Frown lines are mainly caused by aging. With age, the skin loses its elasticity and starts to sag, stretch, and become thinner. They develop as a result of repeated movements of muscles associated with your facial expressions.
If your frown lines create a sad or angry look that detracts from a pleasant facial expression, several methods can help minimize their appearance. Read on to learn more.
Highlights:
What are Frown Lines?
Frown lines, also referred to as wrinkles, worry lines, forehead furrows, glabellar lines, or “the 11s,” are deep vertical lines that develop on the forehead. They may also develop on the corners of the mouth.
Frown lines usually occur due to thinning skin, sun damage, and repeated movements of the muscles on your face.
What Are The Early Signs Of Frown Lines?
Your thirties are typically when fine lines between the eyebrows, smile lines, crow's feet, and horizontal forehead lines start to become more prominent. The appearance of visible frown lines while at rest, often indicates that other aspects of facial aging are starting.
Why Do I Have Frown Lines?
1. Aging
Aging is the primary cause of frown lines. As you age, the skin starts losing its elasticity. Additionally, the repeated movement of the muscles from facial expressions does not allow the skin to return to its original shape easily.
2. Sun Exposure
Another common reason for having frown lines is overexposure to sunlight. The sun's UV rays break down the elastin and collagen of the skin, leading to frown lines.
3. Genetics
Your DNA plays a major role in deciding whether your skin can retain its original shape or is prone to develop frown lines.
4. Stress
If you are under repetitive stress that compels you to make repetitive facial expressions, you can develop frown lines.
5. Smoking
Regular smoking can lead you to develop frown lines around the corner of your mouth. Additionally, smoking also constricts blood vessels. As a result, less oxygen is carried to the tissues, which further contributes to the skin losing its elasticity.
Where Are Frown Lines Located?
Frown lines are the vertical lines between your eyes. Another set of lines, known as glabellar lines develop above your eyebrows and run horizontally.
How To Get Rid Of Frown Lines?
1. Surgical Treatment
Frown lines can easily be removed surgically. Forehead lift [1] is a surgical procedure that helps eliminate fine lines on the forehead. It is a simple procedure that can be done in the surgeon’s clinic or in an outpatient department in a hospital. A forehead lift is often accompanied by facelift surgery.
2. Injections Prescribed By A Doctor
Botulinum toxin [2] is the most common injection that cosmetic surgeons prescribe to get rid of frown lines and wrinkles.
It is a neurotoxin that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. When injected in small doses, the overactive muscles relax and smooth the overlying skin reducing frown lines.
Your doctor may also prescribe absorbable injectable fillers [4] to correct your frown lines. These fillers are made of hyaluronic acid gel, collagen, Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and hydroxylapatite. The result usually lasts about six months with mild side effects.
Note
Injectable dermal fillers are not for you if you have bleeding disorders or specific allergies. It is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor before opting for this treatment.
3. Home Remedies
Keeping your skin hydrated at all times is crucial to help the skin maintain its elasticity. Drink a lot of water and eat a healthy diet. If you are a non-vegetarian, include sea fish oil in your diet. If you are a vegetarian, include omega-3 fatty acid supplements like flaxseed oil in your diet.
Keep away the dead cells by exfoliating and scrubbing your face regularly. You can either use store-bought exfoliators or make a scrub at home using ingredients available in your pantry.
Don't compromise on sleep. Your skin replenishes while sleeping, so it's vital to get adequate sleep each night. Remember to sleep on your back because sleeping on your face can reduce the skin's elasticity.
Wear sunscreen and sunglasses before stepping out. Remember, you need to protect your skin from the UV rays if you want to prevent frown lines.
Moisturizing is essential to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its elasticity. Moisturize daily with a nourishing moisturizer.
You can also treat your skin with a DIY face mask to make it plump and youthful.
1. Mix yogurt, almond oil, and coconut oil. Apply to your face and let it dry. Rinse it off and pat dry.
2. Avocados can do wonders for frown lines. Mash some avocado and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off.
3. You can also use egg white to help tighten your skin. Allow it to dry on the face and rinse off with cold water.
Dos & Don’ts Of Preventing Fine Lines
What To Do
- Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated
- Drink enough water
- Do not squint
- Ensure you get a full night's sleep
- Eat nutritious food
What To Avoid
- Stop smoking if you're a smoker.
- Don't forget your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen when going out in the sun.
Are Frown Lines Permanent?
Excessive and repetitive facial expressions like frowning can lead to permanent frown lines. If left untreated, frown lines can permanently become etched into the skin.
Sunlight and aging play a further role in making frown lines deep-seated in the skin.
However, you can get rid of them with botulinum injection or a forehead lift surgery. Successful facelift surgery may produce permanent results, but you can't predict how you would look after the surgery.
At What Age Do Frown Lines Appear?
Frown lines can start appearing in your forties because this is when your skin is less hydrated and starts producing less sebum and oil. It also starts losing its elasticity by this time.
However, frown lines can also develop much early if you often feel stressed, follow an improper diet, and neglect your sleep or skincare routine.
How To Make Frown Lines Less Noticeable?
No one likes to have frown lines. And the best way to make them less noticeable is to prevent them from occurring. But if you already have frown lines, here are some quick tips to make them less noticeable.
1. Moisturize your skin a lot. Keep them hydrated as much as you can. If you are already in your 40s, use a serum and layer it up with a moisturizer.
2. Include retinoids in your regimen. Studies [3] have shown that retinoids help in building collagen. Collagen reduces aging signs like frown lines.
3. Use a silicone primer before wearing makeup. It can help conceal your frown lines to a great extent.
Wrapping Up
Frown lines are a natural part of aging. Although many people turn to treatments such as Botox to diminish their frown lines, you should know that there are other things you can do to erase frown lines. A few lifestyle changes accompanied by a proper skincare regimen can go a long way in maintaining youthful skin.
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