While growing old is a gift and nothing to be ashamed of, many women are keen to press the pause button on ageing.
The skin undergoes several changes over time as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production slow down, causing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Decreasing oestrogen levels during menopause can also affect the skin, resulting in dryness and thinness.
While these changes are inevitable, it's possible to reduce the effects of ageing with simple skin care practices.
GB News spoke exclusively to a skin specialist and a plastic surgeon about how women can treat barcode lips and marionette lines. Alongside jowls, these are common skin concerns for mature women who are conscious about the lower half of their face.
Both experts stressed the importance of staying hydrated to combat these types of wrinkles. Drinking water is widely hailed as an effective anti-ageing strategy, as it promotes radiance and prevents dehydration - bonus points if you add two skin-boosting ingredients.
What are barcode lips and marionette lines?
Barcode lips (also known as vertical lip wrinkles) are the lines that appear above the upper lip. According to skin care specialist Dawn Jett, founder of medical spa Spruce Micro, these "pesky lines" occur as the skin naturally loses collagen and hyaluronic acid. Lip wrinkles can be seen on the lips themselves as well as above them.
Aside from ageing, these lines "commonly develop from repetitive motions, such as talking, eating, and even smoking".
Marionette lines, on the other hand, "run from the corners of your mouth down to your chin - kind of like the strings on a puppet".
Dawn said: "They can make you look like you’re frowning or sad, even when you're not. They form due to ageing, a loss of collagen and elasticity in our skin, and everyday movements like talking and laughing. Over time, gravity also doesn’t do us any favours..."
Barcode lips are the 'pesky' vertical lines that appear above the upper lip
GETTY IMAGESHow can I reduce barcode lips and marionette lines at home? Is it possible to get rid of them altogether?
Dawn shared her top tips for treating these unwanted signs of ageing, stressing the importance of hydration, an excellent skin care regime, and a healthy diet.
She said: "While it’s tough to completely get rid of these lines, there are some great ways to brighten the area and naturally improve how they look."
Stay hydrated
"First things first, drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key to keeping your skin plump and healthy."
Perfect your skin care routine
"Look for skin care products that are packed with antioxidants, like vitamin C and vitamin E. These powerful ingredients nourish your skin and help fight off damage from free radicals.
"Don't forget to apply sunscreen every day. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays can make a big difference in preventing further damage.
"Try adding a gentle exfoliant to your skin care routine a couple of times a week. This helps remove dead cells and reveals the fresh, bright skin underneath."
Prioritise healthy eating
"Make meals fun by filling your plate with a rainbow of colourful fruits and vegetables. Foods high in vitamins C and E - like citrus fruits, nuts, and dark leafy greens - are fantastic for boosting skin health and helping your body produce more collagen.
"Also, consider reducing your sugar intake. Cutting back can help protect your skin's collagen and elastin, thereby keeping you youthful for longer."
GB News also spoke to Royal College-certified plastic surgeon Dr David Hanna (MD) about how to reduce barcode lips and marionette lines at home.
Like Dawn, the plastic surgeon advised that adequate hydration and effective skin care - including diligent sunscreen use - can make a big difference.
He said: "A good skin care routine can help maintain skin quality. I typically recommend products containing retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants to support collagen production and improve texture.
"Sun safety, hydration, and avoiding habits that promote the puckering of the lips are also crucial.
"That said, when deeper lines begin to form, more targeted treatments are needed to achieve significant improvement."
For long-term results, Dr Hanna advised women to enlist the help of a professional, as "no at-home method can truly erase these lines".
Professional treatments
"When it comes to barcode lines, my preference is to use erbium laser resurfacing, which I find especially effective for softening fine lines and improving texture without creating bulk in a delicate area.
"For marionette lines, I often use facial fat grafting to restore volume and create a natural, long-lasting result.
"For patients looking for non-surgical solutions, fillers can also work well in this area.
"For more advanced cases, particularly those with jowling or skin laxity, a facelift remains the gold standard to achieve a truly comprehensive and long-lasting correction."
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Marionette lines run from the corners of your mouth down to your chin
GETTY IMAGESOf course, if you decide to go down a cosmetic route to combat your barcode lips or marionette lines, ensure a professional is administering your treatment. It's also important that you do your research beforehand.
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GB News does a weekly deep dive into skin concerns that affect women and the best ways to combat them.
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