Can Drinking From Straws Cause Lip Wrinkles? A Dentist Explains.
If you're anything like me, you probably carry a tumbler everywhere. I take mine to work, the gym, in the car, and even keep it next to my bed. Staying hydrated is one of the healthiest habits we can have.
But after years of sipping from straws throughout the day, I started noticing something I wasn't thrilled about: tiny vertical lines forming around my lips.
As a dentist, I became curious. Could drinking from straws actually contribute to lip wrinkles?
The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
What Are Lip Wrinkles?
Lip wrinkles, sometimes called "smoker's lines" or "lip lines," are the small vertical creases that can develop around the mouth over time.
While they are commonly associated with smoking, many people who have never smoked develop them as well.
Several factors contribute to lip wrinkles, including:
Natural aging
Sun exposure
Genetics
Loss of collagen and elastin
Repetitive facial movements
It's that last factor that often gets overlooked.
Why Repetitive Movements Matter
Think about crow's feet around the eyes. They develop partly because we smile, squint, and laugh thousands of times throughout our lives.
The same concept applies to the muscles around the mouth.
Every time we purse our lips, the circular muscle surrounding the mouth (called the orbicularis oris muscle) contracts. Over many years, repetitive movements can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
This is why smokers often develop vertical lip lines. It's not only the chemicals in cigarettes—it's also the repeated pursing motion used during smoking.
What About Drinking Through a Straw?
When drinking through many traditional straws, we create a similar pursing motion.
Does that mean every straw user will develop lip wrinkles?
Not necessarily.
Many factors influence wrinkle formation, including age, skin quality, sun exposure, hydration, genetics, and overall lifestyle.
However, if you're using a straw dozens of times per day, every day, for years, it is reasonable to consider whether repetitive lip pursing may play a role.
For some people, especially those already prone to fine lines, it may be one of several contributing factors.
Should You Stop Using Straws?
Not at all.
Staying hydrated is incredibly important for your overall health and wellness.
In fact, many people drink more water when they carry a tumbler or insulated cup with them throughout the day. That's a habit worth keeping.
The goal isn't to avoid drinking water. The goal is to be mindful of how we drink it.
My Personal Experience
As someone who drinks water constantly throughout the day, I wasn't willing to give up my tumbler.
But I also wasn't happy watching those little lines become more noticeable.
I started looking for a simple solution that would allow me to continue enjoying my hydration habits without the same degree of lip pursing.
When I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, I created one.
That's how WRINX was born.
What Is WRINX?
WRINX is a removable silicone attachment designed to fit many reusable straws.
It was created for people who love using straws but are concerned about the repetitive pursing motion that may contribute to lip lines over time.
Unlike bulky straw accessories, WRINX is compact, durable, and designed to travel easily in a purse, gym bag, or pocket.
Most importantly, it allows people to continue enjoying their favorite drinks while supporting a prevention-focused approach to lip care.
Prevention vs. Correction
Many cosmetic procedures focus on correcting wrinkles after they appear.
There's nothing wrong with that.
But many people prefer to focus on prevention whenever possible.
Just as we wear sunscreen before sun damage occurs and brush our teeth before cavities develop, some people choose to make small adjustments to their daily habits in an effort to protect their skin before wrinkles become more pronounced.
Prevention isn't about perfection—it's about being proactive.
The Bottom Line
Can drinking from straws cause lip wrinkles?
No single habit is solely responsible for lip wrinkles. Aging, genetics, sun exposure, and skin health all play important roles.
However, repetitive lip movements are widely recognized as one factor that can contribute to wrinkle formation over time. For people who use straws throughout the day, every day, reducing unnecessary lip pursing may be worth considering.
The good news is that you don't have to choose between staying hydrated and caring for your appearance.
Sometimes a small change in a daily habit can make all the difference.
About the Author
Dr. Krystal Benyamein is a dentist, entrepreneur, and the creator of WRINX. As a lifelong straw user and hydration enthusiast, she created WRINX to help people maintain healthy habits while taking a prevention-focused approach to lip care.
