Nasolabial Folds: Causes & What Really Helps

The nasolabial fold runs from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Everyone has it: it forms naturally when we laugh or speak. With age, however, it becomes deeper and remains visible even when the face is relaxed. Nasolabial folds can make the face look tired or older than it is. In this guide, you will find out why they develop and what really helps.

What is the nasolabial fold?

The nasolabial fold, also known as the smile line, is the boundary between the cheek and the upper lip. Unlike pure expression lines such as crow’s feet or frown lines, it is mainly shaped by the structure of the face: the more volume the cheeks lose, the deeper the fold appears.

Why do nasolabial folds become deeper?

Loss of volume: the fat pads in the cheeks become smaller over the years and sink downwards. The skin above the fold lies more heavily on top of it.
Collagen and elastin loss: from the mid-twenties, the skin’s own collagen production slows down, and the skin loses firmness.
Facial expressions: laughing and speaking constantly reinforce the fold.
UV light: sun accelerates the breakdown of collagen and is the main cause of premature skin ageing.
Lifestyle: smoking, rapid weight loss and lack of sleep intensify nasolabial folds.

You can find out more about loss of volume in our guide sagging facial skin.

What helps against nasolabial folds?

1. Skincare with peptides and hyaluronic acid

A cream cannot replace lost volume. However, the right actives visibly plump the skin, support its firmness and soften the appearance of the fold:

Peptides: ChroNoline, Syn-Ake and Cyclopeptide-5 support the skin’s structure and visibly soften lines.
Hyaluronic acid: binds moisture and visibly plumps the skin.
Liftonin-Xpress: visibly tightens the skin within minutes.

These products are particularly suitable:

Special Filler: with ChroNoline and Gatuline Expression, specifically for lines on the face.
Liquid Surgery Serum: our flagship serum with Syn-Ake, Cyclopeptide-5, ChroNoline and Syn-Hycan.
Cross Lift Serum Ultrapeptide: combines peptides with the tightening active Liftonin-Xpress.
Face Cream Smooth 100: the day cream with Syn-Ake and Ceramide NP.

You will find more serums in our collection anti-aging serum.

2. Consistent sun protection

UV light breaks down collagen and makes nasolabial folds deeper. Protect your skin every day with our face sunscreen.

3. The right application technique

Apply serum and cream with gentle upward movements, from the corners of the mouth towards the temples. This distributes the actives evenly over the area of the fold.

4. Aesthetic treatments

For pronounced nasolabial folds, dermatologists and aesthetic practices most often use hyaluronic acid fillers to replace lost volume. Other options include microneedling, laser or radiofrequency treatments. After such treatments, the skin needs gentle aftercare, which you will find in our collection skincare after laser, peels & Botox.

Your routine against nasolabial folds

OPEN: cleanse your skin thoroughly but gently.
TREAT: apply the Special Filler or the Liquid Surgery Serum morning and evening, focusing on the area between the nose and mouth.
CLOSE: finish with the Face Cream Smooth 100 or another cream from our collection firming face cream.
During the day: always finish with sun protection.

Frequently asked questions about nasolabial folds

Can you get rid of nasolabial folds with a cream?
No cream can replace lost volume. Peptides and hyaluronic acid can, however, visibly plump the skin, support its firmness and soften the appearance of the fold over weeks.
At what age do nasolabial folds become deeper?
The fold itself is present from birth. It usually becomes noticeably deeper from the mid-thirties onwards, when the cheeks start to lose volume.
What helps against nasolabial folds without injections?
A consistent routine with peptide serums, a firming cream and daily sun protection. Products such as the Cross Lift Serum Ultrapeptide with Liftonin-Xpress also tighten the skin visibly within minutes.
Which cream helps against nasolabial folds?
A cream with peptides and moisture binders, such as the Face Cream Smooth 100. Combined with a serum such as the Special Filler, the effect is particularly intensive.
Are nasolabial folds the same as marionette lines?
No. Nasolabial folds run from the nose to the corner of the mouth, while marionette lines run downwards from the corners of the mouth to the chin.

Would you like to know how pronounced your lines really are? Our free skin analysis evaluates them in just a few minutes. You will find more firming care in our collections face cream over 40 and face cream over 50.