The nasolabial folds are oblique wrinkles that extend from the wings of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Early on associated with facial aging, they mark expression and, when deep, can give a tired, worried, or even severe appearance. While hyaluronic acid injections are now considered the reference solution to attenuate these wrinkles, many patients express the desire to correct or improve their appearance without resorting to injections. For personal choice, fear of needles, or seeking gentler methods, the question often arises: is it really possible to reduce nasolabial folds without injections ?
While injections provide immediate volumetric correction, other approaches can also act, with variable effectiveness, on the cutaneous, muscular, tissue, or even postural components that contribute to the formation of the fold.
The origin of the nasolabial fold is multiple. It forms under the combined effect of the descent of the malar and submalar fat compartments, decreased dermal elasticity and deep hydration, relaxation of the bony and muscular support, as well as repeated facial movements such as smiling or certain expressions. In some cases, it also results from a mechanical fold linked to a chronic resting facial posture.
While a treatment other than injection cannot alone restore lost volumes, it can nevertheless act on several parameters: it improves skin tone, optimizes skin quality, regulates muscle mobility, and sometimes even modifies the visual perception of the fold.
Certain treatments offered in medical practices can improve the nasolabial fold without injections. These are techniques that stimulate the tissues, enhance skin quality, or induce gradual regeneration.
Facial exercises, or face yoga, are sometimes presented as a natural method to reduce signs of aging. In theory, they aim to tone deep muscles, improve blood circulation, and promote tissue firmness.
Regarding nasolabial folds, some exercises specifically target the upper lip elevators and zygomatic muscles. When practiced regularly, they may slow the deepening of the fold by maintaining better muscle dynamics. However, scientific evidence of their effectiveness remains limited, and results, when present, are slow and subtle. These exercises should therefore be considered as a preventive complement, not as a corrective treatment.
Regular application of high-quality dermo-cosmetic products can help improve skin quality and prevent premature aging. Anti-wrinkle creams containing retinoids, biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, or plant growth factors play a role in preventing loss of elasticity.
However, no cream, however effective, can treat an established fold, as it cannot act on the deep layers responsible for its formation. The effect remains cosmetic and should be part of an overall skincare routine.
A factor often overlooked in the appearance and worsening of nasolabial folds is the resting facial posture and the unconscious repetition of certain expressions. In some patients, chronic tension in the upper cheeks or a tilted (and therefore sagging) facial position mechanically accentuates the fold. Awareness of these habits can, in the long term, help limit their progression.
Facial sophrology, muscle relaxation techniques, and even some biofeedback methods can help reduce the muscular tension responsible for dynamic wrinkles. These gentle approaches do not replace medical treatment but can complement an overall natural rejuvenation strategy.
It would be misleading to claim that a deeply etched nasolabial fold can be completely erased without injections. However, several non-invasive methods can make it less visible, slow its progression, and improve its aesthetic appearance.
The results obtained depend on the initial depth, consistency of care, skin quality, and, above all, the timeliness of intervention.
In younger patients or those with firm skin, these treatments may be sufficient. In older patients, they are often complementary to other approaches.
The correction of nasolabial folds is not limited to injections. It also requires a rigorous lifestyle in which diet, hydration, and respect for the body’s natural rhythm play a major role. Skin that is well nourished from within is more resistant to the microtraumas that weaken the dermis. Certain essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidant polyphenols, actively stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin firmness and suppleness.
Conversely, a diet rich in fast sugars and ultra-processed foods accelerates the glycation process. This mechanism stiffens collagen fibers and promotes the early appearance of wrinkles. Avoiding tobacco, maintaining adequate hydration — between one and a half and two liters of water per day — and protecting the skin from UV rays are simple yet decisive measures to slow premature aging and preserve skin quality.
Among the gentle solutions sought by patients who are reluctant to undergo medical procedures, natural treatments for nasolabial folds are generating increasing interest. Although they cannot claim to match the results of medical treatments, these approaches aim to stimulate the skin’s natural functions, strengthen its elasticity, and slow the formation of folds. One of the pillars of this strategy is a carefully selected skincare routine, incorporating active ingredients such as plant-based retinol (bakuchiol), peptides, antioxidant extracts (green tea, resveratrol), or low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which enhances deep hydration. At the same time, daily self-massage techniques — particularly those inspired by lymphatic drainage or tissue remodeling methods (such as kobido or face yoga) — can help release tension points, improve circulation, and support tissue firmness. Finally, an impeccable lifestyle, including an antioxidant-rich diet, good hydration, rigorous sun protection, and regular sleep, forms the essential foundation of any natural treatment.
It is entirely possible to delay the appearance of the nasolabial fold by adopting a global approach starting at the age of 25-30. This involves not only preventing the factors that accelerate aging, but also regularly stimulating the tissues. For example, the daily application of an antioxidant cream and sun protection limits cellular damage. Periodic sessions of superficial peeling stimulate the renewal of the skin’s superficial layers. A rigorously practised facial self-massage routine helps decongest the tissues and improve microcirculation.
These measures do not make it possible to erase an already marked fold, but they can delay its appearance or significantly reduce its depth over time. They therefore represent a relevant alternative for patients who wish to postpone the use of injections while preserving the youth and natural balance of their face.
Some technological devices designed for home use are presented as gentle alternatives to in-clinic treatments. Notably, these include home radiofrequency devices (such as Tripollar® or Newa® technologies); red light LEDs that stimulate collagen production; and microcurrent muscle stimulators (such as NuFACE®).
Although their power is lower than that of medical devices, these tools can, with regular and supervised use, help maintain skin firmness, reduce expression lines, and prevent the worsening of the nasolabial fold. They do not replace a medical treatment.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
