Whenever I smile or scrunch my nose I notice faint lines appear on either side of my nose. These little creases—often called "bunny lines"—seem harmless at first but over time they can become more pronounced and stick around even when my face is at rest.

I've learned that bunny lines are a natural part of facial expressions and aging. Still I know many people want to keep their skin looking as smooth as possible. Understanding what causes these lines and how to address them can help me make the best choices for my skin's health and appearance.

What Is a Bunny Line?

I define a bunny line as a diagonal or horizontal wrinkle that forms on one or both sides of the nose. These lines tend to appear most when I scrunch my nose while smiling or laughing. I notice bunny lines emerging from repeated muscle movements, specifically the action of the nasalis muscle. Over time, frequent contraction of this facial muscle creates visible creases in the skin.

I see these lines first as faint marks, then as deeper wrinkles if I keep repeating the same expressions over several years. People with thinner skin or higher facial animation often spot bunny lines earlier. I identify bunny lines as distinct from frown lines or crow’s feet based on their location—always nestling at the nose’s upper bridge or along the nasal sides.

Researchers in dermatology link the appearance of bunny lines to both intrinsic aging (the skin’s natural breakdown) and extrinsic factors like repeated facial motion. Fitzpatrick’s classification in “Dermatology in General Medicine” lists them among dynamic wrinkles caused by habitual facial movement.

Causes of Bunny Lines

Habitual facial expressions activate the nasalis muscle, which creates bunny lines at the nose bridge. I notice these lines appear more often when I scrunch or wrinkle my nose during smiling or frowning.

Repetitive motion compounds the effect, making lines deeper over time. I see that people who use animated facial expressions frequently, for example actors or public speakers, form these wrinkles earlier.

Aging thins the skin and reduces collagen content, which makes creases more prominent. Sun exposure accelerates this process through ultraviolet breakdown of skin proteins. I observe increased lines in individuals with significant photodamage.

Genetic predisposition contributes, with some individuals inheriting thinner skin or more active facial muscles. I find that family history correlates strongly in clinical studies.

Prior aesthetic procedures, such as repeated use of muscle relaxants in the forehead or around the eyes, can shift activity to the nasalis region, resulting in the formation of new dynamic lines. I see this secondary effect in clients with long-term cosmetic treatment history.

Environmental exposure, including pollution and smoking, increases oxidative stress, which compromises skin elasticity. Research in dermatology journals demonstrates a higher incidence of dynamic wrinkles in people living in high-pollution environments.

Identifying Bunny Lines Versus Other Wrinkles

I differentiate bunny lines by their position and movement pattern. Bunny lines appear as short, diagonal wrinkles high on the bridge or sides of the nose when I scrunch or wrinkle my nose. These lines typically fade at rest and deepen only during active facial movement, confirming their classification as dynamic wrinkles (Dermatol Surg. 2019 Feb;45(2):276-284).

I know crow’s feet differ because they radiate outward from the outer corners of my eyes, forming in response to smiling or squinting. Frown lines, or glabellar lines, sit vertically between my eyebrows and deepen when I frown or concentrate. Marionette lines start at the corners of my mouth, extending toward my jawline, unrelated to nasal movement.

I observe that bunny lines localize strictly to the nasal bridge and don’t extend toward my cheeks or eyes. The nasalis muscle activates for bunny lines, while orbicularis oculi contribute to crow’s feet and corrugator muscles to frown lines. Consistent localization and muscle activation help me distinguish these wrinkles in clinical assessments (Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Mar 17;38(3):336-347).

Texture provides another clue for me. Bunny lines often appear shallower and finer than the deeper set frown lines or smile creases. Individuals with thinner skin or those who’ve undergone previous brow or forehead treatments might notice more pronounced bunny lines, as per evidence from facial aging studies.

I also take note that other dynamic wrinkles, like smile or laugh lines—nasolabial folds—run from the sides of my nose to the mouth corners, never overlapping with the fine, nasal-focused lines of bunny wrinkles.

Treatment Options for Bunny Lines

Treatment options for bunny lines target both existing wrinkles and future prevention. I choose interventions based on the depth of the lines, underlying skin characteristics, and individual aging patterns.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments reduce the appearance of bunny lines by boosting skin hydration and collagen production. I apply retinoid creams for increased cell turnover and firmer skin texture, which several clinical studies link to reduced fine lines (Kafi et al, Archives of Dermatology, 2007). I use peptides, hyaluronic acid serums, and 15% vitamin C serum for antioxidant support and improved skin elasticity. Consistent use of these ingredients on the nasal bridge decreases visible lines, especially when started in early stages.

