The more you scrunch the skin, the lines that were once dynamic (only there while you were moving your face) become static (basically wrinkles that are there all of the time). Horizontal forehead lines are often seen when we're surprised or delighted, and vertical forehead lines can surface when we're distressed.
Overusing certain facial muscles, such as the muscles in your forehead, can deepen old wrinkles and cause new, permanent wrinkles to develop over time. Avoid making repetitive facial expressions, especially expressions that involve lifting up your eyebrows using your forehead (frontalis) muscles.
“Forehead wrinkles are caused by repetitive crunching of the frontalis muscle, and are exaggerated in individuals with bulkier muscle mass and those who are very expressive,” explains Brian Hibler, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
Facial movements—like squinting, raising your eyebrows, or furrowing your brows—cause the muscles in those areas to contract, which makes the skin wrinkle, says Melissa Piliang, M.D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
In a young face, the surprise lines disappear immediately afterwards. As we age, they tend to become permanent. For some people, forehead wrinkles is a sign of wisdom. But most people don't find wrinkles attractive.
Truth be told, you can't completely get rid of forehead wrinkles without surgery or injectables. However, there is a wealth of skincare products and non-invasive treatment options that can drastically minimize the appearance of forehead wrinkles and fine lines.
It's normal that at 25, the first wrinkles begin to appear and these are often prominent on areas exposed to the sun – like the face, neck, chest and hands – or on the facial muscles that are used a lot – like the eyes, mouth and eyebrows.
Wrinkles can start popping up as soon as in your twenties. "When you're 20, you'll start seeing horizontal forehead lines. These appear on the mid- to upper forehead, and are caused by habitually raising the eyebrows," says Dr. Howe.
Facial massages can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They also improve circulation within your face, which can lead to less bloating and promote lymphatic drainage. Facial massage also can help with stress and relax the muscles in your face.
Massage is a simple-yet-effective way to break up the lines and wrinkles on your forehead. It can bring extra blood to the muscles and skin which helps to clean out impurities that may have collected there. In addition, massage helps the muscles relax and return to their proper position.
The biggest changes typically occur when people are in their 40s and 50s, but they can begin as early as the mid-30s and continue into old age. Even when your muscles are in top working order, they contribute to facial aging with repetitive motions that etch lines in your skin.
They're the result of facial muscles continually tugging on, and eventually creasing, the skin. Other folds may get deeper because of the way fat decreases and moves around. Finer wrinkles are due to sun damage, smoking, and natural degeneration of elements of the skin that keep it thick and supple.
As your body ages, you'll notice fine lines start to appear on your body. This can start after age 25. The most common age group for people who look for wrinkle treatment is between ages 40 to 55. Wrinkles become more prominent after age 65.
Wrinkles are uncommon for teenagers since their skin has enough elasticity and collagen during their teenage years. Teenagers may develop wrinkles due to excessive exposure to sunlight, smoke, pollution, and stress. Doing a face massage and applying honey and aloe vera may reduce wrinkles.
Some treatment options are available to permanently remove wrinkles from your skin, like dermabrasion. Not all procedures are permanent but they do offer temporary cosmetic changes to give you a more youthful appearance. You can get multiple procedures to remove wrinkles over time to maintain your results.
“Everyone wants a quick fix when it comes to making skin look better, but drinking more water isn't going to help get rid of wrinkles or plump up your skin unless you are extremely dehydrated,” says Elizabeth Damstetter, MD, a dermatologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
A symbol of true beauty
Wrinkles display warmth and charisma, adding character to our faces. “When a person has a positive sense of self they will also be much kinder and positive to themselves and others. They're able to be themselves, which is a liberating and empowering thing to be able to do,” says Watts.
Forehead lines: Worry, shock, and anxiety
Forehead furrows are often associated with unresolved trauma and shock in the past. Over worry and anxiety can lead to the frequent raising of the eyebrows and a build-up of energy in the brow, which can 'freeze' over time.
A large forehead is considered a sign of intelligence and beauty in some cultures but downright unsightly in others. Even though ideas of aesthetics may vary from country to country, one thing is sure: fashion police abound in every era. Take, for instance, the women in the Renaissance.