Turn back the clock on your face with simple and natural cures for the signs of aging.
Image: Shutterstock
Age is not the only factor that causes forehead wrinkles anymore. Genetics, stress, poor diet, lack of regular skincare routine, overconsumption of alcohol, and sleep deprivation all contribute to the early development of forehead lines. While many people turn to cosmetic procedures and products to reduce those forehead lines, you can resort to some simple home remedies to keep the frown lines at bay. In this article, we explore the causes of frown lines along with some medical treatments and natural remedies available to get rid of your forehead lines. Scroll down to know more!
In This Article
What Causes Forehead Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are formed as a direct consequence of aging. When we age, the production of collagen can decrease, causing the skin to become loose and start developing wrinkles.
Other factors that cause wrinkles include hormonal changes, photodamage related to excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun, and habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption (1). Dr. Nadir Qazi, a board-certified physician, says, “The primary cause of early forehead wrinkles is sun damage, which depletes the skin’s collagen and promotes the disordered healing of the skin, leading to deeper wrinkles. Therefore, the best way to reduce forehead wrinkles is to prevent them by using a strong sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.”
In some cases, stress may also cause the appearance of forehead wrinkles and fine lines.
In the next section, we will explore some natural ways to reduce forehead wrinkles.
How To Reduce Forehead Wrinkles Easily At Home
1. Coconut Oil
Image: Shutterstock
Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles (2). It contains antioxidants that can eliminate free radical activity in skin tissues (3). This may help eliminate or fade the forehead lines in due course of time.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Take some virgin coconut oil in your palm.
- Massage it on your forehead and face for a few minutes or until the oil is absorbed by the skin.
- Leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night before going to bed.
Note: Avoid this remedy if you have oily or acne-prone skin as coconut oil may cause more breakouts.
2. Castor Oil
Image: Shutterstock
Ricinoleic acid found in castor oil is a skin-conditioning agent (4). Castor oil also contains antioxidants (5). These antioxidants prevent free radical damage to the skin and keep the skin on your forehead healthy and free of frown lines.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of castor oil
What You Have To Do
- Apply castor oil in a gentle tapping motion on your forehead.
- Leave it on overnight.
- You can also use this during the day.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this once daily.
3. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like orange and lemon are rich in vitamins C and E that are essential for skin health. The flavonoidsi in citrus fruits can strengthen capillariesi and boost collagen and elastin in the skin. This may help impart a youthful appearance and reduce wrinkles (6).
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 2-3 teaspoons of water
- Cotton balls
What You Have To Do
- Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with two to three teaspoons of water.
- Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to your forehead. Allow it to dry.
- Wash your face with water.
- Alternatively, you can grind the skin of citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, mix it with some rose water and apply as a pack on your face. Rinse with water.
- You can also include citrus fruits in your diet for long-term benefits.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply it once every alternate day.
4. Massage
A gentle massage will improve blood circulation to the facial tissues and also relax your facial muscles. This may help eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. Olive oil moisturizes your skin and may help delay skin aging (2).
You Will Need
- A few drops of olive oil
- A few drops of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage olive oil in an upward motion on your forehead for 10 minutes.
- For better results, you can add a few drops of coconut oil to olive oil and use this mixture to massage your forehead.
- Wash your face with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1-2 times every day.
5. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. When ingested, it may help regulate skin barrier function, thus reducing the fine lines and wrinkles (7).
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil
What You Have To Do
Consume a tablespoon of flaxseed oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-4 times a day for a fortnight.
Note: Flax seeds contain cyanide glycoside, which can increase toxicity if used over a long period of time.
6. Aloe Vera Gel
Image: Shutterstock
Both aloe vera and egg white are rich sources of vitamin E. Aloe vera contains malic acid, which is known to reduce fine lines by tightening and toning the skin (8).
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 1 egg white
What You Have To Do
- Mix the egg white and aloe vera gel and apply this pack on your forehead. You can also apply it to the rest of your face.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-4 times a day for a fortnight.
7. Jojoba Oil
Image: Shutterstock
Jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E and esters that can help slow down the skin aging process (9). This may help reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles.
You Will Need
A few drops of jojoba oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage the oil on your forehead in upward motions with your fingertips.
- Do this for a minute or two and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night before going to bed.
8. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly contains petrolatum. It regulates skin barrier repair function and keeps your skin hydrated (10). This, in turn, can prevent the formation of fine lines.
You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of petroleum jelly
What You Have To Do
- Dampen your forehead and apply a tiny amount of petroleum jelly.
- Massage it in so that the skin doesn’t feel sticky.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night before going to bed.
Note: Do not use this remedy if you have acne-prone skin since petroleum jelly may aggravate the acne.
9. Manuka Honey
Image: Shutterstock
The active components found in Manuka honey, namely benzoic acid and methylglyoxal, impart therapeutic properties to it (11). It also has emollient properties, which help in moisturizing your skin and delays the formation of wrinkles. These properties work on the skin and keep it healthy, regenerated, and young-looking.
You Will Need
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- Hot water
- Sterile washcloth
What You Have To Do
- Soak the washcloth in the bowl of hot water.
- Wring out the excess and place the cloth on the forehead for a minute or two to open up the pores.
- Remove the washcloth and apply a thin layer of Manuka honey on the forehead.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Rinse with cold water to close the pores.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day.
10. Almond Oil
Almond oil can make your skin smooth and enhance skin barrier function. Its emollient property keeps the skin moisturized and hydrated (12). This, in turn, can help reduce forehead wrinkles.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of almond oil
What You Have To Do
- Apply a few drops of almond oil on the forehead.
