I'm over 40 and swear by this lip contour balm to minimize upper lip lines
I dabbled with smoking in my early 20s, but I would never call myself a former smoker. So, you can imagine my surprise when I started to develop these 'smoker lines' in my mid-30s. Unfortunately, these fine lines have been very stubborn to treat, and there aren't a lot of affordable options out there that target this area — unlike eye creams, for example, which are a dime a dozen. And believe me, I've tried so many beauty products that claim to treat this area. But I couldn't find an affordable option until a Reddit search introduced me to this Clarins lip balm.
Clarins Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm
This lip contour balm isn't sticky, absorbs easily and will make your lips soft and supple. But what I really loved about it is its ability to diminish the appearance of my perioral lines after a few weeks of regular use. It's made with shea butter to protect lips and raspberry oil, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. Although it's not cheap at $49 for a jar, it lasts for a long time, even with slathering this on several times a day. I smooth it a little above the lip as well as over my mouth so it really reaches the lip contours and smooths them out. On top of that, my lips feel so moisturized — and dare I say, look a little fuller? The balm doesn't feel sticky and absorbs into my lips while still giving them some shine. It took about three weeks of regular use before I saw a reduction in my lip lines, but they felt and looked softer after only a few days.
When I asked Dr. Brian Hibler of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York why it's so hard to treat these fine lines, he said that it all comes down to collagen and elastin loss from UV damage and aging, along with muscle crunching. Dehydration can be another factor as well. 'The intensity of the lines are partially related to the number of times and how hard the muscle around the mouth is flexed,' he added. 'Over time, this repetitive movement causes these lines to become etched in, even at rest.'
To mitigate the lines in this area, he said to use a daily sunscreen, topical retinoids at night and a hydrating moisturizer. Since this Clarins balm is made with shea butter to protect lips and raspberry oil, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, it is very effective at hydrating that area.
Hibler also said that Botox can help relax these muscles if treated early enough, but I draw the line at getting Botox anywhere other than my forehead. And besides, it sounds like I am already too late for this anyway.
You really need to stick with this balm. As I mentioned, I noticed the effects after applying it several times a day for a few weeks, and even then, it reduced the appearance of my lip lines but did not erase them completely. Unfortunately, it will take something more expensive or invasive to truly eliminate these lines.
I also saw some reviews complaining about the application process and how the balm can get stuck under your nails. I don't have long fingernails, so I don't have that problem, but I understand how that would be frustrating for someone who does. It's definitely not the most user-friendly packaging, but it certainly isn't a deal breaker by any means.
This may not work for everyone, but it was effective for me in improving my lip contour lines. I saw many online reviews echoing my thoughts, provided you treat them early enough. Yes, $49 is a lot to pay for lip balm, but as previously mentioned, this will last a long time.
Plus, there are not a lot of treatment options to target these perioral lines. 'Microneedling and non-ablative laser treatments like Fraxel can be helpful to stimulate collagen induction and smooth the skin in this area,' Hibler said, but professional treatments like those are incredibly pricey. So, while I won't get the same results as a laser treatment (nor do I expect to) by using an over-the-counter product, anything that improves my lines even a little bit is a win win for me. And for under $50, Clarins Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm is the answer to my prayers (for now).
The following FAQs were answered by board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Brian Hibler and includes reporting by managing editor Rachel Quigley.
How do you use Clarins Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm?
How do you use Clarins Extra-Firming Lip and Contour Balm?
Apply it on your lips and above your upper lip several times a day with your finger.
What causes upper lip lines?
What causes upper lip lines?
According to Hibler, 'Upper lip lines are caused by a variety of genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. Sometimes referred to as 'smoker's lines', these lines around the mouth are often seen in nonsmokers.' He also said that daily activities like drinking through a straw or making certain facial expressions can contribute to the development of these lines. 'Over time, this repetitive muscle movement causes the lines to etch into the skin, similar to those between the eyebrows ('eleven lines' or glabellar lines) and around the eyes (crow's feet).' UV damage, natural loss of collagen and elastin over time, and not drinking enough water can also make the lines worse.
Dr. Brian Hibler, board-certified and Harvard-trained medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, managing editor Rachel Quigley used the Clarins lip balm for more than four months. She has been testing beauty products for five years and has tested a variety of products for mature skin.
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