Thanks to the Stanley Cup, consuming eight glasses of water each day has never been easier—or more fashionable. The iconic drinks flask has become a phenomenon with countless dupes popping up, and if you’re not seen sipping from one on socials, are you even a real influencer?

But all this slurping could be causing unnecessary premature ageing, according to Aesthetic Doctor Dr Christine Hall. “When we engage in facial expressions like pursing our lips, the underlying muscles contract, forming fine lines and wrinkles,” she says.

Why do lines around the mouth occur?

Frequent pursing of the lips such as when drinking through a straw, can exacerbate wrinkles. “Commonly known as straw lines or marionette lines, they can stem from repetitive muscle movements and facial expressions,” explains Dr Hall.

Your favourite water tumbler may offer some contribution towards mouth wrinkles, but it’s not to blame wholly. Facial sagging and the formation of lines can also be due to age and genetics, says Julie Scott, EV Expert and Owner and Clinical Director, Facial Aesthetics.

“As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and firmness because collagen and elastin fibres weaken, hence the ‘sag’. Another significant factor is the loss of facial volume, particularly rapid loss of facial fat pads around the cheeks and mouth, which can impact the appearance of marionette lines.”

What exactly are marionette lines?

Our typical concern regarding wrinkles is usually focused on the upper half of our face—frown lines, crow's feet, and "11's." But the bottom half of your face can also be targeted with lines, including nasolabial folds, uneven texture around the jaw and chin, and vertical lip lines, also known as marionette lines.

“One of the most common areas of concern for my patients is marionette lines, the vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin,” explains Scott. “They feel it makes them look sad and miserable, despite not feeling like it at all.”

When to see an expert

It’s important to remember that your face is meant to move when you smile, frown and laugh. These expressions cause the skin to fold or crease, while dynamic wrinkles are caused by the movements of your facial muscles. Static lines, however, are the lines that are constant in the skin irrespective of movement. It's best to consult a practitioner for treatment advice when your wrinkles are at this resting stage.

In clinic options

Dermal fillers

Dr Hall recommends Teoxane Teosyal Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA®) dermal filler. “It is designed to mimic the natural movements of the face, and due to its thin and watery consistency, it is particularly suitable for addressing wrinkles around the mouth area.”

Scott suggests HarmonyCA: “Treating the lateral part of the face with hybrid fillers offers support, effectively addressing early signs of jowling and marionette lines. Not only does it provide volume, it also stimulates fibroblasts, enhancing collagen production.”

Thread-lifting

Silhouette Soft is a temporary thread lift technique that stimulates collagen production without causing scarring to the underlying skin tissue. Ideal for addressing signs of ageing around the mouth, this treatment involves the insertion of a suture approximately 3-5mm beneath the skin’s surface. Secured with absorbable cones, the suture allows for multidirectional movement.

Skin treatments

Microneedling involves using small needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Your skin responds to these micro-injuries by producing more collagen and elastin, improving skin elasticity and firmness while minimising the appearance of lines over time.
Laser resurfacing can help smooth out wrinkles and lines around the upper lip and mouth. Fractional laser treatment involves targeting the skin with a grid of laser beams to create tiny areas of skin injury, which then triggers the production of new skin cells.
Ultracel is a treatment which combines ultrasound, radio frequency and microneedling to target all layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, which lifts and tightens the skin.
Ultraformer uses high-intensity focused (HIFU) ultrasound to target sagging skin and improve its appearance, texture and tone.

Prevention methods

SPF 

“UV rays are the biggest culprit as they accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, and are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness,” explains Dr Hall. “I always recommend using a daily sunscreen with a SPF30 or higher to counteract the sun’s harmful UV rays.”

Regenerative aesthetics 

“Treatments such as polynucleotides and Profhilo, which focus on maintaining skin quality, offer an approach to preventing the early onset of lines and wrinkles,” says Scott. Polynucleotides have a cell regeneration and stimulus action that increases skin elasticity. Profhilo, an injectable moisturiser, comprises of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to promote collagen and elastin in the skin.

Antioxidants 

“Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and stimulates collagen production,” advises Dr Hall. Incorporating a vitamin C serum such as Teoxane RHA® Vitamin C into your daily routine can significantly improve skin brightness and firmness.

Anti-wrinkle straw 

TikTik asked and so TikTok got. A Stanley Cup compatible anti-wrinkle drinking straw has an opening on the side of the straw allowing the drink to be sucked in from the side opening, which can relax the mouth muscles without causing wrinkles.