'Barcode lips' is the term often given to the vertical lines that appear on the lips, as well as wrinkles that form around the mouth.
These fine lines are natural and the result of a life well lived, but there are some ways to reduce their appearance when they start to become particularly prominent.
Speaking to GB News, a skin care expert shared four non-surgical habits that can improve signs of ageing around the mouth.
She gave tips for both preventing more lines from forming and for tackling marks that are already visible, with sun protection being the first and most important.
A good skin care routine can slow the formation of fine lines around the mouth
|GETTY
Zeeka, who founded Finnish skin care brand for sensitive skin Elira Living, said: "The skin around the mouth and lower face gets the sun, which people routinely forget. Daily SPF in this area is the most underrated step for keeping that area looking smoother over time."
Wearing a high-factor SPF every day is incredibly important for ageing, as many fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots are the result of UV rays on the skin.
Opt for SPF30 to SPF50, and apply this to any skin on show day-to-day, including the face, neck, and hands.
HOW TO LOOK YOUNGER
Dehydrated skin will often make such lines more visible, so it can be helpful to use good moisturising products as part of your daily routine.
Zeeka continued: "Hydration matters more than any single 'anti-wrinkle' product. Well-moisturised skin around the lips simply creases less; look for humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid."
Choosing skin care products that contain hydrating ingredients will give the best results, but it is also key to keep it simple and avoid anything too harsh, according to the expert.
She explained: "Be gentle. Harsh scrubs and strong actives on thin perioral skin can make texture look worse, not better — for reactive skin especially, simpler is safer.
Keeping skin well-hydrated will improve the appearance of fine lines
| GETTY"If traditional retinol is too irritating in that delicate spot, a gentle plant-based alternative can support smoother-looking texture over a few weeks.
"The realistic message is this is about softening appearance and prevention through consistent, gentle care, not erasing lines overnight."
For more anti-ageing tips, an expert warned of the 'most often forgotten' beauty mistake that can make you look older, adding that it can "accelerate ageing".
Can you prevent jowls? An expert shared the habits that have nothing to do with skin care that can improve neck ageing.