Yes, Your Lips Get Thinner With Age - Here's Why

Aging impacts so many aspects of our lives, especially when it comes to our bodies. However, by taking control of our health by exercising, eating a healthy diet, keeping stress levels low, getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, and taking care of any mental health concerns, our bodies can stay healthy and active later in life. Taking care of your body from the inside out will not only help you feel great but also look your best in the future.

One of the most noticeable physical signs that come with age is the way that our skin changes — especially during menopause, and it's often written all over our faces. Wrinkles appear, and our smile can even lose a bit of luster, including the appearance of our lips. While many of us are focused on keeping our bodies healthy and building a skincare routine for our aging skin, the lips are often forgotten. 

Unfortunately, one major effect of aging comes in the form of thinner lips. As our skin ages so do our lips, and the appearance of our mouths could be altered as the years go by. To stop the aging process from taking a major toll on your own lips, you must first understand why your lips can thin and how to take care of the problem.

Our lips lose collagen with age

While the face gets most of the attention when it comes to anti-aging products, our lips can also undergo big changes as we get older. As the years go on, our skin produces less collagen, which is key to keeping it looking firm and plump. This can result in wrinkles and skin sagging in later years. However, collagen is also key to keeping your lips looking full.

"Our lips are no exception: they can deflate as we age," certified dermatologist Dr. HariKiran Cheruki confirmed to She Finds. He elaborated, "This is largely a result of the loss of fat in the face which also causes cheeks to become hollowed out. In addition, collagen that naturally keeps lips looking plump begins to deplete, making them look thinner and less defined. The rate at which this occurs varies from person to person but it's an inevitable part of aging." 

This process can start as early as your twenties, so taking proper care of your lips is crucial if you want to keep them looking their best. Things such as UV damage and smoking can add to lip problems later in life, so ensuring that you treat your lips may need to become a key part of your anti-aging routine going forward.

How to treat and prevent thinning lips

Thankfully, treating and preventing thinning lips doesn't have to be scary or require any plastic surgery. There are natural ways to help your lips look plump and full as get you older. One way to ensure that you're giving your pout the best chance is by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated is great for your skin and your lips, and your body will thank you for it. Using a lip product with SPF will also ensure that the sun won't damage the fragile skin of your lips. 

Taking a collagen supplement is another great way to help your body combat the natural collagen loss that happens during the aging process. Products such as lip plumpers and masks could also be an option for you. Using makeup such as lip liner and lip blush will also help give the appearance of fuller lips. However, for those looking for a more permanent solution, a Botox lip flip or lip injections may offer a less time-consuming alternative to more natural treatments.

While no one can stop the aging process, there are many things that can be done to be proactive in fighting against it. By keeping your body healthy inside and out, your skin and lips will certainly be rewarded and have you looking your best for years to come.