How Vaping and Smoking Affect the Shape of Your Lips (and What You Can Do About It)
- Julia @ Flawless Medical Cosmetics
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest, most people know that smoking isn’t great for your skin, but the effects on your lips? That’s a little less talked about. With vaping becoming more common, a lot of people assume it’s a safer option, not just for health but for beauty too.
The truth is, both smoking and vaping can have a big impact on the shape, volume, and texture of your lips — and not in a good way.
As someone who sees lips up close every day, I wanted to break it down in a simple, no-nonsense way and explain what’s really happening, why it matters, and what you can do to soften the effects (even if you’re not quite ready to quit just yet).
Contents
What Happens to Your Lips When You Smoke or Vape?
Whether it’s cigarettes, vapes, or both, the repetitive movement of pursing your lips to inhale can gradually lead to the development of fine lines around the mouth, often referred to as “smoker’s lines” or lipstick lines.
Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:
Repetitive muscle movement: Constant puckering puts pressure on the skin around the lips, encouraging lines to form over time — especially in combination with natural collagen loss.
Reduced blood flow: Smoking decreases circulation, which means less oxygen and nutrients reach the skin. This can leave your lips looking dull, thinner, or even discoloured.
Free radical damage: Cigarette smoke is full of free radicals that break down collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep your lips smooth and plump.
"Vaping isn’t much better": Although it might seem like a gentler alternative, vaping still involves similar mouth movements and exposure to potentially irritating chemicals. Over time, it can contribute to dehydration and skin ageing too.
So, What Changes Might You Notice?
Fine vertical lines above and around the lips
Loss of volume and definition in the lip border
Lips looking paler, thinner, or “deflated”
Makeup settling into lines, making them more visible
These changes don’t happen overnight, but if you’re vaping or smoking regularly, you might start to notice the signs creeping in earlier than expected, especially if you’re already seeing a drop in natural collagen due to ageing.
Can You Reverse the Damage?
While we can’t turn back time, there’s a lot we can do to soften the signs of damage and restore a more youthful look to your lips.
At Flawless Medical Cosmetics, I often treat clients who are starting to notice smoker’s lines or a general loss of lip definition. The good news? There are subtle, effective ways to treat this area without going overboard.
Dermal fillers can help restore volume and smooth out lines, giving the lips a natural, refreshed look.
Skin boosters or microneedling can improve texture and hydration around the mouth, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
A good skincare routine (with SPF!) and plenty of hydration can go a long way too.
If you’re considering treatments, I always recommend a consultation so we can chat about your goals and create a plan that fits you. My focus is always on enhancing your natural features – no duck lips here!
Smoking and vaping don’t just affect your health. They can gradually change the shape and appearance of your lips too. But you’re not stuck with those changes.
With the right care (and the right injector), it’s totally possible to restore lost volume and smooth out fine lines without losing what makes your lips yours.
If you’re curious about what’s possible, or if you’ve started to notice those little lines sneaking in, let’s have a chat. I’d love to help you feel confident in your skin — and your smile.
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