All About Chin Wrinkles (and How to Get Rid of Them)

Types of Chin Wrinkles

Marionette lines Marionette lines are deep wrinkles on either side of your mouth. These kinds of chin wrinkles are called “marionette lines” because they resemble the lines on the mouth of a puppet. They go from the corner of your mouth down to your chin. Facial cosmetic specialist David Isaacs, MD, tells us that while there are many causes, facial wrinkles like these are usually the natural result of aging. Marionette lines, like other facial wrinkles, are permanent and don’t go away without treatment. They’re also natural, and nothing to be concerned about! That said, some people want to get rid of their marionette lines because it may make them look aged or sad.

Mental crease A mental crease is a horizonal fold of the skin between the lower lip and chin. They’re also sometimes called “mental folds” because they occur in the “labiomental” area. This type of wrinkle has more to do with the shape of your skull and how prominent your chin is than your skin, though it can get more dramatic with age.

Cobblestone or strawberry chin “Cobblestone chin” is a pattern of wrinkles on the chin that resemble cobblestones. It’s an area of small dimples or marks on the front of the chin often caused by muscle hyperactivity, or overuse of the chin mentalis muscle. This is also sometimes called orange peel chin or pebbly chin.

What causes chin and face wrinkles?

Aging “Wrinkles on the face can be a result of many different things,” Isaacs reminds us, “but typically it's part of aging.” As you get older, your skin loses some elasticity as the fat and collagen in your face are reduced. This causes your skin to slacken and wrinkles to form as they lose the support of those under-the-skin layers. Everyone who grows older gets wrinkles. It’s normal! What’s important is remembering that not everyone gets to grow older to see their wrinkles.

UV radiation Board certified plastic surgeon David Barrett, MD, says that exposure to UV radiation is another huge factor in the development of wrinkles. UV, or ultraviolet, radiation usually comes from the sun, and you’re exposed to it every time you step outside. These UV rays break down the collagen in your skin more quickly than usual, causing wrinkles. It’s unavoidable, and doesn’t happen overnight, but rather over a period of years. Still, it’s important to wear a hat and SPF 30 sunscreen to protect yourself from this radiation.

Smoking and drinking Research shows that people who smoke have more wrinkles than those who don’t, especially around the mouth. The same has been found about people who frequently drink alcohol. Both these substances speed up the aging process and deteriorate your skin and collagen. Similar to smoking, pollution has a dramatic negative impact on your health, and can cause wrinkles to form earlier than usual.

Regular facial expressions Ever heard someone say, “Stop making that face or it’ll get stuck like that!” Well, there’s a grain of truth to it. Every time you make an expression with your face, your skin shifts and forms wrinkles. Over time, your skin “learns” these wrinkles and they become normal, especially as you age and your skin slackens. Eventually, these wrinkles become standard features. This is another inevitable one, and you shouldn’t avoid certain expressions or try not to emote just to avoid wrinkles. Wrinkles like laugh lines show that you’ve had a full and happy life!

Genetics Sometimes, wrinkles are just coded into your DNA. You inherit your parent’s features, including their facial structure and skin type. So if your parents have certain wrinkles, it’s more likely that you’ll develop similar wrinkles as you get older. Again, it’s totally natural and nothing to be worried about.

Cosmetic Procedures for Wrinkles

Botox Barrett tells us that Botox is effective when it comes to removing dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles formed through facial movements. Botox is a neurotoxin that, when injected under the skin, paralyses the muscles, which can help reduce wrinkles. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin, mental creases How long do results last? Usually around 6-9 months, is cheap at just , and is a fairly common procedure. Cost: $10-25 per unit (typically, you'll need 15-20 units) EXPERT TIP David Isaacs, MD David Isaacs, MD Board Certified Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. David Isaacs is a Board Certified and Dual-Fellowship trained Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Isaacs treats aesthetic and functional conditions of the face and eyelids, as well as revision surgery and aesthetic reconstruction. He graduated with Honors from both the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Isaacs completed a General Surgery internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and an Ophthalmology residency at New York Med, where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Isaacs returned to UCLA for a fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery & Orbital Surgery. Dr. Isaacs then completed a second fellowship in Facial Cosmetic, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery through his UCLA fellowship. Dr. Isaacs is one of the few surgeons in the United States to complete both fellowships, be double board certified, be a member of the American Society of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (ASOPRS), and be a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). David Isaacs, MD David Isaacs, MD Board Certified Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Botox injections temporarily paralyze the muscles so you can't move them anymore. If you don't contract the muscles, you're not imposing its effect on the skin. If you're not imposing it on the skin, those lines start to fade away.

Fillers Fillers, like Botox, are injected under the skin. Unlike Botox, fillers shift and plump the skin, rather than paralyze the muscles. There are a number of fillers, the most common of which include: Hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that can alleviate wrinkles for 6-12 months. Calcium hydroxylapatite, which is often used to shape the jaw and cheeks and lasts up to 3 years. Permanent soft tissue filler, which can smooth deeper wrinkles and is often permanent, but isn’t recommended for first-time filler patients. Poly-L-lactic acid, which is an age reversal filler that lasts up to 2-3 years, but requires multiple sessions. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin How long do results last? 6 months to 2 years Cost: About $500 per syringe (usually 1-3 syringes to treat the chin)

Chemical peels Chemical peels involve spreading a chemical solution onto the skin, which removes the topmost layers, exposing the lower layers and boosting collagen. For deep wrinkles, a doctor may recommend a deeper chemical peel, which doesn’t require multiple procedures, like other peels. That said, chemical peels won’t remedy chin wrinkles that are caused by sagging skin. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin How long do results last? Up to 6 months Cost: A light peel might be as little as $150; a deep peel could be $3,000 or more

Thread lifts Turner tells us about a procedure called “Instalift” that uses dissolving sugar threads to stitch and lift the skin of the face, reducing or removing wrinkles in the process. It also boosts the body’s collagen and directs it to the face, “healing” the wrinkles in the process. Thread lifts also come with much easier recovery than procedures like facelifts. They’re relatively non-invasive and low-risk. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin How long do results last? 1-3 years Cost: About $2,500

Microneedling Barrett tells us that microneedling is another possibility for those looking to reduce wrinkles. Microneedling involves a dermatologist making many microscopic pricks into your skin that prompts new collagen to form in the area, plumping the skin. It’s non-invasive and doesn’t hurt, but won’t remedy sagging skin, and requires 3-5 sessions for best results. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin How long do results last? Several months Cost: Starts at $200 per session

Laser resurfacing Double board-certified dermatologist Ellen Turner mentions laser resurfacing as another viable wrinkle-removing procedure. Laser resurfacing uses beams of energy to destroy some skin in order to kickstart the healing process so that your body produces more collagen. It can remove fine wrinkles, but can’t fix wrinkles caused by sagging skin. Board certified dermatologist Paul Friedman, MD, says there are two kinds of resurfacing: ablative, which creates holes in the skin so it heals, and non-ablative, which uses heat. These procedures usually require 2-4 sessions. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin How long do results last? 3-5 years Cost: Starts at about $1,000

Plastic surgery The most permanent, but also most invasive solution, is a facelift. A facelift is when a surgeon pulls back the skin of the face and secures it in place, making for taut skin and reversing sagging skin that causes deep wrinkles. That said, facelifts are pricey and require intensive recovery. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin How long do results last? 10-15 years Cost: $10,000 and up

Chin implants Chin implants are a form of plastic surgery that alters the shape of your chin in order to reduce wrinkles and reshape the face. They often utilize silicone implants, though the material may vary based on your surgeon’s recommendation. Chin implants are fairly invasive and have an intensive recovery process. Good for: Mental creases How long do results last? Usually permanent Cost: About $3,500

Topical Treatments for Wrinkles

Vitamin C serums For people looking for a non-invasive, more natural treatment, board certified dermatologist Heather Richmond, MD, recommends applying a daily vitamin C serum to their wrinkles. Vitamin C won’t make your wrinkles disappear, but it will reduce sun and pollution damage to your skin, as well as boost collagen levels, making your skin more plump and perhaps reducing your wrinkles. You can purchase vitamin C serums online and at most pharmacies without a prescription for about $10-20. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin

Retinoids Retinoids are the catch-all term for vitamin-A products for the skin. Retinol is an over-the-counter form of retinoids. Like vitamin C serums, Richmond recommends retinol serums for nightly application. She says that retinols “are vitamin A derivative creams, which have benefits of stimulating new collagen,” which helps plump the face. Again, retinols alone won’t erase wrinkles, but they’re a key part of any anti-wrinkle regimen. Common prescribed retinoids include tretinoin, tazarotene, and trifarotene, and usually cost about $30-50. Talk to your dermatologist to receive a prescription. Good for: Marionette lines, cobblestone chin

At-Home Remedies for Chin Wrinkles

Try regular face massages to tighten your skin. While a facial massage won’t reverse deep wrinkles, research suggests that it can make your skin look and feel tighter, and perhaps reduce smaller wrinkles. Give yourself a daily facial massage by gently but firmly rubbing the knuckles of your fingers from your chin up along your jaw toward your ears for 15 minutes. Also run your knuckles from the corners of your mouth up to the sides of your nose.

Press ice to your chin area for 10 minutes a day. It won’t make those wrinkles disappear, but many estheticians and even dermatologists suggest that a cold treatment can make your skin plumper and younger looking. Cleanse your face, then wrap some ice cubes in a towel. Press the towel to your chin for 10 minutes each morning to take advantage of the healing power of cold.

Apply aloe vera to your chin area each day. Many people swear by aloe vera for its healing properties, but recent studies suggest it may even reduce wrinkles. Aloe can help boost collagen and elastin in the skin, making it more plump. Each morning, spread some aloe on your wrinkles and let it sit for 10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it off. Or, take daily aloe supplements, which are also shown to aid skin elasticity.

Do I need to treat my chin wrinkles?

