perfection, it’s consistency and care. Your lips deserve the same love and attention you give the rest of your skin.
