Tired of deep smile lines that just won’t budge? According to skincare expert and esthetician Chris Gibson, you don’t need fillers or surgery to see improvement—just your hands, a mirror, and a few minutes a day.
In a recent video, Gibson, who’s been in the skincare space for nearly 38 years, shares three simple facial exercises and one targeted product that he says can help lift, firm, and smooth marionette lines, laugh lines, and those stubborn vertical creases around the mouth.
“These smile lines, marionette lines—whatever you want to call them—can absolutely be softened with consistent facial exercises,” says Gibson. “And they don’t just improve the look of the skin. They improve muscle tone underneath, which gives your face a natural lift.”
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1. The Cheek Lift Press
This exercise targets the area just under the cheekbones. “Place your palms just below the cheekbone—not on it—and gently lift up for a count of three,” he explains. Repeat five times. “You’ll feel the area of the face tighten and lift,” Gibson says. “It really does help make a big difference.”
2. The L-Shaped Jaw Sculptor
To tone the jawline and lower face, make an “L” with your hands—placing thumbs under your chin and fingertips at your temples—and gently lift back. “Hold it for a count of 15, and do this three times,” says Gibson. “You’re going to see a more lifted look and feel the muscles activate.”
3. The ‘O’ Lip Plumper
For lines around the mouth, make an “O” shape with your lips and massage the area lightly with your fingertips. “This helps circulation, muscle tone, and plumps the area above the lip,” Gibson notes. “It’s simple but very effective.”
According to Gibson, many people notice visible changes within a week if the exercises are done consistently. “These movements activate the muscles just under the skin and improve circulation, which gives your face a firmer, more youthful appearance.”
The Product He Recommends to Speed Up Results
Alongside facial yoga, Gibson also recommends a skincare treatment specifically made to target marionette and upper lip lines: the Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip & Perioral Anti-Aging Treatment.
“This product is specially formulated with Matrixyl 3000 peptides, hyaluronic filling spheres, and a touch of retinol,” he says. “It plumps out lines, helps with skin tone, and even stops lipstick from feathering.”
It comes with a ceramic applicator for precise application. “It’s easy to use, and your skin knows how to use the ingredients. You apply it twice a day, and it really helps soften the look of those lines fast.”
While genetics, aging, and facial fat loss all play a role in deepening smile lines, there are ways to improve their appearance without going under the knife. Between targeted facial exercises and well-formulated treatments, you can visibly lift and smooth the skin around your mouth—naturally.
“If you stay consistent, these small steps can lead to big changes,” Gibson says. “Stay beautiful. Stay proactive.”
