Posted by Barb N.P. Team
on October 14, 2025
When it comes to treating nasolabial folds, there's no single magic bullet. The most effective approach is almost always a combination of smart at-home care, powerful professional procedures, and consistent preventative habits. Think of it as a three-pronged strategy: using collagen-stimulating ingredients like retinol, incorporating at-home devices to tighten and firm, and opting for professional treatments like dermal fillers to restore lost volume for more immediate, noticeable results.
Why We Get Smile Lines and How to Address Them
Those lines that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth? We all have them. Often called "smile lines" or "laugh lines," these nasolabial folds are a completely normal part of our facial structure—you can even see them on kids when they grin.
The issue isn't their existence, but how they change over time. As we age, these creases can deepen and stick around even when our face is totally relaxed. To really treat them, you have to understand why they're becoming more prominent. It’s not just a surface-level wrinkle; it’s a sign of deeper structural shifts happening in the face.
The Anatomy of Deepening Folds
Several key factors are working together to make these lines more pronounced. It's rarely just one thing, but a mix of natural aging and lifestyle impacts.
- Collagen and Elastin Breakdown: Think of these proteins as the rebar and scaffolding for your skin. They provide the firmness and bounce-back we associate with youth. As we get older, our bodies produce less of them, causing the skin's support system to weaken and sag.
- Volume Loss in the Cheeks: Our cheeks have distinct fat pads that give them that plump, lifted appearance. Over the years, these fat pads shrink and slide downwards. This causes the skin on top to droop, which naturally deepens the fold below.
- A Lifetime of Expressions: Every smile and laugh causes the skin to crease along these lines. While these are signs of a happy life, all that repetitive movement eventually helps etch those lines permanently into the skin.
Understanding the root cause is crucial. Simply applying a cream to the surface won't fix a problem that stems from volume loss deep beneath the skin. This is why a multi-faceted treatment approach often yields the best, most natural-looking results.
The Rise of Targeted Treatments
It's no surprise that softening these lines has become a major focus in aesthetic medicine. Nasolabial folds are one of the most common aging concerns that bring people in for dermal fillers.
The market for facial injectables used for these very concerns was valued at around $12.53 billion and is expected to nearly double by 2030. That boom reflects a massive demand for effective, non-surgical ways to get a smoother, more refreshed look. You can learn more about the growth of dermal filler treatments from industry leaders who track this data.
Because smile lines are caused by both skin-deep changes and a loss of underlying volume, a truly comprehensive plan is key. This usually means combining consistent at-home skincare to boost skin quality with professional treatments that tackle the foundational structural issues. That one-two punch is how you get significant, lasting improvement.
Building Your At-Home Treatment Routine
While professional treatments deliver impressive results, what you do every day in your own bathroom is your first and most powerful line of defense. The right skincare isn't about finding one miracle cream—it's about creating a smart, consistent routine that improves skin health, boosts collagen, and locks in hydration to soften the appearance of smile lines.
This is where you can make a real, visible difference over time. Consistency is everything.
Powerhouse Ingredients for Smoother Skin
To really make a dent in nasolabial folds at home, your products need to be packed with ingredients that are proven to work. Forget the fluff; focus on actives that support your skin’s underlying structure.
- Retinoids (like Retinol): This is the undisputed gold standard for a reason. Retinoids trigger collagen production and speed up cell turnover, which helps thicken the dermal layer of your skin. A thicker, more resilient dermis makes those folds less pronounced.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Think of this as an instant plumping agent. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin and temporarily filling in fine lines from the inside out. A high-quality serum like the BARB N.P. Hyaluronic Acid Serum gives your skin that direct, intense drink of water it needs.
- Peptides: These are the essential building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. Using a peptide-rich serum essentially sends a signal to your skin to create more of these firming proteins, leading to tighter, more lifted-looking skin over time.
A truly effective routine layers these ingredients strategically. For instance, I often recommend a peptide serum in the morning for firmness, hyaluronic acid for that immediate plumping effect, and a retinol product at night to do the long-term collagen-rebuilding work while you sleep.
