Plump Lips: Aging is No Match for Fabulousness!

Why Lips Lose Volume With Age and 3 Simple, Natural Tips to Boost Lip Suppleness

Why Lips Lose Volume With Age + 3 Tips to Naturally Increase Lip Volume

Image by BONNINSTUDIO / Stocksy

November 3, 2023

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As we age, our skin goes through changes. It’s a natural part of life, just like an ever-evolving fashion trend. Our bodies transform, and with it, our skin takes on a whole new vibe. Picture it: increased dryness, environmental damage, hormonal fluctuations, and the inevitable loss of structural proteins like collagen and elastin. Sigh.

Now, in this never-ending runway show of life, there’s one area that often steals the spotlight: the lips. Over time, they lose their volume and become thinner. But fear not, my fellow fashionistas, for there are steps you can take to enhance your lips and protect them from damage.

Why lips thin as we age: The great deflate

Darlings, lips thin and lose volume as we gracefully age. It’s all part of the natural process, but let’s not despair. It’s like designer shoes going out of style; we just need to find the perfect replacement. This thinning phenomenon can be attributed to several factors: the loss of collagen, fat, lipids, and the super-hydrating hyaluronic acid.

Collagen, the superstar of plumpness, sadly diminishes as we grow wiser. Our skin’s structural integrity takes a hit, and our overall volume declines. Kiss those luscious lips goodbye, right? But wait, there’s more! This process starts as early as your 20s (talk about an uninvited guest!), with a 1% loss every year thereafter. It’s a true fashion faux pas.

According to the fabulous board-certified dermatologist, Gary Goldenberg, “Our bodies always balance collagen production and degradation. When we are young, our bodies produce more collagen than we break down. That balance tips the wrong way with age since tissue regeneration decreases.” Oh, but that’s not all, my dears! Our beloved hyaluronic acid, the key to skin moisture, also bids adieu as time goes by. By the time we hit our 40s, we’re left with just 50% of our youthful HA reserve. Oh, the horror!

And, to add fuel to the fire of aging, we also lose facial fat (think losing the baby fat)—especially in the lips. Those chubby cheeks we loved so dearly start to thin out, taking away the cushiony shape we adored. It’s like a fashionista losing her favorite pair of sunglasses; the loss is devastating. Unfortunately, controlling this fat disappearance is as tricky as predicting next season’s hottest trend.

How to support thinning lips: Pout like nobody’s watching

Darlings, good news is on its way! There’s a plethora of options to plump those pouty lips. From professional interventions to daily lip care treatments, we have an arsenal of fashion-forward solutions at our disposal.

Protect the delicate skin

The first commandment of lip care is to shield our delicate skin from damage. Think of it as putting on a chic lip balm cape, protecting our lips from stressors like UV exposure, inflammation, and irritating ingredients. So, how do we do it? Let’s break it down:

  • Use an SPF-infused lip balm when stepping into the spotlight of the sun.
  • Avoid irritating topicals like essential oils, strong acids, and caspian. Trust us, nobody wants a lip emergency!
  • Resist the temptation to pick at the skin. Let’s keep it smooth and flawless, just like a fashion icon.

Hydrate with a skin barrier supporting & hyaluronic acid infused balm

Just like the perfect accessory completes an outfit, a lip balm is the finishing touch for our delicate lips. But not just any lip balm, darling! Look for the crème de la crème of lip balms—a true gem that supports the skin barrier with its superpowers. So, what should we look for?

This heavenly lip balm should be a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusive ingredients. Picture it: humectants like hyaluronic acid attract water, acting as moisture magnets. They do an excellent job of pulling water in, but left on their own, they can dry out the skin faster than a runway model changes outfits. This is where emollients come to the rescue. They soften and condition the skin, filling in cracks and replenishing lipids. It’s like giving our lips a much-needed spa treatment.

And finally, the occlusive ingredients—a true guardian angel. These saviors create a seal over the skin, trapping moisture underneath and protecting it from drying out. Think of them as the ultimate fashion bodyguard, shielding our lips with the strength of a thousand lipsticks.

Use a lip plumper for a temporary boost

Cue the dramatic entrance! Ladies and gentlemen, the new generation of lip plumpers has arrived, and they’re taking the internet by storm. These marvelous creations, using innovative ingredients and delivery systems, work their magic to give you those plump and luscious lips you desire. Ahem, cupid’s bow.

Our fabulous beauty editor, Jamie Schneider, has put several of these options to the test, and she’s spilled the tea on her favorites. Check out her glamorous investigation here.

The takeaway: Embrace your fabulousness!

Volume loss is a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn’t mean we have to surrender to it. With proactive lip care tips, we can keep our lips looking plump and supple for longer. And if all else fails, darling, we can always cheat our way to a fuller pout with the magic of makeup. After all, what’s fashion without a little smoke and mirrors?

Remember, beautiful souls, embrace your fabulousness at every stage of life. Trends may come and go, but your confidence and self-expression are timeless. So, go ahead, pucker up, and show the world your irresistible charm!

Now, it’s your turn, fashion aficionados! Have you tried any lip-plumping tricks or treatments? Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation flowing and inspire each other with our beauty and fashion secrets!