BLOG 323: HOW TO REDUCE LIP LINES NATURALLY WITH MY 4 TOP FACE YOGA TIPSĀ
Jun 17, 2025
Lip lines, sometimes called “smoker’s lines” or “barcode lines”, are one of the most common concerns I hear from my community. These fine vertical lines that appear just above the lips can affect how makeup sits, how confident we feel, and how smooth the face looks overall.
The first thing I say is there’s nothing wrong with having these lines, or any wrinkles in fact. It’s a normal part of ageing.
But here’s the good news if you do want to reduce lip lines in a positive and nurturing way: you can do this naturally, without needles, expensive treatments, or harsh chemicals. In fact, by understanding why these lines form, and taking a holistic approach to daily care, you can dramatically soften and smooth the lip area over time.
Today I am going to share with you the causes, the science, and the natural solutions, including Face Yoga techniques, that really work.
Why do lip lines form?
1. Sun damage (photoageing)
Up to 90% of visible skin ageing is due to UV radiation exposure, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation and multiple dermatological studies (e.g. Gilchrest et al., 1996). The area around the lips is especially vulnerable because:
- It’s often missed when applying SPF
- Lip products without SPF are common
- Eating, drinking, and lip-licking remove protection quickly
When UV rays penetrate the skin, they break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness and bounce. This leads to fine lines, especially in thin, delicate areas like the upper lip.
2. Natural ageing & hormonal shifts
As we age, our skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin declines. From our 20’s, collagen levels drop by about 1% per year, and post-menopausal women can see up to a 30% reduction in skin thickness in the first five years alone.
This makes the skin less able to “bounce back,” especially in expressive areas like the lips, where we talk, smile, kiss, and eat, which causes lines that “etch” into the skin.
3. Lifestyle factors
Some habits and external factors can make lip lines worse, including:
- Smoking (or past smoking)
- Drinking through straws
- Sleeping face-down
- Chronic dehydration
- A diet low in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
Natural solutions for lips
Now that we know what causes lip lines, let’s look at what really helps, naturally, gently, and effectively.
1. Protect with SPF and reapply
This may be the most important anti-wrinkle habit you can adopt. Use at least an SPF 30+, and remember to reapply every 2 hours, especially after food or drink. Extend your facial SPF slightly above and below the lips, where lines tend to form.
Look for specific SPF lip balms with natural ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil to hydrate and protect at the same time.
2. Hydrate & nourish the lip area
Dry, undernourished skin exaggerates lines. I recommend using a lightweight moisturising serum with plant-based antioxidants to deeply hydrate and soften the skin.
One of my favourites for this area is the Fusion by Danielle Collins Pro Lift Moisturising Serum it’s packed with:
- Organic rosehip oil (rich in vitamin C)
- Evening primrose oil (soothes and hydrates)
- Green tea extract (high in antioxidants)
- Carrot oil (s great source of vitamin A)
Apply it around the lips morning and evening using upward, gentle movements, or include it in your Face Yoga routine.
3. Do daily Face Yoga for the lips
Face Yoga is not just about facial toning, it’s about relaxation, circulation, and balance. For lip lines, it’s important to:
- Strengthen the orbicularis oris muscle
- Relax the overactive tension that creates “puckering”
- Stimulate circulation to boost collagen production
Try this:
- Massage your lips in a circular action using your index fingers, all round the lip line to boost circulation.
- Gently squeeze your lips with your index fingers and thumbs to relax tension.
- Make your mouth into an O shape, hiding your teeth with your lips. Then make a smile shape, still with your lips tucked in. Move between these two shapes 5 times to strengthen the muscles.
4. Breathe, sleep & eat for your skin
Since Face Yoga is rooted in holistic wellness, don’t forget that reducing wrinkles is also about what happens inside the body:
- Deep breathing reduces cortisol, the stress hormone that breaks down collagen.
- Quality sleep allows your skin to repair overnight (aim for 7–9 hours).
- A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats (like omega-3s), and vitamin C supports skin elasticity and reduces inflammation.
Final thoughts
Lip lines are a completely natural part of ageing. But if they bother you, or you just want to support the skin around your mouth as naturally as possible, these small steps can have a big impact.
With consistent Face Yoga, daily SPF, natural hydration with moisturising serum, and a little self-love, your skin will respond beautifully.
You don’t need to go to extremes. Your natural glow is always there, sometimes it just needs a little encouragement to shine through.
Want to learn more?
You can listen to the full podcast episode which this blog was inspired by here:
