The problem is, retinol can be irritating when applied straight to the lips (so keep your prescription-strength cream off your mouth for the time being). But Verso's formula contains a gentle derivative, called retinol 8, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines around the mouth overtime.
Retinoids cause dryness when they come into contact with our lips and can even trigger itching, redness and frank dermatitis, so a clear plan of preventative action is needed!
A cream like tretinoin (Retin-A) can help minimize lines above the lip. If you would like to be more aggressive, there are several lasers that can improve the lines. Finally, some of the deeper chemical peels (such as Obagi) may also minimize the upper lip lines.
The skin on the lips is very thin and sensitive, and it's the area of the body where skin cancers metastasize faster. I honestly think that promoting lipstick with retinol is just plain irresponsible. Unnecessary, too, since people can safely use retinol on the lips at night.
One of the best treatments for wrinkles around the mouth is night cream formulated with retinol, as it works alongside the skin's natural production of collagen.
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
“Staying hydrated and promoting the production of collagen by drinking [plenty of] of water, getting eight hours of sleep, taking a probiotic, taking a multivitamin, and using an SPF in your lip products when outside will help [keep your lips looking full],” Patel says.
One of the most common choices for minimizing the appearance of vertical lip lines is an hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, like Juvederm or Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of your skin's connective tissue. When we're young, HA is produced by the body in abundance. As we age, hyaluronic acid production slows.
If your skin gets red or discolored and inflamed to the point where you are in pain, ice the area or apply a cold compress to help soothe your skin. Keep your skin routine as basic and gentle as possible while your skin heals from retinol burn, rinsing with cool water once per day and skipping makeup if you're able to.
Aging around the lips usually manifests in volume loss, loss of lip line definition, and the appearance or deepening of perioral wrinkles (also known as smoker's lines). Lips may also appear thin, unbalanced, or asymmetrical simply as a result of genetics.
First-time retinol users have reported irritation, including redness, dryness, and peeling. If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches.
Board certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, MD, notes that “people with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea cannot tolerate really strong topicals like retinols.” Also avoid retinol if you're going to be spending a lot of time in direct sunlight without proper sun protection.
Angular cheilitis is known to be associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis (eg, from the use of lip balms, lipsticks and even toothpastes). Oral retinoids (eg, isotretinoin, acitretin) can worsen the problem.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
Common side effects include dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry skin. Increased blood lipids and liver toxicity are also common with retinoid use.
Try mixing coarse salt or sugar with almond oil or coconut oil and gently massaging the mixture into your lips once a day. You can also use a soft bristle brush or washcloth dipped in oil to exfoliate. Use a moisturizer or lip balm after each treatment.
Superficial smoker's lines can easily—and instantly—be smoothed out with a hyaluronic acid-based filler such as Juvéderm Volbella or Restylane Silk. These injectables are the thinnest in their respective families, which makes them ideal for fine lines and areas with thin skin.
Many healthcare professionals now use injectable fillers to fill in fine lines and wrinkles and provide a fuller looking lip. A solution containing hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane, Juvederm, and a new product Volbella designed specifically for lip lines, is injected directly into the lips and the surrounding area.
Apply a hyaluronic acid serum.
Speaking of hyaluronic acid, filling out your pout naturally can be done with a topical serum. Like water to dry soil, your parched lips will suck it up and soon become plump with moisture. This is because HA is an ingredient that can pull in up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Buff lips daily with a clean toothbrush or a damp cloth, which removes flakes and boosts blood flow. After exfoliating your lips, finish by coating them in a thick layer of a hydrating lip balm, serum or cream with anti-aging benefits to lock in moisture plus fill lines and boost fullness with treatment ingredients.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
Remember, that 'retinoid uglies' are likely to be temporary, and it will take time before you see the end result. You have three skin layers—the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Your epidermis is your visible layer, and renews approximately every 28 days.
But rather than using your standard retinol cream, it's best to use a product formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes. "The under-eye area is quite sensitive as it is some of the thinnest skin on the body," explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi.
Nutritional Deficiencies:
Taking a B complex vitamin daily helps the body maintain healthy lips and helps the body cope with daily stress. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is stored in the body. Too much Vitamin A can cause dry lips.