Long-term use of drinking straws can induce wrinkles, reveals new study

Collagen, a protein found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cornea, is responsible for our skin's firmness. The human body naturally produces this protein up until around 25 years of age, after which its level steadily decreases. That's when you can observe the early signs of aging.

Loss of collagen, when combined with regular lip-tightening, leads to the formation of unpleasant furrows often associated with smoker's wrinkles. Most people are unaware that wrinkles around the mouth can result from—drinking through a straw.

Smoker's wrinkles are expression lines emanating from the excessive use of the orbicularis oris muscle, which happens during activities like smoking, playing a musical instrument, or even...drinking through a straw. Using a straw demands muscle tension, which subsequently leads to the formation of unsightly furrows around the lips.

"The long-term impact of repeatedly drinking through a straw or any activity that causes lip-tightening results in the formation of small wrinkles in this region," explains plastic surgeon Lara L. Devgan in an interview with "The Post". The skin around the mouth is similar to a piece of paper—it's thin, delicate, and dry. Frequent lip-tightening actions can cause the emergence of furrows and wrinkles around the lips, which become more distinct as we age.

Over in the United States, a solution to this problem has been discovered. Stanley's Cups, a local company, has launched a special wrinkle-preventing straw designed to slow down the muscle tightening around the mouth. Could this anti-wrinkle straw actually work? In theory, yes, but it mainly delays the formation of furrows.

The issue of wrinkles around the lips can affect anyone who frequently tightens their lips. These wrinkles may appear in smokers, people who often drink beverages through straws, or even those who frequently pout for photos. Another factor contributing to the occurrence of wrinkles around the mouth is insufficient UV protection. Sun exposure speeds up the skin aging process. Specialists recommend applying sunscreen to the face year-round, regardless of the weather conditions.

So, how can you eliminate wrinkles around the mouth? Begin with skincare. Opt for cosmetics rich in vitamins A, C, E, ferulic acid, ceramides, and retinol. These ingredients have the power to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, if deep furrows have formed on your skin, skincare may not be sufficient. In such cases, the only remedy is botox or hyaluronic acid treatments.