How to tell if you have ‘Stanley Cup sag’
Drinking eight glasses of water daily has never been easier - or more trendy, thanks to the Stanley Cup. The sizeable tumbler has become a sensation, with innumerable dupes cropping up. But all this sipping and slurping could be causing needless premature ageing according to Dr Christine Hall: “When we engage in facial expressions like pursing our lips, the underlying muscles contract, forming fine lines and wrinkles.”
Is the Stanley Cup really to blame for lines around the mouth?
Regularly pressing the lips together, like when sipping through a straw, can worsen the appearance of wrinkles. “Commonly known as ‘straw lines,’ or ‘marionette lines’ they can stem from repetitive muscle movements and facial expressions,” explains Dr Hall.
Although your preferred water flask might contribute to the formation of mouth wrinkles, it isn't entirely responsible. The loss of firmness in the face and the development of wrinkles can also result from ageing and genetic factors. “As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and firmness because collagen and elastin fibres weaken, hence the ‘sag’,” explains Julie Scott, EV Expert and Owner and Clinical Director of Facial Aesthetics.
“Another significant factor is the loss of facial volume, particularly rapid loss of facial fat pads around the cheeks and mouth, which can impact the appearance of marionette lines.”
What are marionette lines?
Our usual focus with wrinkles tends to be on the upper part of the face: frown lines, crow's feet, and "11's." However, the lower portion of your face can also be addressed with lines. Nasolabial lines, inconsistent texture around the jawline and chin, and vertical lines around the lips, commonly referred to as marionette lines.
“One of the most common areas of concern for my patients is marionette lines, the vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin,” explains Julie. “They feel it makes them look sad and miserable, despite not feeling like it at all.”
Why do lower-face lines occur?
It’s important to remember that the face is meant to be expressive; it moves when you smile, frown, laugh, etc. These expressions cause the skin to form folds or creases, leading to lines known as dynamic wrinkles, that result from the movements of facial muscles.
Static lines on the other hand are the lines in the skin that remain unchanged regardless of movement. It is advisable to consult a practitioner for treatment advice when your wrinkles are at this resting stage.
What are some professional treatment options?
Fillers
Teoxane Teosyal Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA®) fillers are intended to replicate the natural motions of the face, and due to its thin and fluid texture, it is especially effective for targeting wrinkles in the mouth region.
HarmonyCA can treat the lateral part of the face by offering lateral support, effectively addressing early signs of jowls and marionette lines. “Not only does it provide volume, but it stimulates fibroblasts, enhancing collagen production,” explains Julie.
Microneedling
Microneedling utilises tiny needles to generate controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Your skin reacts to these tiny injuries by generating additional collagen and elastin, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness while reducing the visibility of lines over time.
Laser skin resurfacing
This can assist in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the upper lip and mouth. Fractional laser therapy focuses on the skin using a grid of laser beams to create small areas of skin damage, that then stimulates the generation of new skin cells.
What are some preventative products?
SPF
“UV rays are the biggest culprit as they accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, and are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness,” explains Dr Hall. “I always recommend using a daily sunscreen with a SPF30 or higher to counteract the sun’s harmful UV rays.” We love Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid, £9 for a glowy, budget-friendly option.
Antioxidants
“Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and stimulates collagen production,” advises Dr Hall. Adding a vitamin C serum like Skin Rocks The Antioxidant, £70 to your daily skincare routine can greatly enhance the brightness and firmness of the skin.
Anti-Wrinkle Straw
A drinking straw (we like this Anti Wrinkle Straw Replacement from Amazon, £12.49), designed to be compatible with the Stanley Cup, features a side opening that permits sipping from the side. This design helps to ease the mouth muscles and prevents the formation of wrinkles.
Shop our top picks for preventative products
Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid
The Antioxidant
Anti Wrinkle Straw Replacement
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