Laugh lines, nasolabial folds, whatever you call them—they’re not always funny.

If you’re a fellow Gen Xer, you probably remember when a smile line was a temporary guest, not a permanent resident. Now you catch your reflection and think, “When did that fold get so deep?” Let’s have an honest conversation about what’s happening, what actually makes a difference, and what’s just hype. And yes, we’ll talk about how our AbadFace Skincare Algae Eye Serum from The Age Annihilating Collection can support your routine in an innovative, science-aligned way.

First, a quick tour under the hood. Those lines that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth are called nasolabial folds. Everyone has them, but they become more noticeable as we move through our 40s and beyond. They aren’t just “surface wrinkles.” They reflect changes in multiple layers: the dermis thins as collagen and elastin decline; deeper fat pads shift and descend; and even our facial bones remodel with age. Think of it like the scaffolding under your skin changing shape—no single cream can rebuild the scaffolding, but the quality of your skin still matters. Anatomical research on facial aging consistently shows that these folds result from a combination of skin changes, volume loss, and changes in support deeper within the tissue.

Can a topical fix help reduce laugh lines? Here’s the honest truth: topicals can’t “fill” a deep fold the way a dermal filler can. That’s because a fold is essentially a structural issue. What topicals can do—and do well when you’re consistent—is improve hydration, smooth texture, support the skin’s barrier, and, over time, help the appearance of fine lines. That all makes the folds look softer and the face look fresher. It’s the difference between a creased shirt and one you’ve steamed. The seam is still there; it just looks a lot better.

This is where our AbadFace Skincare Algae Eye Serum comes in. Yes, it’s an eye serum, but its formula is also helpful around smile-line areas if your skin tolerates it. It features Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, and Ethylhexylglycerin. If you’ve seen peptides and hyaluronic acid trending on skincare TikTok, you’re not imagining things; there’s a reason they’re popular. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (you may know it as Argireline) and Pentapeptide-18 are often called “expression line peptides.” While they’re not injectables, small clinical studies suggest they can soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles—the delicate crinkles that form with repeated movement—when used consistently. Sodium Hyaluronate is a hydration magnet that draws water into the outer skin layers, providing an immediate plumping effect that makes lines appear less etched. Kelp extract brings antioxidant and soothing benefits that help defend against oxidative stress—one of the drivers of collagen breakdown. Butylene Glycol helps those actives spread and absorb more evenly, and Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin keep the formula safe and stable. Will Algae Eye Serum replace lost volume? No. Can it help the skin look smoother and better hydrated, so folds are less pronounced? Absolutely.

Prevention and slow-down strategies are wonderfully unsexy and wildly effective. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) is still the MVP. In fact, we have randomized controlled trial data showing that daily sunscreen use can measurably slow photoaging—yes, even if you start using it at 40+. Pair that with a retinoid at night—retinol, retinal, or prescription tretinoin—and you’re playing a long game supported by decades of research demonstrating improvements in fine wrinkles and dermal collagen organization. Add in regular moisturization, gentle chemical exfoliation if your skin tolerates it, and lifestyle choices like not smoking and maintaining a steady weight—and you’re covering the big levers that keep skin looking resilient.

What if you’re ready for results you can really see in the mirror? When nasolabial folds are deeper, procedures address the structural piece that topicals can’t. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers often restore midface volume first (cheeks) and then refine the fold itself, with results that can last many months. Energy-based devices, such as radiofrequency microneedling or ultrasound, can help tighten and stimulate collagen, thereby reducing laxity and improving overall firmness. However, they are more subtle than fillers for addressing folds. Resurfacing lasers improve texture and fine lines. Neuromodulators (like botulinum toxin) are game-changers for forehead and crow’s feet. Still, they are less directly useful for nasolabial folds since the fold is more about volume than muscle. And if laxity is more advanced, surgical options such as a midface lift or facelift, performed by a qualified specialist, offer the most dramatic and durable change. If you go down any procedural path, keep your daily routine steady: sunscreen, a gentle cleanser, your retinoid (as advised by your provider), and supportive hydrators like our Algae Eye Serum to keep the delicate eye and smile-line areas comfortable and well hydrated.

Let’s bust a few social-media myths while we’re here. No cream can “fill” nasolabial folds like an injectable filler—topicals work at or near the surface; folds are partly about deeper structures. Collagen creams don’t rebuild your own collagen; collagen molecules are too large to penetrate intact skin, though ingredients like retinoids can stimulate your skin to make more collagen over time. “Face yoga” may improve tone for some people with diligent practice, but studies are limited and results are modest. And the idea that sunscreen “doesn’t matter once you already have wrinkles”? The evidence suggests otherwise: sunscreen continues to prevent ongoing photoaging and helps maintain the benefits of your active ingredients and any treatments you choose.

So how do you weave this into a routine that fits a Gen X life? In the morning, cleanse if needed, apply your antioxidant, then gently press our Algae Eye Serum around the eyes—and if you prefer, tap a thin veil along your smile lines for a peptide-plus-hydration boost. Follow with moisturizer and SPF 30 or higher. At night, cleanse, apply your retinoid (work up slowly if you’re new), then layer Algae Eye Serum before your moisturizer. Allow 8–12 weeks to assess the impact; take monthly photos under the same lighting conditions. You’ll likely notice softer fine lines around the eyes and a smoother look around smile areas. It’s not magic—it’s good skin maintenance layered consistently.

The ingredients we chose for The Age Annihilating Collection are based on what has been proven and pragmatic for 40+ skin. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Pentapeptide-18 are sensible, research-informed options for softening the look of expression lines. Sodium Hyaluronate provides immediate plumping hydration, making everything look smoother. Kelp extract supports the barrier function and provides antioxidant defence. Together in our Algae Eye Serum, they create a supportive base layer that pairs beautifully with the non-negotiables—sunscreen by day and retinoids by night—so you can get real-world, realistic improvement without overcomplicating your routine.

If you’re curious about whether your specific folds require topicals, energy devices, filler, or a combination, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon is worthwhile. Bring your goals, your current routine, and any questions you may have. And feel free to keep using AbadFace Skincare’s Algae Eye Serum before and after, per your provider’s guidance—it’s gentle, hydrating, and plays nicely with most regimens.

P.S. If you’re streamlining your over-40 routine, try layering AbadFace Skincare’s Algae Eye Serum from The Age Annihilating Collection morning and night. The peptide-plus-hyaluronic-acid combo is a gentle and straightforward way to keep the eye area—and even those smile lines—looking smoother and better hydrated, mainly when used in conjunction with daily SPF and your retinoid.

Important reminder and community note: I’m not a dermatologist, scientist, or medical expert. I’m a curious skincare lover—just like you—trying to sort truth from trends. This blog is an exploration of the best available evidence and a friendly attempt to bust a few myths. We’d love to hear what’s worked for your laugh lines and what hasn’t. Please keep the conversation respectful; rude or derogatory comments won’t be responded to and will be deleted. Together, we can share what actually helps and build the best habits for aging skin.