How to Reduce Nasolabial Folds

There are numerous causes of nasolabial folds (commonly known as “laugh lines” or “smile lines”). Some individuals develop them at a relatively young age, often due to congenital factors. However, for most people, nasolabial folds are primarily age-related—the older one gets, the more pronounced they tend to become. Fortunately, several approaches exist to reduce or eliminate these lines, including enhanced skincare routines and facial massage. In more severe cases, consulting a dermatologist or aesthetic physician is advisable. Below, we address the question: How can nasolabial folds be effectively reduced or eliminated?

How to Reduce Nasolabial Folds

1. Choose Appropriate Skincare Products

Select products containing ingredients that promote collagen regeneration in the dermis—such as growth factors and low-molecular-weight collagen—to stimulate or replenish dermal tissue, thereby improving wrinkles and enhancing skin firmness. Ingredients that support epidermal turnover (e.g., gentle exfoliants) help diminish superficial wrinkles. Hormone-mimicking or hormone-supportive ingredients—including kinetin, Shan Yao (Chinese yam) extract, soy isoflavones, curcumin, and peptides—can help regulate and support hormonal function, contributing to improved skin tone and firmness.

2. Adopt an Optimal Sleeping Position

An improper sleeping posture can contribute to the formation of nasolabial folds. Therefore, it is recommended to sleep supine (on your back); side-sleeping may exacerbate existing lines. Additionally, using a silk pillowcase—especially one made from natural mulberry silk—can help minimize facial creasing, as silk’s smooth, breathable surface reduces friction and pressure on the skin during sleep.

3. Moderate Facial Expressions

Repeated facial movements such as pursing or twisting the lips, squinting, or exaggerated smiling increase the likelihood of developing nasolabial folds. Individuals who smile frequently should avoid overly dramatic or forceful expressions.

4. Massage to Smooth Nasolabial Folds

Step 1: Puff out your cheeks to form a circular shape, making the nasolabial folds more visible. Gently tap a serum or moisturizer along the groove of each nasolabial fold and allow full absorption.

Step 2: Using the pads of your middle and ring fingers, apply gentle, circular upward strokes. Begin at the corners of the mouth and move outward toward the ears; then repeat from the sides of the nostrils up to the temples.

Step 3: Make gentle fists and place them just below the cheekbones. Starting at the nasolabial fold, massage the cheek muscles outward—from the center toward the sides—using consistent upward, lifting pressure.

5. Hyaluronic Acid Injections

This is among the simplest and most effective interventions. Hyaluronic acid injections restore skin elasticity, enhance hydration and moisture retention in the tissues, and plump the skin—resulting in a smoother, more youthful, and resilient appearance. As a result, nasolabial folds gradually fade and become significantly less noticeable.

The above outlines key strategies for reducing nasolabial folds. We hope this information proves helpful to you.