Derms Say These Are the Best Ways to Get Rid of Forehead Wrinkles
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Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of aging, but some may be more bothersome than others, especially when they appear in more prominent areas like above your eyebrows. Luckily, if you’ve been wondering how to get rid of forehead wrinkles, there are tried and true methods.
The best way to start is by understanding how wrinkles form in the first place. “Wrinkles develop when the foundation of the skin becomes weak, in combination with muscles of facial expression contracting and folding the overlying skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. Fine lines may also be exacerbated by “the loss of collagen in the skin caused by normal aging and environmental factors such as sun damage and smoking,” adds Emilie Fowler, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
Meet the experts: Joshua Zeichner, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC; Emilie Fowler, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC; Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and the author of Skin Rules; Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in NYC.
“The first step in treating wrinkles is to keep the skin as strong as possible,” which may be achieved through lifestyle changes or additions to your skincare routine, Dr. Zeichner explains. That said, “oftentimes topical creams may not be enough. This is where injectables and in-office treatments come in.”
Ahead, dermatologists explain how to get rid of forehead wrinkles, prevent new ones from forming, and how to know which method is right for you.
How to get rid of forehead wrinkles
First, is it even possible to get rid of lines once they form? “You can definitely improve forehead wrinkles and even get rid of them depending on what you are willing to do,” explains Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and the author of Skin Rules. Below, find the best ways to tackle foreheard wrinkles, ranging from top skincare products to in-office procedures.
Skincare
Moisturizer
Keeping skin hydrated with moisturizer is not only needed for overall skin health, but it can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead by creating a kind of plumping effect. “Many people notice when their skin is dry, their lines and wrinkles are more noticeable, but when the skin is hydrated, they tend to be less apparent,” explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in NYC.
Peptides
A powerful anti-aging, wrinkle-reducing ingredient that you can find in many products, peptide serums and creams help replenish. These “chains of amino acids” work by “signaling to the body to produce more collagen,” Dr. Garshick explains, which often helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol
Some of the best skincare products you can use at home for collagen production are those that contain retinol, according to Dr. Jaliman. Retinol benefits include helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles, regulating oil production, and aiding in fading age spots by stimulating cell turnover. You can find many over-the-counter retinol serums and creams, or you can ask your dermatologist if a prescription-strength retinoid is right for you.
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Advanced Retinol Serum
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serums, which contain the powerful antioxidant, are also useful for combating wrinkles, adds Dr. Jaliman. This ingredient works by neutralizing free radicals, (which damage skin cells) to improve overall skin health while addressing and preventing wrinkles, brightening the complexion, and fading hyperpigmentation.
Procedures
Botox and other neurotoxin injections
Neuromodulators, like Botox, help to “reduce wrinkles associated with certain expressions by relaxing the muscle movement that leads to the expression, thereby preventing the lines from forming or becoming deeper,” explains Dr. Garshick. If you are interested in neurotoxin injections, be sure to see a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your options.
Chemical peels
A chemical peel is another in-office treatment that helps to improve fine lines and wrinkles by “smoothing out the surface of the skin” via exfoliation and “boosting collagen production,” Dr. Garshick explains. There are different types of chemical peels, and your dermatologist can help determine which is best for you.
Laser resurfacing
“Lasers work by creating micro-injuries in the skin to help boost collagen production,” Dr. Garshick says. “In doing so, they also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and are particularly good for forehead lines that are present at rest.”
Microneedling
Microneedling benefits include improvement of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Garshick adds. Microneedling works in a similar way to lasers in that the treatment creates “micro-injuries” which stimulate collagen production. Microneedling can be done with or without things like radiofrequency or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to boost its effects. Again, be sure to consult a licensed dermatologist for this procedure.
How to prevent forehead wrinkles
To protect your skin against developing pesky lines and wrinkles, skincare should be your first line of defense. Much of the same at-home treatments for addressing wrinkles will also help to prevent the lines from cropping up. And because exposure to UV rays from the sun is one of the biggest culprits for developing wrinkles, dermatologists’ first recommendation in the fight against forehead wrinkles is to wear sunscreen. “It’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with an SPF of 30 or higher, preferably one with a high concentration of zinc oxide,” Dr. Jaliman explains.
Once you form the ever-important habit of daily sunscreen use, consider trying other topical skincare ingredients like vitamin C and retinol or retinoids, says Dr. Garshick. Vitamin C will work in tandem with your sunscreen to “fight against free radical damage which can contribute to collagen breakdown,” while retinoids “boost collagen production” and improve the overall appearance of your skin, Dr. Garshick explains. Just be sure to not apply vitamin C and retinol at the same time, as this may cause irritation and is typically not recommended.
What causes forehead wrinkles?
The movement of our faces is often a major contributor to both dynamic wrinkles, the wrinkles that appear with movement, and static wrinkles, the wrinkles that form over time and are present even at rest, according to Dr. Garshick. “Those who have strong expressions, and as a result strong muscles, may be more likely to notice their wrinkles, even at a young age,” she explains. This is often why some opt for Botox injections, which aid in paralyzing these facial muscles, to prevent and treat both dynamic and static wrinkles. But, this isn’t for everyone and is definitely not your only solution. Consult your dermatologist to find the best option for you.
Collagen loss is another contributor to forehead wrinkles, as well as wrinkles on other parts of the face. Dr. Jaliman notes that sun damage is a key culprit in the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, which are important tissues that give our skin its strength and youthful appearance. Smoking may also lead to the breakdown of collagen, “making forehead lines and wrinkles in general more likely to appear,” adds Dr. Garshick.
Can I get rid of forehead wrinkles permanently?
“There is no permanent solution to getting rid of forehead wrinkles,” says Dr. Fowler. “However, with a good skincare routine and regular visits to your dermatologist, you can certainly improve their appearance.” Sometimes to the point that you barely notice them, Dr. Fowler notes.
Developing a consistent skincare routine is one of the best ways to not only reduce the appearance of existing forehead wrinkles but to also prevent new lines from forming, Dr. Fowler explains. She recommends consulting your dermatologist about adding helpful elements like sunscreen, vitamin C, a plumping moisturizer, or a retinol or retinoid into your routine.
When to call a doctor
If you’re concerned you’re experiencing a reaction from a forehead wrinkle treatment, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can best assist you with what to do.
As with any lifestyle change or cosmetic procedure, it’s important to understand that what works for one person may not work for everyone. Dr. Zeichner recommends checking in with a medical professional “if over-the-counter treatments are not providing the benefits you’re looking for after several weeks of use.”
Keep in mind that skin changes are natural. “It’s important to remember that wrinkles are a normal part of the aging process,” says Dr. Fowler. “However, if their appearance starts to bother you, I recommend consulting with your dermatologist about treatment strategies.”
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