What should I do about wrinkles at the corners of my mouth?

Wrinkles at the corners of the mouth can be improved through daily preventive measures, facial physical care, topical skincare products, aesthetic medical injections, or surgical correction. These perioral wrinkles commonly result from repetitive facial expressions and skin dehydration or aging. A combination of these approaches helps hydrate the skin, reduce visible lines, and slow further progression. If sudden drooping of the corner of the mouth or persistent localized swelling and pain occur, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.

1. Daily Prevention: Maintain adequate hydration to keep the skin moisturized; minimize exaggerated facial movements such as frequent lip-pursing or wide smiling; apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors to protect against UV damage; and ensure balanced dietary intake of vitamins and proteins to support collagen health in the skin.

2. Facial Physical Care: Gently massage the skin around the mouth corners and apply warm compresses to enhance local blood circulation, relax tense facial muscles, and alleviate wrinkles caused by repeated muscle contractions. Apply only light pressure during massage to avoid stretching or irritating the skin.

3. Topical Skincare Products: Use skincare products containing reparative and anti-aging ingredients on the perioral area to nourish the epidermis and improve skin elasticity. Consistent, long-term use is required to observe noticeable improvements; a single application cannot rapidly diminish deeply established wrinkles.

4. Aesthetic Medical Injections: For dynamic wrinkles, botulinum toxin injections can temporarily relax the underlying muscles, reducing expression-induced creasing. For static wrinkles, dermal fillers may be used concurrently to smooth out depressions. These procedures must be performed at licensed, reputable facilities, followed by appropriate post-treatment local care.

5. Surgical Correction: This option is suitable for individuals with deep perioral wrinkles accompanied by significant skin laxity. Surgery removes excess loose skin and tightens underlying facial tissues to address age-related folds. Postoperative recovery requires an extended period of rest and diligent wound care.

To maintain perioral skin elasticity and slow aging, avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments, apply nighttime moisturizers to the face, refrain from vigorous rubbing or scrubbing around the mouth, and maintain regular sleep patterns.