Marionette Lines: Causes, Treatments and How to Reduce Their Appearance

Last Reviewed: May, 2026

Marionette lines are a common part of skin ageing that typically begin as fine lines around the mouth and gradually become more visible as they extend toward the chin. They can develop due to a range of factors such as facial movement, sun exposure and natural changes in the skin over time¹.

While they are a normal part of ageing skin, marionette lines are often a concern for those noticing changes in the lower face. In this article, we explore what they are, why they develop and the skincare and treatment options that may help reduce their visible appearance.

Marionette lines, also known as puppet lines or melomental folds, are facial lines that extend from the corners of the mouth toward the chin. They are a common feature of skin ageing and may become more visible over time as Collagen levels decline and skin loses elasticity. They are most noticeable on the lower face and may become more visible when the face is at rest or during everyday expressions such as smiling or speaking.

Marionette lines are often confused with nasolabial folds. Marionette lines extend from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin, while nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth³. Although both are common signs of skin ageing, they affect different areas of the face and follow distinct patterns.

Marionette lines develop as a result of intrinsic skin ageing and external environmental factors⁴. Over time, changes in skin structure, combined with repeated facial movement and sun exposure, can make lines around the mouth and chin more visible.

As skin ages, it naturally changes in appearance, elasticity and volume. Over time, the skin around the mouth may appear less smooth, and expression lines can become more visible. The effects of gravity and repeated facial movement can also contribute to the formation of lines that extend from the corners of the mouth towards the chin⁵. These changes, along with a natural reduction in components such as Hyaluronic Acid, can affect⁶ how smooth, firm and hydrated the skin appears.

This can lead to:

• More visible mouth lines.
• Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth appearing more defined.
• Skin appearing less firm, smooth and supple.

UV exposure is one of the most significant external factors linked to premature skin ageing⁷. Over time, daily sun exposure can contribute to dryness and make lines around the mouth more visible.

It can:

• Make marionette lines appear more noticeable.
• Contribute to moisture loss in the skin.
• Intensify the appearance of fine lines around the mouth.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and dehydration may also affect how the skin looks over time, making mouth lines appear more pronounced⁸.

These factors may:

• Reduce skin radiance.
• Contribute to a dry or dehydrated-looking complexion.
• Make signs of skin ageing appear more visible over time.

There is no fixed age at which marionette lines develop. Some people may notice fine lines around the mouth in their 20s, while others may experience more visible changes later in life. Skin type, sun exposure, lifestyle and facial movement patterns can all influence when they become more noticeable⁸.

These include:

• Applying SPF daily (ideally SPF 30 or higher) to help protect the skin from UV exposure, one of the key external factors linked to premature skin ageing¹⁰.
• Using hydrating skincare products as part of a daily routine to help maintain moisture levels in the skin.
• Protecting skin from excessive sun exposure throughout the year, not only during summer months.
• Avoiding smoking where possible, as it can contribute to a duller, less even-looking complexion over time¹¹.
• Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with cleansing and moisturising steps to help support the skin’s overall condition.

Some people use facial massage or gentle facial exercises as part of their skincare routine to help the skin appear more refreshed. These techniques may help relax facial tension around the mouth and jaw area and can be included in a wider self-care approach.

Facial massage and exercises do not permanently change the appearance of marionette lines, and results vary from person to person. However, they may help the skin look temporarily more relaxed and revitalised when used consistently¹².

Hydrating makeup products can help soften the visible appearance of marionette lines temporarily. Lightweight foundations and radiant finishes may help create a smoother-looking complexion, while heavier matte textures can emphasise lines.

Using a hydrating primer and applying makeup lightly around the mouth area can help achieve a more even, natural-looking finish.

A consistent skincare routine can help improve the appearance of marionette lines and support smoother-looking skin around the mouth area. This routine includes products from Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity range, which is designed to target the appearance of deeper wrinkles and support improved firmness and radiance.

