How to Get Rid of Smoker Lines

Last Updated: December 23, 2022 References

Smoking has several side effects to your health, and it’s no secret that every stick you puff also negatively impacts your youthful appearance, like growing smoker lines for one. In fact, smoker lines do not exclusively form because of habitual smoking. Anybody, including you, even if you’ve never lighted a single stick of cigarette, can develop these signs of aging. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to show those unwanted lines too soon.^{[1]
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Things You Should Know

To treat smoker lines at home, look for a wrinkle cream that contains retinol, tretinoin, or alpha-, beta-, or polyhydroxy acids.
If at-home treatments aren't working, see a professional for a treatment like a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, or micro-needling.
For more dramatic results, ask your dermatologist about plumping up your skin with a filler or Botox injection to hide smoker lines.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Correcting Smoker Lines

1
Get hold of a topical treatment solution.There are several over-the-counter and prescription-only topical treatments that are capable of facilitating faster rates of skin healing to help fade your smoker lines. You should weigh several considerations when choosing your treatment regimen, that includes your age, skin type and history of allergies.^{[2]
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- Try an anti-wrinkle cream that contains retinol, tretinoin or any other vitamin A derivatives. These ingredients facilitate faster skin surface exfoliation which, in turn, stimulates faster skin regeneration and turnover. However, these can cause your skin to become hypersensitive and it’s possible that retinol may not suit your skin. In any case, retinol may have to be worked into your skin, gradually increasing frequency and dosage as you use.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Asmi Sanghvi, DO
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.}
- Use non-retinol anti-wrinkle creams. In case you prefer non-retinol alternatives, you can also find anti-wrinkle creams that are retinol-free and use botanical ingredients. You should look at creams that contain alpha, beta, and polyhydroxy acids.
2
Take advantage of peels.Whether you DIY or get a professional peel, these procedures are meant to facilitate faster rates of skin exfoliation, regeneration, and turnover.^{[4]
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- Chemical peels come in varying strengths. Choose accordingly for your skin type, the severity of smoker lines and the skin improvement that you expect to see.
- There are masks that are formulated to give you a milder and gentler peel. The top ingredients to look for are AHAs and BHAs as well as fruit acids and glycolic acid.
- If you choose to DIY, make sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions down to the tee.
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3
Avail of professionally administered non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments.Top options to help fade and smoothen out smoker lines include microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, micro needling and radio frequency therapy.^{[5]
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- When scheduled for a procedure, closely adhere to the pre-procedure and aftercare instructions which your skin care specialist will prescribe.
- Most modern non-invasive and minimally invasive skin care procedures will not require downtime. Nevertheless, you should ask your skin care specialist about it so that you can be prepared to take a day or two off of work if you have to.
- These procedures do not involve injections or surgeries and are therefore low risk, but often require several sessions for visible results to show through and for maintenance as well.
4
Get a filler or Botox injection.If you are after obtaining immediate results, you should consider these two options.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Asmi Sanghvi, DO
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.}
- Before you schedule an injection, make sure that you understand all of your options and that you are made well aware of the risks and disadvantages.
- Botox and fillers will give you instant results that usually last for 3 to 4 months only. These procedures require periodic visits to your skin care specialist for maintenance purposes.
5
Consider surgery last.Surgery, whether cosmetic or not, entails risks that can possibly threaten your overall health immediately or sometime in the future.^{[7]
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- Explore other non-surgical options first before you entertain any surgical options.
- Your skin care specialist will help you decide whether your smoker lines call for a surgery or if these can be treated by other means.
- Make sure that you have a full understanding of the risks and benefits of wrinkle-related surgery before you schedule a session.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Preventing Smoker Lines

1
Wear your sunscreen religiously.Sun damage is the top cause of irreversible skin damage that can easily lead to the appearance of visible signs of skin aging.^{[8]
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- Choose a sunscreen that gives you a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with at least an SPF 30 for daily use.
- Do not rely solely on your sunscreen for sun protection. Stay in the shade when you can and use an umbrella or a broad-brimmed hat to keep smoker lines out.
2
Add antioxidants to your daily and nightly skin care regimens.These provide added UV protection but also help fight skin damage caused by free radicals.
- Free radicals may be present in pollution and other environmental aggressors and are produced by the body when you are stressed.
- Learn some stress relieving tips and exercises to help you rise above stressful situations and conditions and help you manage your stressors better.
3
Minimize facial expressions.Don’t pout and be more mindful of habitual facial expressions that you make that involve folding your mouth area.^{[9]
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4
Exfoliate regularly.Exfoliation is one of the simplest and easiest ways that you can help your skin fight multiple signs of damage and aging.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Asmi Sanghvi, DO
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.}
- Try a leave-on exfoliating cream. These creams are primarily formulated with fruit acids, glycolic acid or alpha and beta hydroxy acids, any of which help facilitate faster exfoliation, regeneration, and renewal.
- Avoid permanently damaging your skin by closely following manufacturer’s instructions.
5
Shift to a healthier lifestyle.Younger-looking skin that is rid of wrinkles and smoker lines begins by achieving your skin’s best state of health.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Asmi Sanghvi, DO
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.}
- Make improvements to your diet. Incorporate Omega fatty acids into your diet which helps moisturize your skin.
- Get plenty of physical activity. Move around more to improve your overall circulation and help facilitate more efficient nutrient absorption.
6
Keep your lip area well-moisturized.Deeply moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter are great to have for your entire face.^{[12]
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- Other ingredients to look for in your anti-wrinkle creams are hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and collagen.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you prevent smoker lines?

Asmi Sanghvi, DO
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Asmi Sanghvi is a Board Certified Dermatologist based in New York, New York. She specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology and has a passion for educating others. Dr. Sanghvi has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cutis. She holds a BS in Human Communication Sciences from Northwestern University and a DO from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Asmi Sanghvi, DO

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

You can avoid them by protecting the skin from sun with sunscreen and exfoliating regularly with a retinoid or AHA. Obviously, you should also avoid smoking.