February 14, 2026

How to Fix Lip Lines | What Really Works and What Doesn’t

26 minutes

Lip lines. Barcode lines. Smoker’s lines.

They frustrate patients more than almost any other wrinkle because they can age the face fast and they are not simple to fix.

In this episode of The Skin Real, Dr. Mary Alice Mina breaks down why upper lip lines form, why they are harder to treat than frown lines, and why there is no single magic solution. She explains the role of the orbicularis oris muscle, repetitive motion, collagen loss, menopause, bone resorption, and sun damage in accelerating these vertical lines.

Dr. Mina walks through what actually works. A combination strategy that includes prevention, lifestyle changes, smart topical use, and in-office procedures tailored to your anatomy and stage of aging. She covers:

Why Botox must be used carefully around the mouth

• When filler helps and when it makes things worse

• Why a surgical lip lift may be more appropriate than more volume

• The role of microneedling, RF microneedling, CO2 laser, and even phenol peels

• How smoking, straws, and unconscious lip movements accelerate lines

• Why sunscreen on the lips is harder than you think

If you are struggling with lip lines or want to prevent them before they etch in, this episode gives you a realistic, evidence-based roadmap.

There is no one and done fix. But there is a smarter plan.

In this episode:

00:00 Why Lip Lines Age You Faster

00:23 No Magic Fix. The Combination Approach

01:06 Why Upper Lip Lines Form

03:05 Why We Can’t Fully Paralyze This Muscle

03:37 The Realistic Goal. Soften, Not Erase

04:19 Why Women Notice This More After Menopause

05:34 Why Filler Is Not Always the Answer

06:14 Not a One and Done Fix

07:13 Prevention Before Lines Etch In

07:51 Lifestyle Habits That Make Lip Lines Worse

10:59 Teeth, Bone Loss, and Structural Support

11:50 Sun Damage and Lip Protection

14:02 Topicals That Help. Retinoids and Moisturizers

16:07 Red Light and At Home Devices

17:12 In Office Treatments. Where to Start

17:44 Botox and the Lip Flip Explained

19:30 Filler. When It Helps and When It Backfires

21:43 Laser, Microneedling, and Advanced Procedures

24:30 Phenol Peels, Aggressive Resurfacing, and Expectations

25:43 Final Takeaways

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

💗 The Radiant Reset at The Skin Real is a zero-downtime experience designed to support your skin with intention. Two days only! February 12 & 14! Book your reset: https://theskinreal.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1

Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!

Follow Dr. Mina here:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/

Visit The Skin Real Serenbe:

Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/

Book your Meet and Greet here

Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

...more

View all episodes

By DrMinaSkin

7373 ratings