Q: What are my options for reducing the lines around my mouth that make me look like I'm frowning? I'd never consider a facelift!
A: You're not alone — this is one of our most-asked questions. When you start to see the signs of aging, it's hard to know what's worth trying. The Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab is constantly scouring the market for wrinkle-fighting serums, lotions, and devices, then putting them through our rigorous testing. We evaluate efficacy with special instruments like the Visia Complexion Analyzer, a high-tech machine that measures skin changes. Minimizing stubborn "smile lines" (a.k.a. nasolabial folds) requires commitment, but the earlier you start, the better the results you can expect. Still not sure what to try? We pinpointed your best line-erasing bets, from longer-term skincare to speedy doctor's-office solutions. And here they are:
Skincare
Results in 6 months
Add a retinol product — serum, day cream or night treatment — to your daily skincare regimen. "The vitamin A derivative stimulates cell turnover to help plump creases," says GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. "But don't use more than one — doing so could cause irritation."
GH Picks: Murad Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum ($75, murad.com); Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Day SPF 30 ($22, neutrogena.com); Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Night Treatment With Retinol ($52, marykay.com).
At-Home Lasers
Results in 4 weeks
These devices use laser light to boost collagen production, smoothing wrinkles. Previously only offered in dermatologists' offices, they are now available for home use. In our Lab test, the 2015 Beauty Breakthrough Award-winning Tria facial laser "decreased lines by 20% in four weeks," Aral reports.
GH Pick: Tria Age-Defying Laser ($495, triabeauty.com).
Call the Doctor
Results instantly
For the fastest fix, visit a dermatologist. He or she will likely suggest an injectable filler like Juvéderm or Radiesse (made of hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite, both of which naturally occur in our bodies) that can fill lines immediately and have yearlong results, says Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist at Yale School of Medicine. The cost: around $1,000, depending on location and number of treatments needed.
This story originally appeared in the December 2015 issue of Good Housekeeping.
April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.
