Your lips say lot about you. (No pun intended!) They let the world know if you’re feeling happy, sexy, thoughtful, or sad. They speak for you in more ways than one! And if you’re like most people, you want your lips to be plump, healthy, and inviting.
First, let’s understand what your lips are made of and what makes them look and function the way they do.
Your lips are an intricate construction of skin, muscles, nerves, and fatty tissue that give them their distinctive shape. The outermost layer is made up of skin, which is thinner than the skin found on other parts of the body. This thinness allows the underlying blood vessels to show through, giving the lips their characteristic red or pink color. And the skin on your lips contains very little melanin, which is why there’s less variation in lip color across various ethnic types.
Beneath the outer skin layer is a thin layer of connective tissue that houses blood vessels, nerves, and muscles.
The inner surface of the lips is lined with a mucous membrane, which is moist and smooth. The mucosa is continuous with the lining of the inside of the mouth and helps keep the lips hydrated.
There are 11 muscles in your face that control the movement and facial expression of your lips. Number one is the orbicularis oris muscle, which encircles the mouth. It allows the lips to close, pucker, and move in various directions. It’s important for speech, eating, and expressing emotions through facial expressions. It’s a good idea to keep those muscles exercised!
The sensory capability of the lips is provided by the trigeminal nerve, specifically the infraorbital nerve (for the upper lip) and the mental nerve (for the lower lip). This makes your lips highly sensitive to touch, temperature, and pain.
How your lips change over time
Collagen is a protein your body naturally produces to give skin its structure, shape, and elasticity. It’s the most common protein found in the skin and lips, and as people age, their collagen production decreases, making the lips appear thinner.
The skin around the lips can lose elasticity and form lines, especially when the lips are pursed. The upper lip can appear longer, and the corners of the mouth can widen and appear to turn down.
The blood vessels at the edges of the lips can decrease, making the lips look paler and more drained. Sun exposure can also cause sun spots and hyperpigmentation.
But for most people, the most noticeable effect is the loss of plumpness due to collagen decrease.
Can volume in the lips be restored naturally?
There are several natural, non-invasive ways to plump up your lips. Drinking plenty of water and using a hydrating lip balm can help keep lips moist and healthy. Products like balms, lipsticks, and glosses that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and oils will help retain moisture.
You can also use a moisturizing mask, apply skincare products with hyaluronic acid, or do facial and lip exercises.
Are collagen supplements effective in restoring lip plumpness?
Oral collagen supplements come in the form of pills and powders, and usually contain two or three amino acids. Research shows that taking collagen supplements may help improve elasticity and hydration of your skin overall, potentially leading to a more youthful and plump appearance.
You can also get lip fillers injected into your lips by a qualified dermatologist. Broadly speaking, lip fillers can be divided into two main categories: hyaluronic acid fillers, which are most commonly used for lip injections, and biostimulators, which trigger your body’s natural production of collagen. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are popular because they are temporary and reversible. When hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into the lips, they attract water, which adds volume to the injected area, giving the lips a fuller appearance.
The number one lip care tip is…. The foolproof way to enhance your appearance and help you stay vibrant and attractive is to smile! When you wear a smile and radiate positive energy and empathy for others, your lips—and your entire face—will glow with sunny optimism, and people will be drawn to you.