Nasolabial folds are the two creases that run from the outer edges of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. Often referred to as “smile lines” or “laugh lines,” they are a universally present feature of human facial anatomy. Their presence is structural and not inherently a sign of aging. This article explores the biological reality of these folds, detailing the internal factors that cause them to deepen, and outlining strategies to minimize their appearance.
The Anatomy and Universal Presence of Nasolabial Folds
The nasolabial fold is not simply a wrinkle that appears with age but an anatomical boundary. This crease is defined by dense bundles of fibrous tissue and muscles that separate the cheek from the upper lip area. It marks the division between the mobile muscle and fat of the cheek and the firmer attachments around the mouth. The potential for this crease is always present, even in children, becoming temporarily visible when they smile or laugh.
The underlying structure involves the support of the buccal fat pad, which creates a distinct elevation above the fold. When a person is young, the skin is firm and the fat pads are high, so the fold is typically only seen during facial expressions. The fold represents a natural attachment point where the skin is anchored to the deeper structures and cannot be entirely prevented from forming.
Internal Factors That Influence Fold Depth
While the fold is structurally universal, its prominence is highly variable. A primary cause of deepening folds is the natural aging process, which involves a progressive loss of structural proteins in the skin. The production of collagen and elastin, which maintain skin firmness and elasticity, gradually slows down. This reduction causes the skin to lose its springiness and makes it more susceptible to forming permanent creases from repetitive movements.
A second major factor is the redistribution of facial fat, particularly the descent or atrophy of the malar (cheek) fat pads. These fat compartments lose volume and shift downward due to gravity and weakening connective tissue. As the fat and skin above the fold sag, they drape over the anchored crease, intensifying the shadow and making the line appear heavier and deeper.
Genetic factors also play a substantial role, influencing both the quality of the skin and the underlying bone structure. The inherited shape of the cheekbones, jaw, and even teeth alignment determines the facial framework that supports the soft tissues. Individuals with certain bone structures or a genetically predisposed skin type that produces less resilient collagen may observe deeper folds earlier in life. The gradual loss of bony volume in the mid-face with age further removes support, causing the overlying skin to relax and contribute to the folds’ prominence.
Strategies for Minimizing Their Appearance
Minimizing the appearance of nasolabial folds involves a combination of preventative measures and targeted professional treatments.
Preventative Measures
One of the most effective preventative strategies is rigorous sun protection, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a leading cause of premature aging. UV damage accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, which directly weakens the skin structure. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher helps slow this degradation.
Lifestyle adjustments can also help manage the progression of fold depth. Avoiding smoking is beneficial because it restricts blood flow to the skin and actively degrades collagen. Furthermore, sleeping on your back, rather than your side, minimizes the mechanical pressure and repetitive folding of the skin against a pillow.
Professional Treatments
When non-invasive methods are insufficient, professional interventions can provide significant improvement.
- Dermal fillers, primarily those made with hyaluronic acid, are the most common treatment for deeper nasolabial folds. These injections restore lost volume and plump the skin directly beneath the crease, smoothing the transition between the cheek and the mouth area. Results from fillers can typically last between six months to over a year.
- Topical skincare ingredients can also support skin resilience. Retinoids, which are chemical forms of Vitamin A, promote collagen production and improve the overall texture and elasticity of the skin over time.
- Skin resurfacing procedures, such as laser treatments or microdermabrasion, can improve the skin’s surface quality. This makes the surrounding area look more youthful and less focused on the fold.