How Do You Get Rid of Smile Lines?

Smile lines, also called laugh lines or nasolabial folds, are the natural creases that run from the sides of the nose to the outer corners of the mouth. They form as a result of repeated facial expressions, the gradual decline in collagen production, and the normal ageing process. While they’re a natural part of smiling and expression, some people find them more noticeable with time, especially when weight loss, sun exposure, or genetic factors are involved.

If you’re wondering how you get rid of smile lines, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are plenty of effective options. From natural remedies and a consistent skin care routine to dermal fillers and collagen induction therapy, there are ways to soften their appearance based on your skin type and goals.

Natural Ways to Reduce Smile Lines

For many, smile lines are a gentle reminder of life’s happiest moments, but when they start to deepen or become more fixed, it’s understandable to want to soften their appearance. If you’re not ready for cosmetic procedures, there are simple, everyday habits that can help reduce laugh lines and support your skin’s natural ability to renew and repair.

Stay Hydrated and Nourish Your Skin

One of the easiest ways to support smoother skin is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dry skin tends to show lines more clearly, so keeping the skin hydrated helps maintain a plumper appearance. Pair this with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamin C to support collagen production and skin repair from within.

Use Skincare That Supports Collagen

A consistent skin care routine can go a long way in softening facial lines. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, as well as ingredients that promote collagen production like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C. These active ingredients help reduce the depth of smile wrinkles and support the skin's elasticity over time.

Protect Skin from Sun Exposure

Sun damage is one of the most common causes of premature facial wrinkles, especially around the mouth where the skin moves frequently. Daily SPF use is essential, not only to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds, but also to protect against harmful UV rays that weaken collagen and accelerate the ageing process.

Try Facial Massage and Exercises

Regular facial massages can help stimulate circulation, improve lymphatic drainage, and relax overworked facial muscles. Massaging the area gently with your index fingers, particularly along the lines that form when a person smiles, may help improve tone and reduce tension. Some people also find that facial exercises or facial yoga can help strengthen underlying muscles and reduce smile lines naturally over time.

Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Both smoking and excess alcohol intake can dry out the skin, damage collagen, and lead to deep wrinkles. If you're trying to get rid of smile lines, cutting out smoking and moderating alcohol are two simple but powerful ways to protect your skin’s long-term health.

When Natural Methods Aren’t Enough

If you’ve tried natural remedies like hydration, facial exercises, and active skincare but still feel your smile lines are becoming more noticeable, it may be time to consider medical treatments. As we age, the skin’s elasticity weakens and collagen production slows down, making nasolabial folds and laugh lines appear deeper, even when the face is at rest.

Two of the most effective non-surgical options for treating smile lines are dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections (Botox). These treatments are commonly used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, restore volume, and soften the creases that form around the mouth from repeated facial expressions.

• Dermal fillers (often made from hyaluronic acid) are injected into the nasolabial folds to gently lift and smooth the area. Fillers work well for restoring lost volume and giving a more youthful contour to the mid-face.
• Botox injections target the facial muscles that cause dynamic movement in the area. When used alongside fillers, Botox can reduce muscle activity that contributes to deepening lines, helping to prevent them from becoming more pronounced.

These are quick, in-clinic cosmetic procedures with minimal downtime and noticeable results that can last several months. For many people, a combination approach is ideal, using dermal fillers to correct the fold itself and Botox to manage ongoing movement that causes smile wrinkles to form.

Professional Treatments for Smile Lines

For those looking for stronger, longer-lasting results, there are safe and effective treatment options available to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds and laugh lines. The most commonly used are dermal fillers and botulinum toxin (Botox), both of which can help to restore volume and smooth facial lines without the need for surgery.

Dermal Fillers for Smile Lines (Nasolabial Folds)

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular ways to get rid of smile lines without invasive procedures. Using a soft gel made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, fillers are injected into the nasolabial folds to lift and soften the crease.

This approach is particularly effective for smile lines caused by volume loss, ageing, or genetic factors. By restoring support to the area, the fold becomes less visible and the surrounding skin appears smoother and more youthful. The treatment takes around 30 minutes and results typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on the filler used and your skin type.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) to Soften Dynamic Wrinkles

While Botox is better known for forehead and eye lines, it can also help with smile wrinkles that are caused by overactive facial muscles. These are called dynamic wrinkles, and they form from repeated facial expressions like smiling or laughing.

Botulinum toxin works by gently relaxing the muscles around the mouth, which can help reduce the appearance of lines when the face is in motion. It’s often used in combination with fillers for best results, Botox to stop new lines forming, and filler to soften the ones already there.

Combining Fillers and Botox for Smile Lines

In many cases, the most natural-looking and balanced outcome comes from combining dermal fillers with botulinum toxin. This dual approach targets both the cause (muscle movement) and the result (loss of volume), helping to achieve smoother nasolabial folds with better facial harmony.

A medical consultation will help determine the right plan for your individual facial structure, lines, and desired results.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Smile Lines

Smile lines may be a normal part of ageing and expression, but if they’re becoming more defined than you'd like, you don’t have to simply accept them. Whether you’re hoping to reduce laugh lines through small daily changes or are considering dermal fillers or botulinum toxin for more visible results, there are effective treatment options available.

The right approach depends on the depth of your nasolabial folds, your skin type, and whether the lines are caused by facial expressions, volume loss, or both. While no method can stop the ageing process, many treatments, from collagen induction therapy to expertly placed fillers, can help you feel more confident in your own skin.

Consulting with a qualified medical professional is the best first step in deciding what will work best for you, especially if you're looking for subtle, long-lasting improvements that still look natural.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smile Lines

What causes smile lines to appear more as we age?

Smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds, become more noticeable with age due to a natural decline in collagen production, sun exposure, and repeated facial expressions. These changes cause the skin to lose elasticity and volume, making laugh lines deeper and more visible over time.

Can smile lines be permanently removed?

No treatment offers permanent results, but many options, such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, and collagen induction therapy, can significantly reduce the appearance of smile wrinkles for several months or more. Regular maintenance is often needed to preserve the effect.

Do fillers for smile lines look natural?

When done by an experienced medical professional, dermal fillers can look very natural. The goal is not to erase smile lines entirely but to soften them while keeping your natural facial movement and expression.

How long do dermal fillers last for smile lines?

Results from hyaluronic acid fillers used in the nasolabial folds typically last between 6 and 12 months, depending on the product used, your metabolism, and skin type.

Is there downtime after filler or Botox for smile lines?

Most people experience minimal downtime. Some mild swelling or redness at the injection site can occur, but this usually settles within a day or two. You can usually return to normal activities immediately after treatment.