How to Get Rid of Forehead Wrinkles, According to Dermatologists

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of life, but it’s okay if you want to delay their appearance or reverse them altogether. Forehead wrinkles in particular can be a little annoying. When those horizontal lines, or “Eleven,” sit down the middle of your face, it’s difficult to hide them. Not to mention, facial movements or raising your eyebrows will accentuate those wrinkles even more.

If you are looking for ways to smooth the lines, rest assured that it is possible to get rid of forehead wrinkles and prevent them from forming in the first place. Some methods are temporary solutions, while longer-lasting options require a visit to the dermatologist’s office. Learn more about forehead wrinkles beforehand, including their causes, how to smooth them, and professional treatments that can help get rid of them for good.

What Causes Forehead Wrinkles?

There are a few causes of forehead wrinkles, but the main cause is repetitive movement of the muscles in that area, such as B. dramatic facial expressions or raising the eyebrows, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

Of course, as we age, wrinkles and fine lines also become more visible as collagen and elastin production gradually decreases. “This [collagen and elastin] Proteins provide structure and elasticity to the connective tissues beneath the skin,” says Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. “As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen. [which] leads to the appearance of forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet.”

Other factors that can contribute to and accelerate the formation of wrinkles include UV exposure, genetics, and lifestyle habits such as excessive drinking, smoking, or not drinking enough water, explains Hardik Doshi, MD, a renowned facial plastic surgeon.

How to prevent forehead wrinkles

The best way to deal with forehead wrinkles is to prevent them from forming in the first place, says Doshi. Prioritizing a few things in your lifestyle can go a long way toward maintaining a smooth forehead.

Invest in an anti-aging skin care routine.

First things first: Invest in a skincare routine with ingredients that help reduce signs of aging. Try adding retinol to your regimen, which is a powerful derivative of vitamin A, Engelman explains. “Retinol can help increase cell turnover and promote the formation of new skin and the production of collagen and elastin, all of which help reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. One of her favorites is SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream because Engelman says it helps prevent wrinkles and improve the appearance of existing fine lines with “little to no irritation.”

Other key ingredients worth including in your routine include vitamin C, which boosts collagen production and protects against environmental damage, and hyaluronic acid, which gives the look of hydrated, plump skin, says Doshi. Dermatologists typically recommend starting your antiaging routine sometime in your 20s and 30s for best results.

Apply SPF daily.

Daily use with SPF (yes, even on cloudy, rainy and snowy days) is also non-negotiable if you want to prevent forehead wrinkles. “Collagen and elastin fibers in the skin are destroyed by UV radiation,” says Doshi. “I recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, as well as protective clothing and a hat when you are outside.”

Have healthy lifestyle habits.

Smart lifestyle choices can prevent wrinkles from forming, such as: B. Avoiding smoking cigarettes, which can affect skin elasticity, and eating a balanced diet. Too many refined carbohydrates can accelerate skin aging, says Doshi. Staying hydrated helps keep your body functioning at its best; Applying moisturizer helps your skin function at its best, which ultimately “reduces the likelihood of wrinkles developing,” he adds.

How to get rid of forehead wrinkles

The truth is, once wrinkles are apparent on the skin, it’s difficult to diminish their appearance, Engelman says. However, some options ranging from cosmetic procedures to cupping therapy can help.

A surgical facelift

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that removes facial skin and fat to help the appearance of a tighter, smoother complexion. “A facelift can last around five and a half years,” says Doshi. Expect swelling and bruising for a few weeks after surgery.

injections

Neuromodulators like Botox Cosmetics, Dysport, Xeomin, and newcomer Daxxify (scheduled for release in 2023) are among the most popular semi-permanent solutions for smooth skin, says Henry. They work by paralyzing the muscles in the forehead. “By temporarily relaxing facial muscles, Botox can prevent wrinkles for up to three to four months,” she says. When the body metabolizes it, the wrinkles come back.
Hyaluronic acid or collagen-based fillers are another option. “Fillers can be injected into forehead lines to smooth them out and add volume,” says Doshi. These therapies usually last one to two years. The depth of the wrinkles plays a role in how well these injectables work, Doshi says. So if you have very deep wrinkles, these fillers may not be the best solution for you. A board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can talk to you about the best option for you.

cryotherapy

Scalpel and needle-free methods may not be as visible or as durable, but they can help. One option is cryotherapy, in which a professional uses extreme cold to freeze skin tissue. “Cryotherapy is an amazing way to reduce facial wrinkles,” says Engelman. “We used to put our faces in ice baths to reduce swelling. In our practice, we often recommend GlacialRx, which is effective because the precision cooling reduces swelling, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles.”

For a DIY alternative with similar effects, try ice rolling with a tool like the Skin Gym Ice Coolie Roller. This form of facial massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps eliminate toxins, puffiness, and relieve tension, says Doshi. The cold also helps constrict blood vessels, which can help soften the appearance of fine lines. “Due to the constricted blood vessels from cooling, the skin appears tighter and is temporarily less red, giving it a more youthful and vibrant appearance,” he says.

cupping in the face

Cupping therapy is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that uses suction cups to increase circulation, promote cell repair, relieve muscle tension and boost the cell regeneration process. The suction cup brings blood flow to the area it is on. “This floods the tissue with new blood and promotes the growth of new blood vessels,” says Doshi.

Facial cupping also causes mechanical trauma due to the vacuum-like suction that stimulates the production of healing agents such as white blood cells and platelets. “Hence, facial cupping helps boost collagen-producing cells to reduce the visibility of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles,” says Doshi. It will take time to see results from facial cupping, but you may find it worth adding to your routine, especially if you really want to indulge in self-care. Wildling has a facial cupping system that includes two cupping glasses of different sizes.

When in doubt, it’s best to always consult a board-certified dermatologist to find the best treatment plan for you.