If the lines around your mouth and chin area have got deeper in midlife, it may have given your self-confidence a bit of a knock. Liz explains how these so-called ‘marionette lines’ often become more noticeable in our 40s and 50s, and shares ways to support firmer, healthier skin without resorting to invasive treatments.
Plus: parasite cleansing, at-home hormone tests, the truth about oat milk and whether red-light therapy is really worth it.
Stream the episode below, or download the recording via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
7 surgery-free ways to tackle facial lines
Many midlife women become self-conscious about the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin, as they can become more defined when we reach our 40s and 50s.
Known as ‘marionette lines’ because they resemble the hinged mouths of traditional marionette puppets, they can make the face look sad or tired, even if we’re feeling perfectly happy, explains Liz.
Why do marionette lines appear?
Like many visible signs of ageing, these lines develop for several reasons. Collagen production naturally declines as we age, and other factors – including changes in the distribution of facial fat, diet, excessive sun exposure and genetics – all contribute.
And while you can’t prevent lines entirely, there are ways to support firmer, healthier skin without turning to invasive and expensive treatments such as fillers and thread lifts.
“Marionette lines are a very normal part of ageing,” says Liz. “I would start by supporting healthy, resilient skin overall, rather than trying to erase every line.” Here are seven habits to help reduce the definition and slow down further deepening.
1. Eat enough protein
Protein provides the amino acids your body needs to make collagen, helping support your skin’s structure from within.
2. Protect your collagen
Avoid smoking and limit both alcohol and sugar to reduce dehydration and collagen-damaging glycation, which accelerates skin sagging and wrinkles.
3. Prioritise sleep
Good-quality sleep is one of Liz’s non-negotiables for healthy skin, as much of the body’s repair work takes place when we’re at rest.
4. Be sun smart
While Liz doesn’t advocate avoiding sunlight altogether, unhealthy sun exposure can accelerate collagen breakdown. “Avoid burning, not the sun itself,” she advises.
5. Strength train regularly
Resistance exercise isn’t just good for muscles and bones. Research suggests it supports healthy cellular ageing and may even stimulate cell renewal, benefiting skin health over time.
6. Try facial therapies
At-home treatments such as gua sha facial massage and gentle microneedling may help boost circulation and temporarily improve skin tone.
For more noticeable results, clinic-based treatments such as professional microneedling, radiofrequency and ultrasound therapy can support collagen stimulation and an increase in firmness over time.
7. Look for evidence-backed skincare
“Creams can improve skin quality, but they’re not going to dramatically lift deeper lines,” says Liz. Instead, she advises choosing ingredients with solid research behind them, including:
- Retinoids to support collagen production
- Vitamin C serum to protect against oxidative damage
- Peptides to signal skin cells to produce more collagen
- Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and plumpness
Supporting your skin through nutrition, movement, lifestyle and effective skincare offers a gentler, longer-term approach, explains Liz. “Ageing well is about looking like the best version of yourself at any age – not necessarily a younger version of yourself.”
Also in this episode:
- Surgery-free ways to soften facial lines
- What are the benefits of red-light therapy?
- Home blood tests for checking hormone levels
- What’s really in your oat milk
- Should I consider parasite testing?
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Retinol and retinoids
- Skin Diligent vitamin C serum
- Hyaluronic acid
- Peptides
- Neutrient Butterfat Keto
- Download the Free Daily Light Plan
- Podcast with Dr Rebecca Lewis on HRT
- Medichecks at-home health checks
- Numan blood tests
- Randox Health blood tests
Get in touch with a question for Liz:
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: 07518 471 846
More from Liz:
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