Stanley Cup Sag – Etre Vous Interview with Skin Expert Julie Scott
Hydration has never been more stylish, thanks to the Stanley Cup. This iconic flask has become a social media sensation, with countless imitations flooding the market. If you haven’t flaunted one in your posts, are you truly keeping up with the influencer trends?
Yet, there’s a hidden downside to this fashionable habit. All that sipping and slurping can accelerate premature ageing. Repeatedly pursing your lips activates underlying muscles, eventually leading to fine lines and wrinkles.
Why Marionette Lines Happen
Marionette lines, the vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin, emerge due to various factors. As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and firmness because collagen and elastin fibres weaken. This decline leads to sagging and the formation of these lines. Gravity also plays a role, gradually pulling the skin downwards. Another significant factor is the loss of facial volume, particularly rapid loss of facial fat pads around the cheeks and mouth, this is often referred to as “Ozempic face,” which can impact the appearance of marionette lines. Finally, genetic predisposition, sun exposure, which breaks down collagen and elastin, and lifestyle choices further contribute to the development of marionette lines.
New Treatments and Preventative Methods
Addressing marionette lines requires a multifaceted approach. Traditional dermal fillers remain effective, but new hybrid fillers like HarmonyCA are now available. These not only provide volume but also stimulate fibroblasts, enhancing collagen production. Treating the lateral part of the face with these fillers offers lateral support, effectively addressing early signs of jowling and marionette lines.
Botulinum toxin injections can relax specific muscles in the lower face, jaw, and neck, preventing the downward pull that exacerbates marionette lines. Laser treatments, microneedling, and topical treatments such as retinoids also promote collagen production and improve skin quality.
Emerging regenerative aesthetics, including polynucleotides and Profhilo, focus on maintaining skin quality. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, early and consistent care of your skin’s quality can prevent or minimise these lines. For me, maintaining a balanced approach to facial volume is crucial for preventing and treating these wrinkles effectively.