Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines): What Causes & How to Treat

Nasolabial folds. You may not know the term, but you’ve seen them—probably in the mirror. These folds, often called smile lines, form from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. They tend to deepen with age, and for many people, they’re one of the first visible signs of ageing.

And while some see these lines as a sign of laughter-filled years, others start looking for ways to smooth them out. That’s where the big question comes in: how to get rid of nasolabial folds without looking frozen, fake, or overdone?

The answer depends on a few things—your skin type, your lifestyle, and how you feel about ageing. Let’s take a closer look at what causes nasolabial folds, what you can do about them, and which treatments actually work.

What Are Nasolabial Folds?

A nasolabial fold is the crease that runs from each side of the nose down to the outer corners of the mouth. Everyone has them, but they become more visible as the skin loses elasticity and facial volume. When we’re young, these folds only show up when we smile or laugh. As we age, they tend to stick around even when our face is relaxed.

They’re technically not wrinkles, though many people lump them into the same category. Wrinkles are fine lines that usually form on the surface. Nasolabial folds, on the other hand, are deeper structural features created by volume loss, repeated muscle movement, and the natural pull of gravity over time.

What Makes Smile Lines More Noticeable?

Like most facial changes, nasolabial folds are caused by a combination of genetics, ageing, and environmental stressors. As skin matures, it stops producing as much collagen and elastin—two proteins that keep the skin firm and bouncy. Without that internal support, the skin begins to sag and crease more easily.

Another big factor is fat loss. With age, fat pads in the cheeks shrink and shift downward. That redistribution can make the mid-face appear flatter while emphasising the folds around the mouth. Think of it like a cushion losing its stuffing—it starts to collapse around the edges, creating deeper lines.

Sun exposure doesn’t help, either. UV rays break down collagen faster than normal ageing, which makes lines like these appear sooner and deepen faster. If you’ve spent years outdoors without sunscreen, chances are your smile lines are more defined than someone who’s been more careful.

Other common factors include:

• Smoking – It reduces blood flow to the skin and damages collagen. The constant lip movement also reinforces fine lines and creases around the mouth.

• Significant weight loss – Losing weight quickly can cause skin to sag, making existing folds appear more pronounced.

• Repeated facial expressions – Smiling, laughing, talking—they all contribute to the repetitive folding of the skin in the same place over the years.

• Genetics – If deep smile lines run in your family, you’re more likely to develop them earlier or more prominently.

• Chronic dehydration – When skin lacks moisture, it appears thinner and less supple, which can exaggerate existing creases.

The combination of these factors adds up over time. While each one alone might not make a huge difference, together, they help explain why smile lines become more defined—and why they seem to show up sooner for some people than others.

Prevention Tips for Nasolabial Folds

You can’t completely prevent nasolabial folds, but you can slow them down. Some of the best defences are pretty simple. Daily sunscreen is a must. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage collagen and age your skin faster than you might think. A high-quality SPF applied consistently is one of the most effective anti-ageing tools you’ll ever use.

A good skincare routine also makes a difference. Products that contain retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can support skin health and boost firmness over time. Retinoids help increase collagen production, while peptides work to repair and strengthen skin tissue. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, plumping it up and making folds look less pronounced.

You’ll also want to avoid habits that break down collagen. That includes smoking, excessive sun exposure, and chronic dehydration. Drinking enough water, getting regular sleep, and eating a balanced diet filled with antioxidants all support better skin from the inside out.

Some people also try facial exercises or massage to keep the muscles toned and improve circulation in the cheek and mouth area. While results vary, consistent massage can offer mild lifting effects and help keep skin looking more refreshed.

How to Get Rid of Nasolabial Folds?

If you’re already seeing defined smile lines and want to soften them, there are several options available—ranging from at-home skincare to professional treatments.

Start with topical products. If your folds are still shallow, a mix of over-the-counter and prescription-strength skincare might give you noticeable improvements. Retinol creams are often the first step. These vitamin A derivatives encourage cell turnover and stimulate collagen. Over time, this can help skin look firmer and smoother.

Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid are also popular for treating nasolabial folds. Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, pulling water into the skin to make it plumper. When used consistently, these products can make smile lines appear softer, especially under makeup or in bright light. But once those folds become more pronounced, you might find yourself looking for faster, more effective results. That’s where in-office treatments come in.

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular choices. These injectable treatments use hyaluronic acid-based formulas to add volume back to the mid-face and around the mouth. They lift the skin and fill the fold, making the area look smoother almost instantly. The results can last from six months to a year, depending on the product and how quickly your body breaks it down.

For those looking for a gradual improvement, microneedling might be the answer. This technique uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which kickstarts collagen production. Some clinics pair microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to amplify the results. While you won’t see immediate changes, the skin becomes firmer and more resilient over time, which can help reduce the depth of the nasolabial fold.

Another approach is laser resurfacing. Fractional lasers target the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate new collagen growth. Over several sessions, the skin becomes smoother, and the folds begin to soften. This treatment often requires downtime, but the results are longer lasting and can improve skin tone and texture overall.

There’s also the option of a thread lift, a minimally invasive procedure where dissolvable threads are placed under the skin to lift sagging areas. These threads trigger the body’s healing response, which encourages collagen production. Thread lifts can provide subtle lifting effects and are often used alongside other treatments like fillers or laser therapy.

In more advanced cases, when folds are deep and other parts of the face show significant sagging, a facelift might be considered. While this is a more invasive procedure with a longer recovery, it offers the most dramatic and lasting improvement. A facelift tightens the underlying muscles and removes excess skin, which naturally reduces the appearance of smile lines.

Do Home Remedies Help?

Home remedies won’t erase deep folds, but they can support your skin. Using oils like rosehip or argan may improve skin elasticity over time. Some people swear by face yoga or gua sha to help tone facial muscles and promote circulation.

Cold compresses, jade rollers, or face massagers might offer a short-term lift. They work by stimulating blood flow and reducing inflammation. While the results won’t be dramatic, they can make your skin feel firmer and more refreshed—especially before a photo or event.

The key is consistency. Home remedies won’t give instant results, but over time, they may help your skin maintain a healthier, more youthful appearance.

When to Seek Professional Advice?

If your nasolabial folds bother you or seem to deepen quickly, it might be time to speak with a dermatologist or aesthetic expert. They can assess your skin, recommend tailored treatments, and help you set realistic expectations.

Many people start with a simple consultation to explore options. You don’t have to commit to anything right away. A qualified provider will explain the pros and cons of each method and help you choose the approach that fits your skin type, goals, and budget.

Even small changes can make a big difference. For some, a light filler or skincare tweak is enough. For others, a more comprehensive plan works better. Either way, getting advice from someone who understands skin ageing is a smart first step.

Final Thoughts

Nasolabial folds are part of life. They’re signs that you’ve smiled, laughed, and lived. But if they’ve become a source of frustration, you’re not alone—and you have options. There’s no shortage of smart, safe solutions available today. From good skincare and lifestyle habits to professional treatments that restore volume and structure, managing smile lines is more accessible than ever. The best approach is the one that makes you feel confident in your skin. And that starts with knowing what’s possible—and what works.