What are Marionette Lines? Causes and Tips to Reduce Them

Marionette Lines are a common type of wrinkle that naturally appear as you age. Find out what causes them and what you can do to reduce their appearance.

WHAT ARE MARIONETTE LINES? WHERE DOES THE NAME COME FROM?

Marionette lines are wrinkles that start from the corners of your mouth and run vertically down toward your chin. You might also find them under the name of puppet wrinkles or melomental folds. Marionette lines are named after string puppets because they typically have noticeable vertical lines in the same place. These lines appear after a loss of elasticity in the skin and fall into the static wrinkles category.

They should not be confused with nasolabial folds that start from the corner of your nose, and go down to the corners of your mouth.

WHAT CAUSES MARIONETTE LINES ON THE FACE AND WHEN DO THEY APPEAR?

On average, marionette lines start to be noticeable around the age of 40, but they can start to appear subtly in your 20s or 30s. They appear naturally with time, but some factors can accelerate their appearance, such as:

woman applying Nivea anti wrinkles cream

The consumption of tobacco provokes physical tension in the muscles around your mouth, accelerating the degradation of Collagen and Elastin.

Loss of Collagen and Elastin: as you age, the skin naturally produces less of both. Collagen is one of the main supports for skin to look plump. The less your skin produces it, the more it is sensitive to gravity. The skin, therefore, tends to be saggier, which can make your marionette lines more noticeable.

Natural facial expressions: smiling and talking can accentuate marionette lines with time. This is due to your facial muscles creating a crease every time they make a contraction. Since you lose skin elasticity as you age, your skin is no longer able to get back in place completely, deepening the crease.

Sun exposure: can also be a reason for marionette lines to appear, especially when SPF is not applied enough.

Smoking: The consumption of tobacco provokes physical tension in the muscles around your mouth, accelerating the degradation of Collagen and Elastin. It also decreases your blood flow, which can increase the risk of skin infection. The actual smoke also contains substances known as Carcinogens, which can further harm the skin.

Lack of proper skin care: Adopting an adapted skincare routine will help to keep your skin happy for a longer period of time.

Lack of sleep: The production of Collagen increases at night, which gives you a reason to find more time to have a nice and long sleep.

Dehydration: Staying hydrated is very important for the entire body and health, and it will make your skin more radiant and healthy.

Weight loss: The loss of fat on the face is a factor in saggy skin since it is less filled, and tends to be more sensitive to gravity.

HOW CAN MARIONETTE LINES AROUND THE MOUTH BE PREVENTED?

Although you won’t be able to completely prevent marionette lines from appearing, you can still limit how deep they become. In response to the above causes of marionette lines, you can include better habits such as:

- Drinking water and keeping yourself hydrated
- Eating fulfilling food to bring the right nutrients to your body.
- Not smoking
- Sleeping enough
- Protecting your skin with SPF
- Building yourself a good skincare routine

BUILDING A SKINCARE ROUTINE TO REDUCE MARIONETTE LINES:

Adopting an appropriate skincare routine can help to reduce the appearance of marionette lines and prevent them from deepening. Below is an example skincare routine that you can follow using NIVEA Q10 products:

woman holding a Nivea Rose Touch Hydrating Toner

STEP 1: PROPERLY CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Wash your face twice a day using a gentle cleanser, to avoid irritation, and remember to always remove your makeup before bedtime. NIVEA recommends cleansing your face in the morning as well as the evening.

The morning cleansing is important since your skin regenerates during the night and dead skin cells should be removed. The evening cleansing is important to remove any pollution, sweat, and bad bacterias that could be on your skin.

After cleansing, you can also apply a toner. Not sure what toner does? In short, it will finish a thorough cleansing process and help to prepare your skin to absorb the nourishing ingredients of your serum and moisturiser.

NIVEA Face Cleansers

STEP 2: APPLY SERUM AND FILLERS

The use of serums is beneficial to your skin since their light texture allows for quicker absorption. Serums such as the Q10 Anti-Wrinkle power Replenishing Serum Pearl penetrate the skin quickly and bring moisture to your skin. Its formula contains skin identical to Q10 to keep your skin firm and youthful.

Fillers could be integrated into your skincare routine and used as a long-term process for better results. The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Expert targeted Wrinkle Filler Serum penetrates skin 10 layers deep, filling and plumping wrinkles thanks to its Pure Coenzyme Q10 and Bioxifill Peptides formula.

NIVEA Face Serums

woman holding a Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle power Replenishing Serum Pearl

STEP 3: DAY CREAM

Using a day cream hydrates skin and helps protect it against external damage. Additional ingredients can also provide anti-aging effects, helping to reduce marionette lines. NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream SPF 15 is formulated with 100% skin identical to Q10 and Creatine to effectively reduce wrinkles, whilst keeping skin nourished throughout the day.

