Anyone who struggles with wrinkles knows that the ones that pop up on your forehead are among the most stubborn ones. While lasers and injectables are surefire ways to eliminate them, there are less invasive options available. Before delving into solutions and preventable measures to the common skin dilemma, it’s important to note why these wrinkles form in the first place.
According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai Doctors in New York, forehead wrinkles form as a result of repetitive movements from facial expressions.
“This process can be accelerated by environmental exposures like UV light, which damage collagen and weaken the skin. This means that the skin doesn’t bounce back from folding the way that it did when it was younger,” Zeichner adds.
Ready to tackle those lines head-on? Here are five ways to prevent — and treat — forehead wrinkles.
Incorporate retinol into your skin-care routine
Perhaps one of the best studied ingredients in skin care, retinol — a form of vitamin A — remains one of the most effective ways to combat wrinkles. “Commonly found in serums and night creams, retinol binds to receptors in the skin to rev up collagen production,” says Zeichner. Because retinol can come with irritating side effects, he recommends starting out with an over-the-counter version. If you find that results plateau (aka your forehead wrinkles aren’t improving), you can speak to your dermatologist about a prescription option. Try Bliss Youth Got This Prevent-4 + Pure Retinol Advanced Skin Smoothing Serum, which effectively targets fine lines and wrinkles and skin dehydration thanks to a medley of retinol, amino acids, peptides and antioxidants. You might also try Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair.
Address wrinkles early
Fact: The best way to treat any wrinkle is to prevent it from forming and getting etched deep into the skin. But what’s the sweet spot? Zeichner says that as soon as you start to notice any wrinkling, begin to up the ante on your retinol-infused skin-care products by applying them every other night. And remember, results can take months to kick in, which makes addressing them early so crucial.
Always wear SPF
Line prevention aside, sunscreen is an important part of any skin-care routine. When it comes to combatting wrinkles, Zeichner explains that UV light is the single biggest risk factor for premature aging because it leads to free radical damage and weakened skin. He recommends opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains at least SPF 30 protection. And, application is just as important as the level of protection you’re using. “Any product that has an SPF label on the bottle will give you that level of protection as long as you’re using enough of it,” he says. “I typically recommend applying a quarter-size dollop for the full face every two hours or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming.” For a transparent option that won’t leave behind a greasy residue or white-cast, try the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, which can be worn on its own or underneath makeup to prolong the wear of your base. You might also try EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
Try facial treatments
There are a number of facial treatments that work to eliminate wrinkles after they’ve formed. For one, Botox. “Botox works by blocking your nerves from signaling your muscles to contract. If there’s no folding, then the skin doesn’t wrinkle,” says Zeichner, who advises against doing a heavy treatment on the forehead, as completely relaxing the forehead muscle can lead to a drooping or flat eyebrow. Other treatments such as resurfacing lasers, microneedling and chemical peels can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and strengthening the foundation of the skin. While these treatments all work differently, ultimately they’re similar in that they create a controlled wound and take advantage of the skin’s ability to heal itself back up stronger, explains Zeichner.
Disguise with makeup
Don’t feel like splurging when it comes to injectables or facial treatments? You can find a temporary fix with makeup. Before applying a foundation, use a silicone-based primer to create a smooth surface. Then, apply a foundation that has a satin or matte finish (versus a luminous one, which can draw attention to the wrinkles). Use a beauty sponge as opposed to a makeup brush to blend the foundation into the skin. This not only helps create a blurring effect, but also will soak up any excess product that would otherwise cake up on the skin and enhance texture. The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation contains skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid and gives skin a naturally glowing finish without drawing attention to wrinkles. You might also check out Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation.
Cristina Spanò
