Exclusive:
TikTok made Stanley cups viral but now dermatologists are warning that the stainless steel tumblers could lead to an unwelcome health problem
An expert has issued a grim warning to anyone who has a Stanley cup, or may have recently received one in their Christmas stockings.
The cult-favourite tumbler that everyone from youngsters to TikTok influencers can’t seem to put down might just be the sneaky culprit behind those pesky smoker’s lines.
Described as fine vertical wrinkles around your lips, excessive sipping could be the cause of these premature lines due to the famous straw feature that the tumbler’s have become known for. Speaking to The Mirror, one dermatologist warns it might be time to ditch the traditional straw in favour of “anti-wrinkle” options instead.
Amish Patel, an award-winning Aesthetics Practitioner and Skincare Expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic, explains the sipping motion can cause premature wrinkles. “The combination of repetitive muscle movement and the natural ageing process will create wrinkles,” she says.
“As we age, our Collagen levels deplete. Collagen is the scaffolding that gives our skin that youthful volume and plumpness. So, for example, repetitively drinking through a straw can in some cases, accelerate the formation of wrinkles around the lips.”
The Stanley Cup’s signature lid and straw combo, while fantastic for keeping you hydrated, may encourage constant puckering. That repeated motion is a recipe for premature wrinkles.
“Factors such as lip shape, genetics, sun damage and lifestyle also play a considerable part in the ageing process,” she adds. “Hence, it’s not always as simple as saying that something will lead to wrinkles, but it’s fair to say that repetitive movement will result in wrinkles forming over time.”
But don’t chuck your beloved tumbler away just yet, as Amish says it’s unlikely to make a significant impact on your facial features. She says: “Most people don’t drink through a straw enough to make an impact, but if you prefer to drink through a straw, it might be worth looking at anti-wrinkle straws instead.
“Smokers’ lines can age your face, so wearing a high SPF, incorporating retinol into your skincare to tackle fine lines in general, avoiding smoking and drinking plenty of water can all help.”
Dozens of influencers took to TikTok to warn of the effects your Stanley could be having on you. TikTok user Lauren Erro went viral recently after showing off the new “anti-wrinkle straws” she uses.
The video, which has been viewed nearly four million times, saw Lauren drinking through two different straws, one shaped like lips and one with a horizontal top, allowing the drinker to place their full mouth over the opening rather than purse their lips around it.
Some have even opted for plastic surgery and dermal fillers to fix their premature lines. Amish says: “Injecting Botox into the area can soften developing smoker’s lines and also help prevent them from forming.
“Because Botox decreases movement in the muscles that are responsible for the pursuit of these muscles to drink from a straw – the ability to drink from a straw is reduced, so you’ll probably find you won’t be able to get as much purchase on the straw with your lips and therefore end up drinking as usual from the cup.”
However, there is limited evidence to suggest anti-wrinkle straws actually work at stopping lines from forming. But costing a whopping £44 per cup, could it be time to replace the famous Stanley?
The Mirror has contacted Stanley UK for comment.
