These folds also tend to deepen with age. Some people develop wrinkles next to the nasolabial folds, which may be more visible during smiling. These sometimes called smile lines or laugh lines.
Causes
Nasolabial folds are a normal part of human anatomy, not a medical condition or a sign of aging. As people age, however, these folds can become deeper and may also sag.
With age, some people also develop lines next to the nasolabial folds. Others develop lines that extend down to the chin, which are sometimes referred to as marionette lines.
Nasolabial folds become more noticeable due to a variety of factors, including:
- sun exposure, which damages the skin, causing wrinkles and changes in texture
- loss of collagen with age, making the skin look weak and thin
- loss of fat, which can make the cheeks and nearby regions appear saggy
As the skin ages, facial expressions can cause deeper wrinkles. Just as frequent scowling can cause lines near the eyebrows, smiling can make nasolabial folds deeper.
Other factors that play a role in skin aging include:
- smoking
- exposure to environmental pollutants
- rapid weight loss or frequent fluctuations in weight