If you’re building a routine from scratch and want to get the layering just right, our guide on a skincare routine for mature skin is a fantastic starting point. It breaks down exactly how to combine products for the best results.
Elevate Your Routine with LED Therapy
Once you have your topical products dialed in, at-home devices are the perfect way to amplify your results. LED (light-emitting diode) therapy is a non-invasive technology that uses specific wavelengths of light to kickstart healing and rejuvenation within the skin cells.
The BARB N.P. Facial Mask is a brilliant example of how easy it is to add this to your regimen. Its wireless and comfortable design means you can actually stick with it a few times a week without it feeling like a chore. The mask offers three light settings, each targeting different concerns that directly impact the nasolabial fold area.
BARB N.P. Facial Mask Light Settings
| Light Color | Primary Function | Benefit for Nasolabial Folds |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Collagen Stimulation | Helps firm the skin and reduce the depth of lines over time. |
| Blue | Clarifying & Purifying | Improves overall skin health and texture for a smoother appearance. |
| Amber | Soothing & Calming | Reduces redness and evens out skin tone for a more youthful look. |
When you commit to a routine that combines potent topicals with advanced technology like LED, you create a powerful synergy. This dual approach is one of the most effective ways to manage and soften nasolabial folds, building healthier, more resilient skin from the comfort of your home.
Exploring Professional Non-Injectable Options
When your at-home skincare routine just isn't cutting it anymore, it’s time to look at what the pros can do. Professional non-injectable treatments are the perfect middle ground between daily serums and dermal fillers, delivering a serious collagen boost with surprisingly little downtime.
These advanced technologies get to work deep beneath the skin’s surface, rebuilding its very foundation. The result? A smoother, firmer appearance that develops over time. You can explore a whole range of professional facial treatments designed to do just that—rejuvenate and smooth the skin from the inside out.
Kickstarting Collagen Production
So, what are we talking about here? Three powerhouse treatments consistently deliver incredible results for softening those smile lines.
First up is microneedling, one of the most popular and trusted methods out there. This procedure uses tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Your body’s natural healing process then floods the area with fresh collagen and elastin. This helps plump and thicken the skin from within, effectively softening the appearance of the folds. If you're curious about the process, this comprehensive guide to microneedling breaks it all down.
Another fantastic option is radiofrequency (RF) therapy. RF treatments use gentle energy to heat the deeper layers of your skin. This heat provides an immediate tightening effect by contracting existing collagen fibers while also signaling your body to produce more collagen over the long term. It’s a brilliant way to firm up the skin around the nose and mouth.
Finally, for a more intensive approach, there’s laser resurfacing. This treatment removes the damaged outer layers of skin to reveal the smoother, newer skin underneath. More importantly, it stimulates deep collagen production, which can dramatically improve overall skin texture and reduce the depth of stubborn lines.
This infographic gives you a quick side-by-side look at the average collagen boost, downtime, and number of sessions you can expect from these popular treatments.
As you can see, each option offers a major collagen boost. Laser resurfacing delivers the biggest jump, but it also comes with the most recovery time.
The best choice really comes down to your specific goals and lifestyle. RF therapy is a great "lunchtime" procedure with virtually no downtime, while laser resurfacing provides the most dramatic textural change for those who can schedule a few days to recover. The only way to know for sure is to have a consultation with a qualified provider to figure out which approach is right for you.
Understanding Dermal Fillers for Smile Lines
When you’re looking for a treatment that delivers immediate, noticeable results for smile lines, dermal fillers are the gold standard for a reason. Unlike creams and serums that work on the surface, fillers get to the heart of the problem: lost volume deep beneath the skin.
These are injectable gels, most often made from hyaluronic acid (HA)—a substance your body already produces to keep skin plump and hydrated. When a skilled professional injects a filler, it’s like adding a tiny, supportive cushion right where you need it. This physically lifts the skin from underneath, smoothing out the crease and softening the shadow that makes the fold look so prominent.
The result is an instant restoration of volume for a refreshed, more youthful look. To get into the nitty-gritty of the science, we have a complete guide that explains how dermal fillers work in more detail.
