There is an old adage that states that it takes something like 37 muscles to frown but only 22 muscles to smile. Though this saying is untrue (you actually contract 12 muscles when you smile and only 11 when you frown), smiling is certainly beneficial. People generally respond in kind to the facial expressions they encounter, so a smile is greeted with a smile, and smiling actually elevates your mood. Although smiling makes you feel good and causes others around you to smile, this effect does come with a price: smile lines and wrinkles.
How To Treat Smile Lines
Celebrities voted for the best smile (from left): Halle Berry, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts
A hydration problem: As we age, our skin reduces its production of hyaluronic acid, a substance that helps the skin retain moisture. Thus, aged skin is often thinner and drier than younger skin. To combat this effect, apply moisturizer to temporarily rehydrate the skin. Only use enough to provide a thin layer of product over your skin. Also consider using products like Skincerity , which allows your skin to retain its moisture while you sleep. For additional help, consult a dermatologist regarding filler injections.
A sun damage problem: The collagen and elastin fibers located within the inner layer of your skin breaks down with aging. These proteins allow your skin to "bounce back" from facial expressions. Exposure to sunlight increases the degradation on these proteins. More specifically, UVA rays have the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and can accelerate the aging process. To combat the sunlight effect, use sunblock that contains mexoryl, helioplex and avobenzone. Remember, nothing will turn back the clock or erase damage caused by sunbathing. But you can always use a product to stimulate new collagen to give your skin a boost. Try Revitol's anti-aging soltuion. Refer to review for additional information: Revitol Anti-Aging Review.
Also, apply a daily cream that contains antioxidants. Increase your amount of collagen by trying products with vitamin A, peptides or growth hormones. In general, products that are thick or have a cushiony feel are better at filling in the skin than thinner creams or serums.
A smiling problem: Repeated movements will wear down the underlying tissue in that specific location. This will create a crease that will remain after the muscles relax. So maybe a little frown wouldn't hurt after all. Limit the repeated movement by simply wearing glasses/sun glasses to reduce squinting. For additional help, consult a dermatologist regarding Botox.
How To Treat Smile Lines: Injectable Solutions
 Just in case you're curious:
Botox: Known as botulinum toxin to dermatologists, Botox relaxes the muscles, thus limiting crinkles in the skin when you smile or frown. The primary areas of use are the forehead, brow lines, and crow's feet. This procedure costs $200-$500 per treatment and lasts approximately 3-4 months. The injection procedure may be slightly painful and causes minor swelling.
 Injectable fillers: Both collagen and hyaluronic acid can be injected directly into regions of concern. Collagen is often used on skin under the eyes, while hyaluronic acid is more suited for filling the nasolabial area. The primary area of use is for crow's feet and nasolabial fold. This procedure costs $250-$550 for collagen treatment and $300-$850 for hyaluronic acid treatment. Each treatment lasts for about 3-4 months (collagen) and 6-12 months (hyaluronic acid). Possible side effects include pain during injection and bruising.
Though you can’t take a pill version of the fountain of youth, modern technology has made it possible to reduce the appearance of aging. The following products have been shown to be effective at reducing the signs of aging. These results are documented in clinical trials and consumer reviews (check out the links below to read reviews).
How To Treat Smile Lines: No-Needle Solutions
1. StriVectin Ageless Skin Blockbuster Kit
Clinical trials documenting the ability of the
StriVectin Ageless Skin Blockbuster Kit to visibly reduce the depth, length, discoloration and roughness of existing wrinkles and stretch marks makes it a popular product in the anti-aging business. You can learn more at SkinStore.com or SpaLook.com .
2. Kinerase Cream
 
Scientific studies show that the Kinerase Cream works as well (reduce wrinkles, signs of photoaging, and roughness of the skin) as Renova and Retin-A WITHOUT the side effects. Learn more at SkinCareRx.com.
3. Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Skin Treatment
The Z Bigatti Re-storation Skin Treatment Cream contains an innovative combination of hydroxy acids, antioxidant, and other organic products to fade the appearance of fine lines and protects your skin from damaging elements. Learn more. Best prices: $155 for 2oz/30ml size or $500 for 8 oz/240ml size at other competitors.
For more information on these products, visit SkinStore.com and SpaLook.com . From my research, these online retailers appear to have these products at the most afforable prices and they are both excellent companies to do business with.
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