You know the lines that show up when you smile. They’re part of you. But the lines that stick around after the smile fades? Those are often built by small, repeated movements you don’t even notice. The skin around your mouth is thin, and it moves more than almost any other part of your face. Every repeated sip or lip press leaves a tiny crease, and over time it starts to stay.
The good news is that habit-induced lines are some of the most responsive to change. You can’t stop smiling, and you shouldn’t. But you can stop the extra stuff that deepens lines around your lips. Think of it as editing your daily routines, not erasing your personality.
Start with the straw. It’s convenient, especially with iced coffee and smoothies. But drinking through a straw forces you to purse your lips into a tight O. That motion repeatedly folds the skin above your upper lip and around the corners of your mouth. If you use a straw every day, you’re doing hundreds of tiny lip exercises. Switch to an open cup or a wide-mouth bottle when you can. You don’t have to ban straws. Just make them occasional, not all-day.
Next, notice how you hold your mouth when you’re thinking, reading, or scrolling. Many women press their lips together, pull the corners down, or bite the inside of their lip without realizing it. That tension keeps the muscles around your mouth engaged for hours. Set a few gentle reminders during the day. Relax your jaw. Keep your lips together but not pressed. It feels strange at first, then it becomes your new normal.
Chewing gum is another sneaky one. It’s not just the chewing motion. It’s the constant muscle movement and the way you purse your lips around the gum. If you chew gum for hours, you’re giving the lines around your mouth a workout. Try mints instead, or save gum for a quick breath refresh rather than a long afternoon habit.
Smoking and vaping are the big ones. They don’t just expose your skin to chemicals that break down collagen. They also make you purse your lips repeatedly. If you smoke or vape, quitting is the single best thing you can do for the lines around your mouth and for your overall skin. You already know that. Sometimes hearing it again helps.
Your sleep position matters too. Sleeping on your side or stomach can press your face into the pillow, creating creases around your mouth and cheeks. Try sleeping on your back. A silk pillowcase can reduce friction if you can’t. It’s a small swap with a big payoff.
Then there’s mouth breathing. When your mouth hangs open, the skin around your lips stretches and dries out. Dry skin shows lines more easily. If you notice you’re breathing through your mouth during the day, gently close it. At night, a humidifier can help keep your skin and airways comfortable. If you’re chronically congested, talk to a doctor. That’s not just about wrinkles. It’s about feeling better.
Skincare supports the changes you make. You can’t out-cream a habit, but you can give your skin what it needs to stay smooth and resilient. Wash with a gentle cleanser. Moisturize twice a day, especially around your mouth. Use sunscreen every morning. The sun breaks down the proteins that keep skin firm, and the lines around your mouth are easy to miss. At night, a retinol product can help soften existing lines over time. Start twice a week and build up. If your skin gets dry or irritated, pull back.
Hydration matters from the inside too. Drink water throughout the day. Not because it magically erases wrinkles, but because dehydrated skin looks flatter and lined. Eat foods with healthy fats, like avocado, nuts, and olive oil. They help your skin hold moisture. And get enough sleep. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to slump, purse, and tense your face without noticing.
Be kind to yourself. You will still smile, laugh, and sip. The goal isn’t a frozen face. It’s to stop the unconscious habits that add extra lines. Pay attention for a week. You’ll be surprised how often you purse, press, or pucker. Once you notice, you can change it. Your skin will thank you.