Step 1: Cleanse

Begin with a gentle facial cleanser to remove impurities, excess oil and traces of makeup, helping to prepare the skin for the rest of your routine. Cleansing helps create a fresh base for the application of skincare products.

Step 2. Serum

Apply a serum to help provide hydration and support smoother-looking skin. Well-hydrated skin can appear plumper and more even, helping to reduce the visible appearance of fine lines around the mouth and chin area.

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum combines high and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid to help visibly plump deep wrinkles and provide intensive hydration.

Step 3. Moisturiser & Sun Protection (AM/PM)

• AM: Eucerin Ultra-light Day SPF 50 provides daily hydration and very high sun protection in one step. With SPF 50, the formula helps protect the skin from UV-induced premature ageing and the deepening of wrinkles while helping to maintain skin’s elasticity and a more even, radiant-looking complexion.
• PM: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Night provides intensive overnight care to help support the skin natural overnight recovery process. The formula combines Hyaluronic Acid and Thiamidol to help improve the appearance of skin elasticity and visibly plump deep wrinkles, leaving skin feeling smoother and more visibly hydrated by morning.

Targeted skincare ingredients can help support the appearance of smoother-looking skin and reduce the visibility of fine lines over time¹³. When used consistently, they form part of a daily routine to improve hydration, texture and radiance in the skin around the mouth and chin area.

As skin ages, visible signs such as fine lines, uneven texture and a loss of radiance can become more noticeable. The Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Longevity Epigenetic Serum contains Epicelline, a patented ingredient which helps improve the visible signs of skin ageing and support a more even, smoother and revitalised-looking complexion over time when used as part of a consistent skincare routine. In a product-in-use test, 98%* of users reported an improvement in the visible signs of skin ageing after regular use.

_{*product-in-use test with 160 women over 4 weeks.}

Hyaluronic Acid is known for its hydrating properties and is commonly used in skincare products designed for ageing skin¹⁴. Hydrated skin often appears smoother and plumper, helping to reduce the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by dryness.

There is no instant solution for marionette lines, but a consistent skincare routine, daily sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce their visible appearance over time. One important factor to consider is photoaging, which refers to premature skin ageing caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation. Over time, UV exposure can contribute to visible signs of skin ageing, including wrinkles, loss of firmness and age spots. Daily sun protection can help protect the skin from further photoaging, while maintaining hydration and using targeted skincare products⁸ may help support a smoother, more refreshed-looking complexion.

Simple daily habits can help support smoother-looking skin around the mouth area and reduce the visibility of fine lines over time⁹. Consistency is key, as small steps taken daily can help maintain a more even and hydrated-looking complexion.

Some people may choose to explore cosmetic procedures if marionette lines become more pronounced¹⁶. The best approach depends on individual skin concerns, desired results and professional advice. While these treatments may help improve the appearance of lines, results are not permanent and may require maintenance over time.

Non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments, skin resurfacing and radiofrequency treatments are sometimes used to improve the appearance of ageing skin. Some of these treatments may require multiple sessions, and results can vary depending on the individual. Certain procedures may also increase skin sensitivity, particularly to sunlight, after treatment.¹⁵

Dermal fillers are cosmetic treatments designed to add temporary volume beneath the skin¹⁶. Some people choose fillers to reduce the appearance of marionette lines, particularly around the corners of the mouth. Results are not permanent and typically require repeat treatments every 6-12 months to maintain the effect.

As with any cosmetic procedure, dermal fillers may involve side effects and risks. These can include swelling, bruising and temporary unevenness around the treated area¹⁶. Cosmetic treatments in general may also carry risks, depending on the procedure used.

Anyone considering cosmetic procedures should seek advice from a qualified professional before treatment.

Marionette lines are lines that extend from the corners of the mouth toward the chin and may become more visible over time due to natural skin ageing, facial movement and environmental factors such as UV exposure. They are a common feature of skin ageing, and their visible appearance can be supported with a consistent skincare routine, daily sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits. Some people may also choose professional cosmetic procedures depending on their individual needs.