Preventing and treating smile lines is no easy matter, but we’ve selected some powerful and highly targeted skincare products that can help treat the nasolabial fold, a.k.a. smile lines. Below, find the best skincare products for preventing or softening those smile lines.
1. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
There is no denying that retinol is the best topical treatment for smile lines and other signs of premature aging. It boosts skin renewal more than anything, helping to reduce the look of lines and to keep the skin producing collagen for as long as possible. This Drunk Elephant cream contains 1% retinol, which is a fairly high amount and is likely not ideal for retinoid newbies or those with sensitive skin. It also contains antioxidant niacinamide to slow down environmental damage, and peptides to give an additional protein boost. Buy it from Sephora!
2. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
This serum is a phenomenal laugh line treatment with overall anti-aging capabilities. It contains both retinol and a gentler derivative, to improve collagen production and aid in cell regeneration without irritating the skin. There is also hyaluronic acid to help plump up and minimize fine lines in the moment, and finally ceramides and squalane to increase barrier functions. Get it at Nordstrom!
3. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
This light formula from The Ordinary features both microencapsulated retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate, two forms of vitamin A that works together to give thorough skin renewal effects but without irritating the skin. It’s a great choice for all skin types to target signs of aging around the nasolabial fold as well as on other parts of the face, and it is especially great for anyone who is acne-prone. It is available at Ulta.
4. Neova DNA Damage Control Everyday Facial Fluid SPF 44
A facial sunscreen is the best preventative against laugh lines, because it helps ward off the biggest contributor to collagen degradation: the sun. What makes this sunscreen, in particular, such a great product is that it also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump up the skin with moisture and smooth out fine lines, as well as antioxidant vitamin C. Order it online from Dermstore!
5. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Medi–Spa Peel
Regular exfoliation is a key part of maintaining healthy skin functions and preventing excessive loss of tone as we age. These peel pads are especially powerful, because they contain a combination of different alpha-hydroxy acids and salicylic acid to give the skin a very thorough exfoliation. It’s a two-step system, so after the pads you apply an included milky lotion that contains rejuvenating retinol and skin-firming peptides. You can buy it at Sephora.
6. Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Night Cream
This is a great night cream for anyone with dry skin and the desire to soften the nasolabial folds. It is a unique product, with one part being the cream and another part being these gorgeous little pearls. You melt the pearls in the cream, and enjoy the combined benefits of gentle, low-grade retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and a ton of deeply moisturizing oils. This is not an intense treatment, so it can be used on a nightly basis. Find it at Ulta!
7. Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior 2-in-1 Plumping Moisturizer + Serum
This serum has a quick plumping effect thanks to multi-weight hyaluronic acid, which penetrates the skin at different depths and infuses it with a ton of water. This has an instant minimizing effect on the nasolabial fold, albeit a minor one, which is especially great when you need a pick-me-up or before special events. It also contains fortifying amino-acids, and minerals that help support natural hyaluronic acid production in the skin. The effect of long-term use is remarkable, and it can even be used instead of a moisturizer. Pick it up at Sephora!
8. ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer 30 SPF
This daily moisturizer for all skin types will protect your skin from collagen-destroying sun while also helping rebuild new collagen with the help of retinol. It contains a touch of vitamin E, which offers additional support and protection. This moisturizing formula has a creamy texture that is nourishing but non-greasy, and should work for dry, normal, and combination skin. Get it at Ulta!
9. Tula Volume Defense Deep Wrinkle Serum
Tula products are rich in probiotics, which are known for their ability to support the microbiome and deeply hydrate the skin. The deep hydration gives a plumping effect that greatly improves the tone of the nasolabial fold, even after just one use. This hydrating formula is also loaded with antioxidants and natural extracts to keep the skin feeling fresh. It would work for all skin types, but should be avoided if you have any fungal skin issues. Find it at Nordstrom!
10. Eve Lom Time Retreat Radiance Essence
This gorgeous essence loads the skin up with a ton of moisture, helping to instantly minimize the prominence of smile lines. It contains some really unique humectants, like xylitylglucoside and xylitol, as well as a time-release form of retinol. There is also niacinamide in the blend to brighten and protect the skin from external causes of aging. You can find it at Sephora.
11. Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster
Not all peptide products were created equal, and this one is by far one of the best. There is a lot of new research showing that peptides might be able to strengthen the skin and increase its firmness, so they are a great addition to routine made to soften smile lines. This booster includes a very wide range of them, along with a variety of skin-hydrating ingredients and protective antioxidants. It will work for all skin types, and can be used before or instead of a moisturizer. It is sold at Nordstrom.
12. DDF Pro-Retinol Complex 3 Moisturize
There are a few routes you can go in if retinol is too harsh for your skin, and one of them is retinyl propionate, the gentle retinoid that is used in this product. It still gives a valuable collagen-boosting effect that’ll help minimize those laugh lines, but without irritating the skin or overwhelming it. It also contains a ton of antioxidant niacinamide, and a few forms of vitamin C. It is available at Ulta.
Photos via @nikki.cruz, Sephora, Dermstore