Nasolabial Folds: Are They Just a Sign of Aging?

More than skin deep | Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch

When you look in the mirror,

a line seems to remain around your mouth

even when you are not smiling.

It used to be a wrinkle

that appeared only briefly when you smiled,

but at some point,

even without making an expression,

it feels like it has naturally settled in. Many people become aware of their nasolabial folds

after hearing comments like

“You look tired”

or “You look older.”

Nasolabial folds are one of the wrinkles

that have a major effect on the impression of the face,

so once they start to appear,

they tend to draw even more attention. It is not something to simply dismiss as aging,

because there are actually

various underlying causes,

and it is important to approach care

step by step.

Why do nasolabial folds form?

Nasolabial folds are the lines

that run from the sides of the mouth

toward the sides of the nose,

and they form through the combined effects

of facial movement and changes in skin structure.

The biggest cause is a decline in skin elasticity.

As we age, collagen and elastin decrease,

weakening the skin’s support,

which in turn causes sagging

downward with gravity.

Repeated use of facial muscles also plays a role.

Because this area moves a lot when speaking or smiling,

wrinkles can become fixed more easily

after being accumulated over a long period. In addition, as the cheeks sag downward,

the folds can appear deeper.

Lifestyle habits can also deepen nasolabial folds

Nasolabial folds are not simply

an age-related issue. Daily habits also have a major influence. For example, chewing only on one side,

resting your chin on your hand,

or keeping your head tilted down

while looking at your smartphone

can place pressure on only one side of the face

and make wrinkles stand out more.

Also, if you do not drink enough water

or neglect sun protection,

the skin may age faster,

causing nasolabial folds to settle in sooner.

So in the early stages,

correcting lifestyle habits and

basic skin care alone can help slow the progression.

Nasolabial fold care: what can you do at home?

If the nasolabial folds are still in the early stage,

home care can also help. Moisturizing is the most basic step. When the skin is dry,

wrinkles look deeper,

so sufficient hydration

and moisture retention are important.

Simple facial stretching

or muscle-relaxing massage

can also be helpful.

However, excessive massage

may instead irritate the skin,

so caution is needed.

Home care is only

an auxiliary measure,

and it is also good to understand

that there are limits to how much it can improve

nasolabial folds that have already become deep.

Nasolabial folds: what dermatology treatments are available?

If the nasolabial folds have become

noticeably deep,

you may want to consider dermatology treatments.

The approach varies depending on the skin condition

and the cause of the folds. Radiofrequency and ultrasound lifting procedures

that stimulate collagen regeneration

can help improve overall skin elasticity.

If volume loss is also present,

skin boosters or filler treatments

may be used to supplement volume.

In cases where sagging is the cause,

lifting procedures may also be combined. The important point is that

it is not simply a matter of filling the wrinkles,

but rather that a customized diagnosis

is needed,

taking into account the balance of the entire face

and the underlying cause.

Nasolabial folds are a natural part

of the aging process,

but the way they are managed

can greatly change how your face is perceived.

Rather than choosing a treatment impulsively,

the first step is to accurately identify

the current condition of the skin

and the cause of the folds.

Managing lifestyle habits and home care

to slow progression is important,

but if you are already noticing visible changes,

it can be helpful to consult a dermatologist

to create a treatment plan

that is right for you.

Instead of trying to solve nasolabial folds all at once,

a steady, step-by-step approach to care

is the most natural and satisfying method. Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch

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