Choosing the Right Filler for You
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all fillers are the same. In reality, it's quite the opposite, which is fantastic because it allows for a completely customized treatment. Brands like Juvéderm and Restylane offer a whole family of fillers, each with a unique consistency and structure designed for different jobs.
- Thicker, Firmer Fillers: These are the heavy lifters. An injector often places these deeper in the cheek area to rebuild the structural support that has been lost with age. By lifting the cheek, the nasolabial fold is naturally softened—it's like pulling a sheet taut.
- Softer, More Flexible Fillers: These are the finishing touch. They are typically injected more superficially, directly into the fold itself, to smooth out any line that remains without adding unwanted bulk.
The right product combined with the right technique is incredibly effective. In fact, clinical research shows that the success rate for correcting nasolabial folds with HA fillers can be as high as 91% at 18 months post-treatment. But it’s crucial to get the placement right—poor technique can sometimes lead to an unnatural wideness in the midface.
Comparing Popular Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Nasolabial Folds
Navigating the world of fillers can feel overwhelming, but understanding the key players helps. Below is a quick comparison of some of the most trusted HA fillers used by professionals to treat smile lines, each with its own specific strengths.
| Filler Type | Primary Use / Consistency | Typical Longevity | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvéderm Vollure XC | A softer, more flexible gel | Up to 18 months | Great for natural movement and expression in the smile line area. |
| Restylane Refyne | A very flexible, subtle gel | Up to 12 months | Excellent for softening lines while preserving natural facial expressions. |
| Restylane Defyne | A firmer, supportive gel | Up to 12 months | Designed to smooth deeper lines while supporting facial movement. |
| Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC | A thicker, more robust gel | Up to 12 months | Best for adding significant volume to deeper folds. |
This isn't an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea of how different products are chosen for different needs. Your injector will be able to recommend the perfect one for your specific anatomy and goals.
The Critical Role of Your Injector
I can't stress this enough: the most important decision isn't about the filler brand, but about the person holding the syringe. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself—rested and vibrant, not "done."
An experienced injector is part artist, part medical expert. They have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and know exactly where to place the product to lift and support the skin without creating that dreaded "chipmunk cheek" look. They'll assess your face, listen to your goals, and create a plan just for you. This conversation is essential for setting realistic expectations about your results, how long they’ll last (usually 12-18 months), and the overall cost.
The best filler results are the ones no one can quite put their finger on. People might say you look well-rested or that you’re glowing, but they won’t know exactly why. That subtlety is the hallmark of an expert injector.
If you’re still weighing your options, it's helpful to get clear on all types of injectables. This guide to understanding the key differences between Botox and dermal fillers is a fantastic resource for anyone considering their next step toward a more refreshed appearance.
How to Prevent Deeper Lines and Maintain Results
You've invested time and money in professional treatments or a dedicated at-home routine. The last thing you want is for those smile lines to come creeping back.
The secret to keeping nasolabial folds at bay isn’t just about correction—it’s about smart prevention. Maintaining your results is a long-term game, but it’s simpler than you might think.
Protect and Preserve Your Skin
The single most important habit you can adopt is daily, non-negotiable sun protection. UV radiation is the number one enemy of collagen and elastin. When these essential proteins break down, the skin loses its underlying support, and existing lines quickly become more pronounced. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every single morning is your best defense against accelerated aging.
Another powerful tool for preservation is an LED therapy device. The BARB N.P. Facial Mask is an excellent way to maintain results at home. Its wireless and comfortable design makes it easy to use consistently. The mask’s three light settings help keep your skin in top condition: the red light setting boosts collagen to maintain firmness, blue light keeps skin clear, and amber light calms redness, preserving a smooth and even complexion.
Fueling Your Skin from Within
What you put into your body has a direct line to your skin’s resilience and ability to repair itself. Honestly, lifestyle choices play a huge role in preserving that smooth, youthful look you've worked so hard for.
Three habits make a massive difference:
- Load Up on Antioxidants: Foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts are packed with antioxidants that fight off free radical damage from pollution and UV rays. Think of them as your internal defense squad protecting your collagen.
