Mid cheek lines, also known as nasolabial folds, are a common sign of aging. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen, resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mid cheek area.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce mid cheek lines without undergoing surgery or using expensive skincare products, there are many natural remedies you can try.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 natural remedies that can help you reduce the appearance of mid cheek lines and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most effective and simplest ways to reduce mid cheek lines. A study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology journal found that increased water intake can improve skin density and thickness, resulting in a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the skin moisturized, plump, and healthy. Dehydrated skin can make wrinkles more noticeable, so make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy skin. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help to protect your skin from free radical damage and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish was associated with fewer wrinkles and less skin aging.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and wellbeing, but it’s also essential for healthy-looking skin. When we sleep, our skin repairs itself and new skin cells are produced.
Lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can break down collagen and lead to the formation of wrinkles. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night to give your skin time to repair and rejuvenate.
Use Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is crucial for preventing premature aging and reducing the appearance of mid cheek lines. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that the use of sunscreen was effective in preventing photoaging and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Make sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy outside.
Massage Your Skin
Massaging your skin can help to stimulate blood flow and promote collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of mid cheek lines. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that facial massage can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Use your fingertips to gently massage your mid cheek area in circular motions for a few minutes each day.
Use Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting healthy skin. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that the use of retinol can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Look for skincare products that contain retinol and apply them to your mid cheek area each night.
Try Facial Exercises
Facial exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in your face, which can help to reduce the appearance of mid cheek lines. A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that facial exercises can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
There are several face exercises that may help reduce the appearance of mid cheek lines.
- Cheek Puffs: Puff your cheeks out with air and then transfer the air from one cheek to the other. Repeat this 10-15 times.
- Cheek Raises: Smile widely and lift the corners of your lips upwards. Hold for 10 seconds and then relax. Repeat this 10-15 times.
- Cheek Push-ups: Push the sides of your cheeks up with your fingers and then release. Repeat this 10-15 times.
- Fish Lips: Suck your cheeks in and pucker your lips together, as if you were making a fish face. Hold for 5 seconds and then release. Repeat this 10-15 times.
- Tongue to Nose: Stick your tongue out and try to touch the tip of your nose with it. Hold for 10 seconds and then relax. Repeat this 10-15 times.
Use Natural Oils
Natural oils such as coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil can help to moisturize and nourish the skin, reducing the appearance of mid cheek lines. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that natural oils have anti-aging properties and can help to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles. Apply a few drops of natural oil to your mid cheek area each night before bed.
Take Collagen Supplements
Collagen is a protein that is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Taking collagen supplements can help to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of mid cheek lines.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that oral supplementation with collagen peptides improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles.
Stay Active
Exercise is not only good for overall health and wellbeing, but it can also help to reduce the appearance of mid cheek lines. A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that regular exercise can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling.
In conclusion, mid cheek lines are a common sign of aging, but there are many natural remedies you can try to reduce their appearance. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, using sunscreen, massaging your skin, using retinol, trying facial exercises, using natural oils, taking collagen supplements, and staying active are all effective ways to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Remember that it may take time to see results, and consistency is key. Incorporate these natural remedies into your daily routine and you’ll be on your way to reducing the appearance of mid cheek lines and promoting healthy, radiant skin.
Research links and citations
Cho, S., et al. (2008). Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 58(5), 825-832.
Darlenski, R., et al. (2013). Effects of hydration and moisturization on skin in healthy people and in patients with atopic dermatitis. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 6, 113-118.
Kim, D. U., et al. (2018). Oral intake of low molecular weight collagen peptide improves hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling in human skin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 136-143.
Lee, D. H., et al. (2015). Dietary behaviors and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(2), 285-292.
Makrantonaki, E., et al. (2010). Skin and brain age together: the role of hormones in the ageing process. Experimental Gerontology, 45(12), 801-813.
McKinley-Grant, L. (2014). Sunscreen and photoaging. Journal of Dermatological Science, 76(2), 94-100.
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing
National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before trying any of the remedies or supplements mentioned in this article.