Laugh lines, or nasolabial folds, are one of the more obvious signs of ageing on the face. Look at 52-year-old British actress Tilda Swinton, for example.

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce their appearance.

You could try radio frequency (RF) treatments, where heat helps to stimulate the collagen, resulting in a smoother skin surface. There is usually no discomfort apart from a warm sensation during treatment. There is also little or no downtime. Effects usually last for up to a month.

RF treatments will also tighten the skin on the rest of your face, such as the jawline and cheek areas.

Two to try: Qi Mantra Good Vibes Facial, $268 for 90 minutes, 03-09 Great World City, tel: 6836-3682; and VShape Facetherapy, $535 for 60 minutes, Prive Clinic, 03-03 Palais Renaissance; tel: 6737-6639.

Frequent facial massages also help. You could either go for weekly spa treatments or do your own facial massages at home.

Try these simple exercises which tone the facial muscles in the sagging areas around the mouth.

They are recommended by Japanese skincare expert Chizu Saeki, author of The Japanese Skincare Revolution ($32.20, from Kinokuniya).

Place your thumbs just below the left and right corners of your mouth and your index fingers just above the same two corners. Your thumb and index finger of each hand will be placed roughly over the laugh line of each side of your face. Gently pinch your thumb and index finger of each hand. Then, drum your fingertips up and down the laugh lines.

Practise these steps after every skincare routine.

You could also use make-up to minimise the appearance of your marionette lines.

After applying foundation, apply a light reflecting highlighting pen along the laugh lines and gently blend the make-up outwards with a brush or with your fingers.

Try Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Touche Eclat (photo 1, $55) or Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator (photo 2, $65).

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