- Stay Hydrated: When your skin is dehydrated, it looks less plump, making fine lines and folds appear much deeper than they actually are. Aim for plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin cells full and firm.
- Ditch the Cigarettes: Smoking is one of the fastest ways to age your skin. It constricts blood vessels, starving your skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs, while directly degrading collagen and elastin. It fast-tracks the formation of deep wrinkles.
Think of these habits as the insurance policy on your investment. Professional procedures can restore volume and kickstart collagen production, but a healthy lifestyle is what protects that investment, ensuring your results last as long as possible.
The world of aesthetic treatments has exploded in popularity. Back in 2000, injectables were still fairly uncommon. By 2020, Botox use alone had skyrocketed by 800%, with dermal fillers seeing similar massive growth.
The hyaluronic acid filler market—a go-to for nasolabial folds—is expected to more than double from $4.08 billion in 2023 to $8.24 billion by 2030. This just goes to show how many people are prioritizing these solutions. You can discover more insights about dermal filler statistics to see how the industry continues to evolve.
Your Questions, Answered
Navigating the world of aesthetic treatments can bring up a lot of questions. As you decide on the best way to approach your nasolabial folds, it’s completely natural to want clear, straightforward answers. I've gathered some of the most common queries I hear from my clients to help you move forward with confidence.
Understanding the nuances of each treatment—from how long it lasts to what it feels like—is key to setting realistic expectations and choosing the right path for your unique goals.
Can I Completely Get Rid of Nasolabial Folds Permanently?
This is easily the most frequent question, and the honest answer is no—not permanently. Nasolabial folds are a natural part of your facial anatomy, not just a surface wrinkle. The goal of any good treatment isn't to erase them completely, which would look unnatural, but to significantly soften and reduce their depth for a refreshed appearance.
While you can't eliminate them forever, you can absolutely manage them effectively for a much smoother look.
- Dermal fillers give you the most dramatic and longest-lasting results, typically lasting between 12 to 18 months.
- At-home care is your secret weapon for maintenance. Using a device like the BARB N.P. Facial Mask helps stimulate your own collagen over the long term, preserving your skin's firmness.
- Prevention, especially daily sunscreen use, is non-negotiable. It slows the breakdown of the collagen that makes these folds deeper in the first place.
Think of it as a combined strategy. Professional procedures give you that initial big improvement, and consistent home care is what makes it last.
At What Age Should I Start Treatment?
There's no magic number or "right" age to begin treating smile lines. Honestly, the timing is entirely personal and depends more on your genetics and lifestyle than your birthdate. Some people notice their folds deepening in their late 20s, while for others, it’s not a concern until their 40s.
The best time to start is simply when they begin to bother you. That said, preventative care should start as early as you can. It's always easier to protect the collagen you have than to try and rebuild it later.
A good rule of thumb I tell my clients: consider professional treatments like fillers when the lines remain visible even when your face is at rest. For at-home devices and preventative skincare, the sooner you start, the better your long-term results will be.
Are Dermal Filler Treatments for Smile Lines Painful?
Most people find the procedure very tolerable. A skilled practitioner will always prioritize your comfort. The first step is applying a topical numbing cream to the area about 20-30 minutes before the injections, which makes a huge difference.
On top of that, many of the most advanced hyaluronic acid fillers we use today come pre-mixed with lidocaine, a local anesthetic. This means the area continues to numb as the filler is being injected, keeping discomfort to an absolute minimum. You might feel a slight pinch or a bit of pressure, but it's rarely described as truly painful.
What Is the Downtime After Getting Fillers?
One of the biggest advantages of getting fillers for nasolabial folds is the minimal downtime. Most people are able to head right back to their daily routine immediately after their appointment.
You should, however, expect some minor, temporary side effects right at the injection sites. It’s common to experience a bit of mild swelling, redness, or bruising for a few days. To help keep these effects to a minimum, we usually recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Ready to take the next step towards smoother, more youthful-looking skin? At BotoxBarb, we combine expert knowledge with a personalized approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Explore our at-home solutions or book a consultation to create your perfect treatment plan.