Have you ever noticed small, horizontal lines appearing on the sides of your nose when you smile, laugh, or even scrunch your face? These are known as bunny lines, and while they’re completely natural, they can sometimes make us feel self-conscious. The good news is that understanding what they are and how to take care of your skin can help you keep these wrinkles at bay and maintain a smooth and youthful appearance.
What Are Bunny Lines?
Bunny lines are the small, horizontal wrinkles that form on the sides of the nose, particularly when you scrunch or smile. These lines typically appear when you wrinkle your nose, often in response to emotions like surprise, laughter, or even when you're concentrating. The name 'bunny lines' comes from the resemblance these lines have to the furrows that may form around a bunny’s nose when it twitches.
According to the Westlake Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (WDCS), bunny lines that appear only during specific facial expressions are considered dynamic wrinkles. However, when bunny lines become more pronounced and remain visible even when the face is relaxed, they turn into static wrinkles, which usually require more advanced treatments.
Also Read: Fine Lines Vs Dynamic Wrinkles: Expert Explains The Differences And Ways Of Treating Ageing Signs
Why Do Bunny Lines Appear?
Bunny lines form due to the contraction of the nasalis muscle, which controls the flaring or closing of the nostrils. As we get older, the skin’s collagen and elastin levels decrease, making it harder for the face to recover from facial expressions. Typically, bunny lines start as dynamic wrinkles in our 20s or 30s and gradually become static wrinkles as we age, as stated in WDCS. Several factors can accelerate the development of bunny lines:
- Facial Expressions: Repetitive facial expressions like squinting, smiling, and scrunching your nose can all contribute to the formation of bunny lines over time.
- Sun Exposure: Excessive exposure can damage the skin's collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkling.
- Smoking: Smoking accelerates the ageing process by breaking down collagen, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles, including bunny lines.
- Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing bunny lines based on their genetic makeup and skin type.
How to Prevent Bunny Lines
While bunny lines are a natural part of ageing, there are several ways to prevent or reduce their appearance. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Use Botox or Dysport Injections
One of the most popular and effective treatments for preventing bunny lines is botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox or Dysport. These injections work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause the lines, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles. Botox can be injected directly into the nasalis muscle to reduce the formation of bunny lines when you wrinkle your nose.
It’s essential to consult with a certified practitioner to ensure injections are administered correctly to avoid an unnatural appearance, such as the inability to express emotions fully.
Also Read: When Is The Right Time For Botox? Expert Shares A Guide To Timing And Treatment
2. Consider Dermal Fillers
In addition to Botox, dermal fillers can help restore volume to areas of the face that have lost elasticity and fullness due to ageing. Fillers, typically made from hyaluronic acid, can smooth out deep lines and wrinkles, including bunny lines, by plumping the skin. While dermal fillers don’t directly affect the muscle movement that causes bunny lines, they can fill in the skin’s surface, reducing the visibility of wrinkles.
3. Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
One of the best ways to prevent premature wrinkles is by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Hence, exposure to the sun speeds up the breakdown of collagen and elastin, increasing the risk of developing wrinkles, such as bunny lines. It’s essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, regardless of whether it's sunny or cloudy, as UV rays can reach you indoors through windows.
4. Stay Hydrated and Moisturise
Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial in preventing premature ageing and the formation of wrinkles. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain the skin’s elasticity while moisturising regularly can lock in hydration and prevent dryness that contributes to the formation of fine lines. Look for moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, which are known to support skin health and combat the signs of ageing.
Also Read: Face-Taping: Is It The Right Way To Get Rid Of Wrinkles?
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is one of the most significant contributors to premature ageing and the development of wrinkles. The chemicals in cigarette smoke break down collagen, leading to sagging skin and deep wrinkles. Quitting smoking will not only benefit your overall health but also help maintain the elasticity and appearance of your skin.
6. Practice Good Skincare Habits
A consistent skincare routine is key to maintaining smooth, youthful skin. Exfoliating once or twice a week removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, allowing fresh, healthy skin to emerge. Additionally, using anti-ageing products that contain retinoids or retinol can help boost collagen production, improving the skin’s firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]