Marionette Lines_ What Are They and How to Get Rid of Them
Tired of hearing “What’s wrong?” from co-workers or getting glares from strangers on the street? You just might be suffering from RBF (resting you-know-what face, in case you missed it!). More often than not if you’re over the age of 40, the root cause is marionette lines. Marionette lines are some of the most commonly lamented wrinkles for women middle-aged and older, though they can grace our faces as early as our 20s or 30s, depending on genetic predisposition. Yup, suffice to say, if your parents and grandparents have been endowed with marionette lines, the odds are not in your favor. But even so, there are plenty of solutions to show time and genetics who’s boss.
What Are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are one of those aptly named wrinkles that conjure up a pretty clear visual. A marionette string-puppet, of course, has a split jaw so that puppeteers can easily open and close their mouths in order to make them look like they’re talking. Humans develop creases in the very same area over time, running from the outer corners of the lips to the outer corners of the chin. Because of their drooping quality, marionette lines can make a face look perpetually pouty. And, unfortunately, treating them professionally is not as straightforward as some other problem areas—which is why, as always, prevention is key.
Main Causes of Marionette Lines
Outside of hereditary factors, gravity is the main perpetrator when it comes to marionette lines. Over the course of many years, gravity exerts its control over our faces, stretching once smooth-and-tight skin in a downward and inward pattern towards the earth. All of that skin collects at the chin, often forming lines at either side. This is aggravated by a general loss of volume that happens as we age—degradation of soft tissue, fat, and structural proteins like collagen and elastin—which results in a sagging effect. As with any other sign of skin aging, lifestyle factors like tanning and smoking can also have a negative impact.
How to Get Rid of Marionette Lines: 5 Treatment Options
So you’ve ditched the cigarettes and the tanning bed, and you’re totally on top of your cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Now what? Outside of those fundamentals, here are the best ways to get a handle on your marionette lines:
1. Chemical Peels
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