Fine lines under the eyes and deep wrinkles on the forehead are natural parts of the aging process. However, when it comes to wrinkles around the mouth and lips, TikTok users have raised concerns about an unexpected culprit—straws potentially making the problem worse.
Why is the skin around the mouth different?
While the eyelids have some of the thinnest skin on the face, the area around the lips and mouth is a close second. Dermatologist Dr. Sara Hogan explains, “The perioral skin (skin surrounding the mouth and lips) is supported by the underlying muscle, fat, and bony compartments in the lower face. As we age, the muscle and fat compartments shrink and lose volume.”
This skin is constantly in motion due to the elliptical muscle beneath the upper and lower lips, known as the orbicularis oris. This muscle enables dynamic movements like opening and closing the mouth, puckering, sucking, and whistling. According to Hogan, “Over time, some individuals develop perioral lines in the skin, which deepen and lengthen depending on the frequency of muscle activity and the intensity of muscle contractions.”
Can drinking from a straw cause wrinkles?
Possibly. Dermatologists classify wrinkles into two categories: dynamic and static. “Dynamic wrinkles occur when muscles contract, creating temporary lines in the skin due to movement, while static wrinkles remain even when muscles are at rest,” explains dermatologist Dr. Tyler O. Vukmer.
Dynamic movements repeated over time can lead to static wrinkles. While there is no direct scientific evidence linking straw use to mouth wrinkles, Vukmer notes that frequent, long-term straw usage could theoretically contribute to noticeable wrinkles in the area.
Other factors, like the natural aging process and the loss of collagen and elastic fibers, also play a significant role. “As elasticity decreases, the lines formed by muscle movement become etched into the skin,” Hogan says. This, combined with daily mouth movements, aging, and sun exposure, can lead to wrinkles around the mouth.
Should you give up straws entirely?
If you use straws often, there’s no need to panic or completely abandon them. Vukmer emphasizes that consistent sun protection is far more effective at preventing wrinkles, discoloration, and skin cancer than avoiding straws for life. Age-related sun damage causes thinning skin, collagen loss, discoloration, and uneven texture, including around the mouth. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50, and reapply every two hours, especially when in direct sunlight.
Additionally, keeping the skin on your lips hydrated can make a big difference. Dry skin can make wrinkles around the mouth more noticeable, so using emollient lip balms and hydrating products with ingredients like peptides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid can help maintain a smoother appearance.
What about medical or cosmetic solutions?
For longer-term wrinkle prevention and treatment, neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, Jeauveau, Xeomin, and Daxxify are highly effective. “These treatments reduce how much the muscle contracts, significantly minimizing dynamic wrinkles,” Vukmer says. Neuromodulators can also prevent static wrinkles from forming by limiting repetitive muscle movements. However, they must be administered by a skilled professional to avoid side effects like a droopy lip, slurred speech, or asymmetrical mouth movements.
Injectable fillers, like synthetic hyaluronic acid, are another option. Fillers add volume to the lips, smoothing wrinkles in the surrounding area. While fillers do not inhibit muscle movement as neuromodulators do, they come with risks like migration, asymmetry, and overuse.
For non-injectable alternatives, vitamin A derivatives like retinols and retinoids can combat collagen loss contributing to wrinkles. “Start slowly when using retinols or retinoids around the mouth, and always apply a moisturizer to prevent irritation, redness, and flaking,” Hogan advises.
Looking for an over-the-counter retinol to try? These are some of the best options available.
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