As we age, our skin changes.

This is simply a natural part of lifewe all get older, and our bodies change because of it.

1 cause of skin aging is the loss of collagen."

Alexandra Engler

When we lose this precious collagen, our skin’s structural integrity declines and our overall volume diminishes.

Essentially, our lips deflate with time.

And unfortunately, this process starts earlier than you might expect: Your 20s (yep and yikes!

), and continues at about a1% loss every year after1.

“When we are young, our bodies produce more collagen than we break down.

That balance tips the wrong way with age since tissue regeneration decreases.”

Listen: Collagen loss happens, this we cannot refute.

These are the parts of the cells that actually create collagen and elastin.

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Protect your lips from sun, smoking, and inflammation.

This is a purely preventive, but proactive measure that’s just as important as reactive.

From there, use a safe,physical SPFon the area when outdoors.

“Don’t forget sun protection,” saysShawna Jones, PA-C, aesthetic nurse practitioner.

“Protecting your lips from the sun is just as important as protecting your face.

Look for products that have a physical sunblock [titanium dioxide andzinc oxide].

Some also contain other moisturizing actives, like hyaluronic acid, to hydrate and smooth the lips.”

And do your best to manage internal inflammation.

Try a lip plumper.

Check out ourfavorite lip plumpershere.

Keep hydrated.

Thicker skin means plumper skinwhich means a better pout.

Use a lip-nourishing treatment.