As we all know, forehead wrinkles are a common part of the aging process. But just because wrinkles are inevitable features doesn’t mean we have to like them. In fact, many of us despise them and work tirelessly to prevent or get rid of these symbolic marks of aging. Fortunately for us, many treatments can help us achieve radiant, smooth skin. That’s why we reached out to dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr. Lama Bourji to explain the causes of forehead wrinkles and give us her opinion on the best ways to fight and prevent fine lines.
What are forehead wrinkles?
Forehead wrinkles are those annoying lines that appear on your forehead after a certain age. They are also known as glabellar lines and are located between the eyebrows and extend to the corners of the eyes. Wrinkles become more pronounced when you frown, laugh or grimace.
What causes forehead wrinkles?
Several factors contribute to the formation of forehead wrinkles. Here are some of them:
1- Excessive sun exposure
Sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature skin aging, known as photoaging. It causes wrinkles to appear and makes you look older than you really are. UV rays damage the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. These two elements are responsible for the smooth, youthful appearance of your skin. Other signs of photoaging, such as age spots, sun spots, and dark circles, can also appear on your skin when it is constantly exposed to the sun.
2- Smoking
If you are a heavy smoker, chances are you will have visible forehead wrinkles. Smoking harms the skin in several ways: it constricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the skin cells.
Smoking also reduces the body’s ability to produce new skin cells, making it more vulnerable to free radical damage. It also accelerates the aging of existing cells, which speeds up the aging of your skin.
3- Aging
As you age, your skin begins to lose its natural elasticity and becomes thinner, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles. The fatty tissue under the skin also diminishes, making the skin less supple.
The natural production of oil and sweat also decreases with age, making your skin dry and prone to wrinkles.
4- Stress
When you are stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone destroys the collagen and elastin fibers that give your skin volume and elasticity, causing it to sag and wrinkle.
5- Genetics
Genetics can play an important role in the formation of frown lines. Some people are born with thin skin that wrinkles easily. People who have a family history of premature wrinkles are more likely to develop them at a younger age than others.
6- Excessive movement of facial muscles
The more you use your facial muscles, the more likely you are to develop forehead wrinkles. When you move your eyebrows, squint your eyes or pinch your lips frequently, you cause the skin to bend and wrinkle.
7- Alcohol consumption
Alcohol dehydrates your skin by constricting your blood vessels, which reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the skin and makes it look dry and aged.
In addition, alcohol is a source of toxins that damage skin cells and cause wrinkles to appear.
8- Poor sleeping habits
If you don’t get enough sleep, your skin will look tired and dull. When you lack sleep, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol, which breaks down collagen and elastin fibers.
In addition, lack of sleep also makes you more vulnerable to the effects of UV rays. Your facial muscles also weaken when you don’t get enough sleep, leading to fine lines and wrinkles on your forehead.
How to remove deep forehead wrinkles?
A- Lifestyle changes
Your lifestyle has a huge impact on the health of your skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Follow these steps to keep your skin smooth and prevent premature aging:
- Pay attention to the sun
As we’ve seen, prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays contributes to premature aging and the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, we recommend daily use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to slow down skin aging and reduce the risk of dark spots and wrinkles.
That is why we recommend using the following sunscreen from Eau Thermale Avène.
Eau Thermale Avene Very High Protection Fluid SPF 50+
- Manage stress
Getting worried leads to frowning, causing wrinkles on your forehead. It’s hard to get rid of our everyday stress, but it’s important to control it.
- Stay hydrated
Dry skin makes wrinkles appear more pronounced. This is why we recommend you stay hydrated. Remember, you should drink at least eight glasses of water per day!
- Eat a balanced diet
Diet plays an important role in skin aging. Researchers have found that higher intakes of vitamin C and linolenic acid lowers the risk of dry skin. Vitamin C has also been linked to a lower risk of wrinkles. A diet high in fat and carbohydrates increases the risk of wrinkles and skin atrophy.
- Stop smoking
As we have seen, smoking is one of the main causes of premature aging and wrinkles.
B- Cosmetics
1- Use moisturizing creams
Aging skin does not retain moisture. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated, which makes wrinkles and fine lines more visible.
You can combat wrinkles by regularly using a moisturizer, especially products that contain hydrating active ingredients that soften the skin, such as emollients and humectants. These will help draw water to your skin and create a plumping effect.
Check out the following moisturizers that will keep your skin well nourished.
Ducray Ictyane Hydra Light Cream
Eau Thermale Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel
2- Apply the best forehead wrinkle cream
Anti-wrinkle creams can be effective in reducing wrinkles, depending on their active ingredients and how long they are used. The best anti-wrinkle ingredients to look for in skin care products are:
- Retinol: The most powerful wrinkle-fighting ingredient is retinol. It promotes skin cell turnover and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as vitamin C, help protect against free radical damage, and boost collagen. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, also improves skin elasticity and water retention.
Try the below anti-aging serum! It is a powerful, fast-absorbing antioxidant serum rich in vitamin C and vitamin E. It eliminates free radicals caused by environmental and lifestyle aggressors while visibly plumping the skin to maintain a younger, more radiant complexion.
Eau Thermale Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum
3- Get a Botox injection
Botox injections can effectively improve the appearance of wrinkles.
According to Dr. Lama Bourji, the best way to fight forehead wrinkles is to inject botulinum toxin into the muscles in this area. This toxin will paralyze the muscle and allow the skin to return to its resting state.
Botox can cause uncommon side effects, such as:
- pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- headaches
- flu-like symptoms
- dry eyes
Takeaway
It can be difficult to get rid of forehead wrinkles entirely, but some steps can make them less noticeable. The best way to slow down aging and prevent wrinkles is to adopt a healthy lifestyle in addition to a proper skin care routine. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, exercising regularly, managing stress, and using anti-aging products are the most effective ways to keep your skin healthy.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
