Nasolabial folds, often called “smile lines” or “laugh lines”, are the creases that run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. They’re a normal part of human facial anatomy, yet many people feel they make the face look older or more tired.

While injectable fillers and cosmetic procedures can make these folds less visible, many people prefer non-invasive, natural strategies. The good news: dermatologists, estheticians, and aging-science experts agree that certain lifestyle practices, skincare habits, and facial techniques can help minimize the appearance of nasolabial folds over time.

Below, you’ll find expert-backed ways to reduce nasolabial folds naturally—without needles or surgery.

What Causes Nasolabial Folds?

To understand how to reduce them, it helps to know why they form. Common factors include:

1. Loss of collagen and elastin

As we age, our skin loses collagen, the protein that gives it structure, and elastin, which keeps it bouncy. This leads to deeper folds and sagging.

2. Volume loss in the cheeks

Experts note that nasolabial folds deepen largely because the mid-face loses volume. When the cheeks deflate, the skin naturally folds downward.

3. Repetitive facial movements

Smiling is healthy—but repeated muscle activity contributes to fold formation.

4. Sun exposure

UV light accelerates collagen breakdown more than any other external factor.

5. Dehydrated or thin skin

Dry skin exaggerates creases.

6. Genetics and lifestyle

Some people naturally develop deeper folds. Lifestyle factors like poor sleep, smoking, and chronic stress can accelerate the process.

Fortunately, natural approaches can address many of these causes.

Expert-Backed Ways to Reduce Nasolabial Naturally

1. Practice Targeted Facial Exercises

Many facialists and physical therapists support myofascial exercises to help strengthen and lift sagging cheek muscles. Though results vary, studies and practitioner experience suggest they can improve facial tone over time.

Cheek Lift Exercise

  1. Smile wide without wrinkling the eyes.
  2. Lift your cheeks upward while keeping the mouth corners stable.
  3. Hold for 10 seconds.
  4. Repeat 10–15 times.

Balloon Exercise

  1. Fill your cheeks with air.
  2. Hold for 10 seconds.
  3. Release and repeat 10 times.

Cheek Resistance Exercise

  1. Place two fingers on each cheek.
  2. Smile while pushing your cheeks gently downward for resistance.
  3. Hold five seconds, repeat 10–15 times.

Why it works: Strengthening the cheek muscles helps lift the mid-face, reducing the drooping that makes folds look deeper.

2. Improve the Skin’s Collagen Levels Naturally

Boosting collagen is one of the most effective ways to soften nasolabial naturally.

Incorporate collagen-boosting foods

Experts recommend nutrient-dense options like:

  • Bone broth
  • Fish and eggs
  • Berries
  • Citrus fruits
  • Leafy greens
  • Nuts and seeds

These foods provide amino acids and antioxidants that support collagen synthesis.

Get enough Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. A deficiency can lead to deeper creases. You can get it from:

  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Kiwi
  • Broccoli
  • Bell peppers

Consider collagen peptides

While not a “quick fix,” research suggests that hydrolyzed collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and hydration over time.

3. Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

Although skincare cannot eliminate deep folds entirely, the right formulas can significantly soften them.

Retinoids (Retinol or Tretinoin)

Dermatologists consistently recommend retinoids as one of the most effective non-invasive options to stimulate collagen. Start with a gentle retinol if you’re new to it.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid plumps the skin by attracting moisture. When used regularly, it can temporarily reduce the appearance of creases.

Peptides

Peptide serums support the skin’s natural repair processes and boost firmness.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and improves elasticity, making folds less visible.

Daily Sunscreen

Experts emphasize sunscreen as non-negotiable. UV exposure accelerates skin aging and makes folds deeper. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ prevents future collagen loss.

4. Hydrate—Inside and Out

It sounds simple, but dehydration is a major contributor to visible folds.

Internal hydration

Drink adequate water and consume water-rich foods like cucumbers, melons, and oranges.

External hydration

Use moisturizers containing:

  • Ceramides
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Squalane
  • Glycerin

Well-hydrated skin looks plumper and smoother, naturally reducing crease depth.

5. Use Face Massage to Lift and Sculpt

Many estheticians swear by manual massage techniques—and for good reason. Face massage boosts circulation, lymphatic flow, and muscle tone, which can slightly lift the cheeks and reduce drooping.

Nasolabial Smoothing Massage

  1. Place your index fingers at the bottom of the folds.
  2. Slide them upward toward the sides of your nose.
  3. Repeat 10–20 times daily.

Cheek Lift Massage

Use upward strokes with your knuckles from the jaw to cheekbones.

Gua Sha or Facial Roller

Tools such as gua sha stones can help lift the mid-face when used consistently with upward motions.

Tip: Always use oil or gentle serum to prevent tugging the skin.

6. Sleep Strategically

Sleeping on your side can compress the face, deepening folds over time.

To prevent this:

  • Try sleeping on your back.
  • Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
  • Consider anti-wrinkle pillows that minimize facial pressure.

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight (Avoid Major Fluctuations)

Rapid weight loss or repeated weight cycling often results in lost facial fat, which can make nasolabial more pronounced.

Aim for:

  • Gradual, stable weight changes
  • A balanced diet high in whole foods
  • Consistent exercise to support collagen and muscle tone

8. Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic inflammation accelerates collagen breakdown.

To combat this:

  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens, green tea)
  • Limit processed sugar
  • Avoid smoking
  • Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises

A healthier internal environment means healthier, firmer skin.

9. Consider Natural Topical Oils

Certain plant oils support skin elasticity and hydration.

Good options include:

  • Rosehip oil (rich in vitamin A and fatty acids)
  • Marula oil
  • Argan oil
  • Jojoba oil

These moisturize deeply and may improve skin texture over time.

How Long Do Natural Methods Take to Work?

Natural strategies require patience. Most experts suggest:

  • Facial exercises: 8–12 weeks for visible improvement
  • Skincare changes: 6–12 weeks
  • Lifestyle adjustments: progressive improvement over months
  • Massage: some users see immediate temporary plumping; long-term results take consistent practice

When Natural Methods Aren’t Enough

If folds are deep due to genetics or significant volume loss, natural methods may only help modestly. Non-invasive professional options include radiofrequency devices, microcurrent therapy, and microneedling, which stimulate collagen without injectables. These can complement natural approaches.

Final Thoughts

Nasolabial folds are a normal part of aging and facial expression, but if you want to soften them naturally, you have many effective options. By strengthening facial muscles, supporting collagen, improving hydration, adopting a smart skincare routine, and protecting your skin from the sun.

You can significantly reduce their appearance over time. Consistency is key—natural methods take time, but they can help you achieve a smoother, firmer, and more radiant complexion without invasive procedures.