What causes the appearance of nasolabial folds?

Aug 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Obvious nasolabial folds on the face often make one appear more serious, aged, and less approachable, giving others the impression of being difficult to get close to. What causes nasolabial folds?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Nasolabial folds are two creases that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Nasolabial folds are a manifestation of facial skin aging, and their formation is mainly due to the following reasons:

1. Skin aging: With age, collagen and elastic fibers in the skin gradually decrease, leading to loss of skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles. Nasolabial folds are one specific manifestation of skin aging on the face, typically appearing on both sides of the nose and extending downward to the corners of the mouth.

2. Facial expression habits: Frequent facial expressions, such as laughing or frowning, accelerate localized skin folding and stretching, which can eventually lead to permanent wrinkles in specific areas.

3. Gravitational effects: As one ages, facial fat and muscle tissues gradually sag, particularly under the influence of gravity, making the skin on both sides of the nose prone to forming nasolabial folds.

4. Other factors: Genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and environmental factors may also contribute to the formation of nasolabial folds. For example, some people naturally have deeper nasolabial folds, which may be related to family genetics; long-term sleep deprivation, smoking, and alcohol consumption can accelerate skin aging and promote the formation of nasolabial folds; and environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation and air pollution can also damage the skin and contribute to the formation of nasolabial folds.

There are many methods to prevent and improve nasolabial folds, but they should always be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician.