Whether it's from years of facial expressions, genetics or the hundreds of reasons why fine lines appear on our skin, marionette lines are some of the most bothersome facial concerns amongst aging skin-care users everywhere. Aptly named for its resemblance to the mouth of a marionette doll, marionette lines refer to the vertical lines that extend from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. These lines can become a major point of insecurity for individuals with aging skin.
While in-office cosmetic treatments will always be the gold standard for combatting deep-set fine lines and aging skin concerns, today's skin-care products offer remarkable skin-firming, plumping and tightening results that can help jumpstart your marionette line-healing journey. Ahead, expert dermatologists and aestheticians explain the best ways to treat marionette lines from home.
Featured Experts
- Joel Schlessinger, MD and Daniel Schlessinger, MD are dermatologists in Omaha, NE
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a dermatologist in New York
- Amy Peterson is a medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson
What are the best skin-care products for treating marionette lines?
While tons of great skin-care products can help reduce the appearance of marionette lines, all of our experts agree that there is no true replacement for the long-lasting, immediate effects of in-office treatments like neuromodulators and Botox. "No skin-care product will do what fillers and neuromodulators like Botox can do for marionette lines, but I like Revision Skincare’s Revox 7 ($150) because it is specially formulated to target seven specific expression lines, including marionette lines, with seven different peptides," says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Dr. Daniel Schlessinger agrees, adding that his favorite product for helping reduce the appearance of marionette lines without in-office treatments is SkinCeuticals' P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum ($148). It pairs well with Botox treatments and addresses an array of expression and contraction lines.
"The best products to improve the appearance of marionette lines are those that plump to improve the appearance of the folds, such as hyaluronic acid products, and ingredients that help to build collagen such as retinol and peptides which can help to firm the skin," says Dr. Garshickl. She highlights RoC's Derm Correxion Fill and Treat ($39) and Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer ($68) as great options.
What are the best products for preventing marionette lines?
While there are ways to help rejuvenate the skin and fill marionette lines, prevention is the best way to handle the pesky lower face lines. When preventing marionette lines, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says antioxidants and SPF are key. He recommends the LovelySkin LUXE VITA-CE with Ferulic Acid ($120) and TiZO's Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen ($45).
"Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer ($30) contains a patented micropeptide technology to help boost collagen production in addition to Bakuchiol, making it a great OTC moisturizer to prevent marionette lines," says Dr. Garshick. "Collagen-supporting ingredients are essential for restoring structure and volume, which is key in softening deeper lines and preventing the onset of marionette lines," adds Peterson. "I love the Restorative Skin Complex from Alastin ($230) because it helps produce new collagen while hydrating and plumping the skin."