- Massage for a few minutes and leave it on.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night before going to bed.
There are a host of medical options that could help eliminate forehead wrinkles. Some of themare listed below.
Medical Treatment Methods
Dr. Qazi says, “The most effective ways to tighten forehead wrinkles are through cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, radiofrequency micro-needling, chemical peels, injectable neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and thread lifts. These treatments can be combined with others to best suit individual needs and effectively remove stubborn and deep forehead wrinkles. In addition to increasing collagen production, many involve controlled damage of the skin to promote healthy regrowth and healing of wrinkles more effectively.”
- Neurotoxin Injections: Botulinum toxin (BT) or Botox is a neurotoxin injection that is produced by Clostridium botulinum (13). This is effective in eliminating facial wrinkles and lines and is commonly used as a part of overall facial rejuvenation.
- Laser Resurfacing: In this method, your surgeon will use an ultra pulsed laser beam to ablate the epidermal cells, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles (14). This procedure has little to no side effects. This is an effective method to eliminate superficial wrinkles on your forehead, neck, and cheeks.
- Acupuncture: This procedure, known as Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture (FCA), is done on your face, head, and neck. It increases facial elasticity by helping boost facial muscle tone (15). Needles are inserted in the muscles of the face and neck. This may cause mild bruising at the site of insertion in some cases.
Did You Know?Here are some ways by which you may be able to prevent the early appearance of forehead wrinkles.
Prevention Tips
- You can use an anti-aging facial that contains active ingredients that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your face.
- Several studies show that retinoidsi or vitamin A can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as they can enhance cell growth and differentiation (16). Dr. Qazi says, “Retinol products can reduce the appearance of some forehead wrinkles. This is because it increases cellular proliferation, causing skin cells to multiply and making new skin faster. In addition, retinol stimulates collagen production to maintain the skin’s firmness and minimize wrinkles.”
He adds, “It does take some time for the skin to become accustomed to retinol products. For this reason, begin with a mild retinol solution and gradually increase its strength with more potent products over time.”
- Follow a healthy diet. This can make sure that you consume essential vitamins (like vitamins A, C, and E) and minerals required to boost collagen production in your skin, thereby preventing wrinkles (17).
- Engaging in regular workouts and physical activity can help keep your skin replenished and supple. Dr. Qazi opines, “Properly hydrating is not a cure for wrinkles. However, proper hydration for the skin is more effectively obtained through skincare rather than drinking water. Look for products that contain humectant ingredients like aloe vera gel and hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin.”
- It is imperative to keep yourself hydrated as it keeps your skin replenished and supple.
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as this can cause photoagingi and increase the appearance of forehead wrinkles.
- Quit habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption as it harms your skin tissue and eventually gives them an aged appearance (18).
- You could use facial creams and products that contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring biopolymer that is a part of the extracellular matrix of skin tissues. This can be used as a dermal filler as HA gets crosslinked in your skin, thereby reducing forehead wrinkles (19).
- Getting enough sleep and staying away from stress is also important.
Did You Know?Infographic: 10 Makeup Tricks To Hide Wrinkles
Forehead wrinkles, along with other facial creases and fine lines, can be kept at bay using various natural remedies like oils and herbs. However, these do their work slowly and steadily, albeit surely.
Check out this infographic if you need a quick fix for wrinkles. Here are some makeup tips to help you hide them like a pro.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
With age, collagen production may decrease, which often causes the skin to lose its elasticity and start developing wrinkles. In addition, hormonal changes, photodamage, smoking, stress, and drinking alcohol may also cause forehead wrinkles. Fortunately, you can apply a number of effective home remedies to reduce their appearance. Coconut oil, castor oil, fruits rich in vitamin C, aloe vera gel, flaxseed oil, olive oil, and manuka honey are powerful ingredients with many therapeutic properties that may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. You can also use oil massage with natural oils to moisturize and nourish the skin. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and a good skin care routine can help prevent the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vaseline get rid of forehead wrinkles?
According to Dr. Qazi, “Petroleum jelly is an excellent occlusive ingredient as well as an emollient. While it may soften the skin, it will not remove forehead wrinkles.” However, for the best results, he recommends using it in an evening skin care routine to seal in any nourishing or hydrating ingredients that may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. He adds, “Petroleum jelly protects the skin barrier from harm and from losing moisture through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). However, it is essential to note that it is comedogenic and will clog pores. Hence, it is best to use petroleum jelly at night and use a gentle cleanser to wash it away in the mornings.”
Which muscle is responsible for horizontal wrinkles on your forehead?
The occipitofrontalisi muscles are responsible for the horizontal lines on your forehead.
What to use for deep forehead wrinkles?
The remedies listed above work for both fine lines and deep forehead wrinkles. Although it might take a while for the deeper lines to smoothen out, it is recommended to use these remedies on a regular basis for the best results.
At what age do forehead wrinkles appear?
While wrinkles (and forehead wrinkles) may start to appear in your 40s, you may see them even in your 20s due to stress, poor lifestyle, and constant contraction of the facial muscles.
Does drinking water reduce forehead wrinkles?
Yes, drinking water hydrates your skin and helps maintain skin elasticity. However, drinking water alone is not enough. You will have to follow a proper skin care routine and diet to help minimize the appearance of forehead wrinkles.
Can dehydration cause forehead wrinkles?
Yes, dehydration can make your skin look dull and make your forehead wrinkles more visible and prominent.