Wrinkles are normal and common, but treatment may boost your self-image. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: wrinkles are a natural part of aging and genetics, and there’s nothing wrong with them. You should never feel pressured to hide your natural features. That said, there’s also nothing wrong with treating your wrinkles if you believe it’d make you more confident and secure. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about your choices. They’ll help inform you on the best routes and solutions for you.

Preventing Chin Wrinkles

Wear SPF 30 sunscreen and hats when you’re outside. Protecting yourself from UV radiation is perhaps the most important anti-wrinkle strategy. Richmond says, “I usually recommend mineral sunscreens with active ingredients of zinc or titanium. A lot of patients consider those to be more natural than the chemical based sunscreens and I also think that they are potentially more effective.” Opt for a sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF, and preferably one specially formulated for the more delicate skin of your face, even on days that are cloudy.

Wash and moisturize your face each day. Another key is to keep your skin moist so that it doesn’t sag or constrict, which can form wrinkles over time. Wash away dead skin cells in the shower using a gentle facial cleanser. Use a gentle facial moisturizer, and look for moisturizers with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide, all of which help the skin produce collagen, leading to healthier, tighter skin. Moisturize your skin after each shower to avoid drying it out. Don’t over-moisturize, which can have the opposite effect.

Avoid smoking and alcohol. Since smoking and drinking alcohol are leading causes of wrinkles, the best strategy is to stay away from them as much you can. Consider quitting smoking as well as drinking if you want to avoid wrinkles. Replace these habits with healthier ones, like munching veggies or drinking more water.

Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Making sure your body has enough energy is important when it comes to producing collagen and tightening your skin. Experts recommend that adults get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night in order to stay at the peak of their health. Improve your sleep by ditching screen time in bed. Consider picking up a book and reading yourself to sleep, instead.

Find a stress-relief routine to lower stress. Acute or long-term stress can also contribute to your wrinkles, so it’s important to stay as stress-free as possible. We know that’s easier said than done, but adding a stress-relief routine to your day can go a long way. Consider these options: Meditate for 20-30 minutes each day. Sit still in a quiet place and let your mind wander wherever it wants to go. Use breathwork to control your breathing, which can reduce stress. For 10-15 minutes focus on taking long breaths: 10 seconds in, 10 seconds out. Get into yoga, tai chi, qigong, or another steady, calming physical activity.

Hydrate and eat a more balanced diet with plenty of vitamins. What you eat plays a huge role in helping your skin get the nutrients it needs to stay young and healthy, as does getting enough water. Experts recommend drinking 4–6 c (32–48 fl oz) of water each day. Then, try getting more of these skin-friendly foods into your daily diet: Green tea for antioxidants Fish like salmon and tuna, which contain omega-3s that can boost hydration Protein sources like beans, lentils, and meat Whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal for vitamin B, which has anti-aging effects Grapefruit, asparagus, or tomatoes for lycopene, an antioxidant

Makeup Tricks to Conceal Wrinkles

Apply a lightweight, moisturizing foundation. Foundation is key in all things makeup. If you have wrinkles, stay away from heavy foundations, which will get cakey and crack along the lines of your wrinkles. Instead, use a creamy, light foundation with built-in moisturizer, and use a soft touch when applying. Think of it as applying a very thin second-skin to smooth out your actual skin, not a full mask that can dry out over time.

Use less powder and concealer to avoid caking. Like foundation, too much powder can crack and make your wrinkles even more dramatic. When you apply powder after your foundation, use a light touch. Just a tap here and there is enough. Go for a light dusting with a large brush, not a full blizzard! This also goes for concealers, which are more pigmented and so require less product for full coverage. When you apply concealer, lightly dab it onto your skin with your finger instead of rubbing it in, which can cause streaks or visible lines.

Use a light makeup pencil on wrinkles to reduce shadows. Wrinkles are noticeable because they cast a dark shadow. You can hide that shadow by tracing the wrinkles with a makeup pencil that’s a couple tones lighter than your natural skin tone. Just draw over the wrinkle to lighten it while staying inside the line of the wrinkle, then blend it with a brush if it looks too obvious.

Draw attention to your eyes to distract from the chin. The eyes are a key area where you can use makeup to make a difference. If you draw attention to the upper half of your face with things like eyeliner, highlights, and a good brow treatment, people are less likely to focus on your chin or mouth. When in doubt, put extra work into your eyes, and use a more subtle touch on your lower face.

Final Thoughts

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but there are remedies available. Everyone who gets older gets wrinkles. That’s just life! While you should never feel ashamed of them, you should also feel free to conceal or remove them, if you wish. Long-term solutions that are most effective include facelifts, fillers, plastic surgery, and laser resurfacing. Short-term solutions include Botox and microneedling. Topical solutions like vitamin C serums and retinoids can offer less-invasive solutions over time. Prevention through things like sleep, diet, and exercise is key to avoiding wrinkles. Speak to your doctor or dermatologist about which solutions are right for you. Everyone is different, but there’s a way forward for everyone.