NIVEA Day Creams

STEP 4: NIGHT CREAM

Swapping a night cream in for your day cream as part of your evening skincare routine can bring an important boost to your skin. Skin enters its natural regeneration phase as you sleep, so using a night cream formulated to support this process, such as the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Revitalising Night Cream, will help rejuvenate your complexion overnight.

NIVEA Night Creams

woman holding a Nivea Sun Spot Control Face Cream

STEP 5: DON’T FORGET SPF

Sun exposure is one of the main factors of marionette lines' premature appearance, therefore applying daily SPF is important in prevention. You should be mindful of your skin coverage when applying sunscreen.

You want to be sure that the exposed skin is sufficiently covered with sunscreen. The unprotected skin can be subject to sun-induced damage and further complication.

NIVEA Face Sunscreens

NIVEA Q10 TO HELP REDUCE MARIONETTE LINES

The Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin naturally produced by your body cells. This vitamin plays an essential role in energy production, which will help with skin regeneration and repair. NIVEA’s range of Q10 products contains 100% skin identical Coenzyme Q10 to support skin regeneration every day. This range has been specifically created to meet all skin types’ needs and ensure protection against damage and slow down the ageing process.

NIVEA Q10 Range

OTHER INGREDIENTS TO HELP REDUCE MARIONETTE LINES INCLUDE:

Bakuchiol and Retinol

Bakuchiol and Retinol are frequently associated due to the similarity of their effect on the skin, notably the anti-age benefit. Indeed, both ingredients help with skin regeneration and stimulation of collagen production. However, Retinol is not friendly to everyone’s skin, which is where Bakuchiol comes in.

Bakuchiol is more sensitive-skin-friendly and is also safe to use during pregnancy, opposite to Retinol.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a key ingredient in anti-ageing skincare products. Your body produces it naturally to keep your skin smooth and supple. This ingredient is a gel-like substance, able to retain moisture and help you fade fine lines and wrinkles.

Folic Acid

Folic Acid, also known as Vitamin B9, helps with the creation of new healthy cells, including red blood cells carrying oxygen. This ingredient also stimulates your skin to produce more Collagen, acting as a support to your cell function, growth and development. This, therefore, helps against skin ageing and marionette lines.

Add Bakuchiol, Hyaluronic Acid or Folic Acid to your skincare routine

You can introduce these ingredients into your anti-ageing skincare routine by using the NIVEA Cellular Expert products, this premium range offers NIVEA’s most efficacious anti-wrinkle treatment.

Firming Face Creams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of marionette lines?

The main cause of marionette lines on the face is natural ageing, loss of skin elasticity, and changes in facial fat. Over time, these factors create deep lines around the mouth that run from the corners of the mouth toward the chin.

How do marionette lines form over time?

Marionette lines form gradually as skin loses collagen and elasticity. Repeated facial movements, gravity, and lifestyle factors like sun exposure can make these lines next to the mouth more noticeable.

What age do marionette lines usually become noticeable?

Marionette lines can start to appear in the late 30s to 40s, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin type. Early care can help slow the appearance of deep lines around the mouth.

When should you start focusing on marionette line prevention?

It’s a good idea to start thinking about marionette line prevention in your late 20s or 30s. Daily hydration, sun protection, and gentle skincare can support skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of frown lines near the mouth.

Can marionette lines look natural as part of ageing?

Yes, marionette lines on the face are a natural part of ageing. They are a normal feature and can be cared for with moisturisers and targeted skincare without changing your natural expression.

What is the difference between jowls and marionette lines?

Jowls are the sagging skin along the jawline, while marionette lines are the vertical lines running from the corners of the mouth toward the chin. Jowls can make marionette lines more noticeable, but they are separate signs of natural ageing.

What helps improve the appearance of lines around the mouth?

Moisturisers, serums with hyaluronic acid, and gentle peptides can help improve the look of lines around the mouth. NIVEA Q10 contains Coenzyme Q10, which supports skin regeneration, helping skin appear firmer and more nourished over time.

Can retinol support skin around marionette lines?

Yes, retinol and products containing retinol can support skin around marionette lines on the face. Regular use may improve skin texture and firmness, making lines next to the mouth less noticeable.

Do facial exercises help marionette lines?

Facial exercises may support muscle tone but won’t fully erase marionette lines. Gentle massage and consistent skincare are more reliable ways to improve deep lines around the mouth.

Can sleeping position affect marionette lines?

Sleeping on your side or stomach can slightly increase pressure on facial skin over time. Sleeping on your back may help reduce repeated creasing that contributes to lines next to the mouth.

Do marionette lines become more noticeable with weight loss?

Yes, significant weight loss can make marionette lines more noticeable. As facial fat diminishes, the natural support for the skin decreases, which can make lines around the mouth more noticeable.

What should you consider before addressing marionette lines?

Before trying to minimise marionette lines, consider your skin type, age, lifestyle, and desired results. Hydration, gentle skincare, and realistic expectations are key, and consulting a professional can help guide your approach.