Injectables and Fillers

Injectables and fillers treat dynamic bunny lines by relaxing muscle activity or filling shallow creases. I select purified neuromodulators (botulinum toxin) to weaken the nasalis muscle, which according to the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery (2015, Vol. 41, Issue 5), significantly softens bunny lines for 3-4 months per session. I avoid injecting large doses, as this helps maintain natural movement. When lines remain visible at rest, I recommend hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, which lift and smooth the skin for 6-12 months. I match the product type and volume to the thickness of the skin and the depth of lines.

At-Home Remedies and Prevention

At-home remedies and prevention slow the formation of bunny lines and minimize their progression. I protect skin from ultraviolet rays by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ and avoid frequent exaggerated facial expressions when possible. I use gentle skin cleansing and maintain moisture with ceramide-rich moisturizers to support the skin barrier. I supplement prevention by avoiding smoking and limiting exposure to airborne pollutants, which several epidemiological studies associate with increased facial wrinkles (Vierkötter et al, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2010).

Pros and Cons of Bunny Line Treatments

Listing the advantages and disadvantages of bunny line treatments allows me to evaluate options for managing these dynamic wrinkles. Treatments like neuromodulator injections, topical retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid serums, and preventive strategies each have documented effects and practical limitations.

Pros

• Effective, Quick Results: Neuromodulator injections relax the nasalis muscle, reducing bunny lines within 3 to 7 days, according to studies in Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Dermatologic Surgery.
• Customizable Interventions: Adjusting dosages and combining topical agents like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C lets me tailor the approach to skin thickness and wrinkle depth.
• Non-Invasive Options: Topical treatments, such as a 0.025% retinoid cream or a 15% vitamin C serum, offer gradual improvements without downtime or the need for needles.
• Preventive Benefits: Sun protection using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and collagen support through hyaluronic acid serums help delay wrinkle formation, based on American Academy of Dermatology recommendations.

Cons

• Temporary Outcomes: Neuromodulator effects last 3 to 6 months; repeated treatments are necessary to maintain results.
• Potential for Side Effects: Injectables can cause localized bruising, asymmetry, or unwanted muscle weakness, especially with overcorrection along the nasalis.
• Variable Efficacy: Topical treatments produce subtle results in deep, established bunny lines, with greater improvement seen when started early.
• Possible Over-Treatment: Excessive reduction of facial movement may create unnatural expressions or accentuate other dynamic wrinkles, particularly if dosing isn’t carefully calibrated.
• Cost Considerations: Regular professional treatments require financial commitment and may become costly over time compared to at-home preventive care.

Are Bunny Lines Harmful?

Bunny lines don't indicate any underlying health risk, since they're strictly superficial creases in the skin. Medical literature, including reviews in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, confirms that bunny lines aren't a sign of disease or systemic health issues. I notice that these lines are a cosmetic concern for most people rather than a medical one.

I see that irritation, discomfort, or skin breakdown isn't typical with bunny lines, unless an individual also experiences contact allergies, dermatitis, or overuses topical treatments. Inflammation or pain over the nasal bridge should prompt evaluation by a dermatology specialist, provided there's uncertainty about the source.

I observe that some individuals worry about lines becoming permanent or deeper. Skin studies indicate that dynamic wrinkles like bunny lines can etch into static wrinkles over decades, provided repetitive facial motion and skin aging continue, but this transition doesn't present medical harm.

I understand that emotional well-being can be affected, as visible facial lines impact confidence in social interactions. Dermatology research highlights the psychological component of cosmetic aging concerns, noted most among those in high-visibility professions.

I deal with rare exceptions, such as complications from improper filler or neuromodulator injections. Adverse events, like muscle weakness or skin irregularity, have been reported in less than 5% of procedures according to a 2022 survey in Dermatologic Surgery. These outcomes relate to treatment technique rather than the bunny lines themselves.

Conclusion

Bunny lines are a natural part of facial movement and aging but they don't have to define how I feel about my appearance. With the right knowledge and a personalized approach I can manage these lines in a way that fits my goals and lifestyle. Staying proactive about skin health makes a real difference and helps me keep my confidence front and center as I age.