Nasolabial folds

The nasolabial folds are wrinkles of varying depth that extend from the edge of the nose to the outer corners of the mouth. Sometimes known as « smile lines », they are more pronounced when smiling or with certain facial expressions.

Generally speaking, the nasolabial folds are not the first signs of aging to appear on the face but can be naturally more or less prominent depending on the anatomy and the morphology of the individual.

Anatomically, the nasolabial folds are composed of facial muscle tissue and dense bundles of fibrous tissue. Over time, these tissues tend to become more compact,  while the support cells of our skin – fibroblasts – produce less and less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The facial skin thus thins and weakens, losing tone and suppleness. The entire face begins to sag and with the combined effects of skin aging, loss of fat tissue, and gravity, a fold begins to form.

Lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol, bad eating habits, stress, hormones, sun exposure) also have an impact on the quality of the skin and the premature aging of the epidermis.

Internal and external factors make the nasolabial folds increasingly visible and this can affect the appearance of the upper lip, the cheeks, but also the jowls. Indeed, the nasolabial folds sometimes lead to the formation of other wrinkles like the bitterness folds (between the corner of the lips and the chin).

The combination of these wrinkles on the lower part of the face results in a tired, unfairly severe, older appearance.