Forehead wrinkles are a common concern for many, especially as they get older. But did you know there are steps you can take to keep those wrinkles at bay—or at least to minimize their appearance? Here, we’ll share tips and strategies to help you maintain smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Whether you’re looking to maintain your skin's youthfulness or reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles, these tips can be valuable in your journey to smooth, radiant skin.

What are wrinkles and what causes wrinkles? 

Wrinkles are visible creases or folds in your skin. There are two types: fine wrinkles (less than 1 mm wide and deep) and coarse wrinkles (1 mm or more in width and depth).¹ 

Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors can contribute to wrinkles.² Intrinsic factors that cause wrinkles include aging, which naturally reduces skin elasticity, and hormonal changes, like those that occur during menopause.

Extrinsic factors include external elements like UV radiation, which causes photodamage; smoking, which accelerates skin aging and increases wrinkle formation; and air pollutants in the environment.³

What causes forehead wrinkles?

Forehead wrinkles, like other wrinkles, typically develop as your skin ages and gets exposed to the sun.⁴ These wrinkles can also form due to repetitive facial expressions that cause your skin to fold and crease over time. Interestingly, the locations of these expression lines on your face can serve as indicators of where wrinkles are likely to appear as you grow older.⁵

How to help prevent forehead wrinkles

If you don’t want to see deep creases on your forehead, you should use sunscreen and the right skincare products.

Sunscreen

Protect your skin from the sun’s aging effects by using a sunscreen or facial moisturizer with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30.⁶ Apply it to any visible skin to shield against harmful UV rays.

Skincare products

Choose products that contain collagen-boosting ingredients like vitamin C⁷ and vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin. These topical antioxidants stimulate collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the risk of wrinkles.⁸

You should combine topical antioxidants with sunscreen and retinoid products. This pairing can enhance their protective effects and safeguard your skin from premature aging.⁹

By following these tips and incorporating the right products into your skincare routine, you can help prevent forehead wrinkles and maintain smoother, more youthful skin.

At what age should I start preventing forehead wrinkles? 

You can start taking measures to help prevent wrinkles as early as your 20s.¹⁰

In your 20s, your skin is still youthful and resilient. However, it’s during this decade that the first signs of aging can start to emerge.¹¹ By taking preventive steps early on, you can slow the aging process and maintain smoother skin for longer.

Creating a good skincare routine in your 20s that includes sunscreen use, hydrating products, and collagen-boosting ingredients can help preserve your skin's elasticity and vitality. 

Treating forehead wrinkles

If you already have forehead wrinkles, effective treatments are available to help you achieve smoother skin and a more youthful appearance. 

Let’s explore some treatment options that have shown promising results in reducing forehead wrinkles:

OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)

One notable option is OnabotulinumtoxinA, commonly known as Botox. Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for forehead lines, studies show that Botox is effective in significantly reducing these wrinkles within 30 days. The results are impressive and long-lasting, making it a safe and suitable choice for moderate to severe forehead wrinkles.¹²

While Botox has shown positive results in reducing forehead wrinkles, it’s important to consult with a qualified professional before considering this treatment. They can assess your unique needs and guide you through the process, ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

In-office chemical peels

Chemical peels offer another approach to addressing forehead wrinkles. These peels are categorized into superficial, medium, and deep peels based on their depth of action.¹³ 

• Superficial peels rejuvenate the upper layers of the skin and can enhance the appearance of wrinkles. 

• Medium-depth peels can be employed to target wrinkles and improve skin texture. 

• Deep peels can effectively stimulate collagen regeneration, making them suitable for deeper wrinkles and scars, although they typically require longer healing times. 

Chemical peels can be combined with other resurfacing techniques for even better results when addressing wrinkles and improving overall skin texture.¹⁴

Chemical peels can be a valuable option for addressing wrinkles but consult a dermatologist or skincare expert first to determine if peels are the best option for you. A dermatology provider can educate you on the most appropriate type of peel for your skin, ensuring the best results.

Endolift laser

The Endolift laser is gaining recognition as a safe and effective method for reducing forehead wrinkles and frown lines. Studies show that this non-invasive procedure improved skin thickness and elasticity and that almost all patients who underwent this treatment were satisfied with their results.¹⁵

With options like Botox, chemical peels, and the Endolift laser, you can choose the treatment that suits your needs and enjoy smoother, more youthful-looking skin. However, before starting any of these treatments, consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your concerns. 

Enhance your skin with Curology 

As we age, our skin transforms, reflecting not only external factors like sun exposure and environmental stressors but also the inner workings of our bodies.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

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Curology offers a complete line of skincare products, including addressing the early signs of aging with our Future-Proofᴿˣ for anti-aging to tailor to your skin concerns. Our licensed dermatology providers can assist you in creating a skincare routine matched to your skin type and needs. Get started* on your personalized skincare journey today.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Manríquez, J.J., et al. Wrinkles. BMJ Clin Evid. (2014, December 22).

2. Manríquez, J.J., et al. Wrinkles. BMJ Clin Evid. Ibid.

3. Manríquez, J.J., et al. Wrinkles. BMJ Clin Evid. Ibid.

4. Nguyen, T.Q. et al. A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study Investigating the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Peptide Serum Targeting Expression Lines. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (2021, May 1).

5. Nguyen, T.Q. et al. A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study Investigating the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Peptide Serum Targeting Expression Lines. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

6. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Wrinkle Remedies. (n.d.).

7. Al-Niaimi, F. and Chiang, N.Y.Z. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (2017, July 1).

8. Ganceviciene, R., et al. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. (2012, July 1).

9. Ganceviciene, R., et al. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. Ibid.

10. Ludmann, P. Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care for Your 20s. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2023, February 2).

11. Ludmann, P. Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care for Your 20s. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Ibid.

12. De Boulle, K., et al. OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Moderate to Severe Forehead Lines: A Review. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. (2020, March 18).

13. Rendon, M.I., et al. Evidence and Considerations in the Application of Chemical Peels in Skin Disorders and Aesthetic resurfacing. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (July 2010).

14. Rendon, M.I., et al. Evidence and Considerations in the Application of Chemical Peels in Skin Disorders and Aesthetic resurfacing. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

15. Nilforoushzadeh, M.A., et al. Endolift laser an effective treatment modality for forehead wrinkles and frown line. J Cosmet Dermatol. (June 2022).

16. Windhager, S., et al. Facial aging trajectories: A common shape pattern in male and female faces is disrupted after menopause. Am J Phys Anthropol. (August 2019).

17. Makrantonaki, E., et al. Genetics and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. (2012, July 1).

18. Makrantonaki, E., et al. Genetics and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. Ibid.

19. Ganceviciene, R., et al. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. Ibid.

20. Ganceviciene, R., et al. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. Ibid.

21. Manríquez, J.J., et al. Wrinkles. BMJ Clin Evid. Ibid.

22. Windhager, S., et al. Facial aging trajectories: A common shape pattern in male and female faces is disrupted after menopause. Am J Phys Anthropol. Ibid.

23. Windhager, S., et al. Facial aging trajectories: A common shape pattern in male and female faces is disrupted after menopause. Am J Phys Anthropol. Ibid.

24. Windhager, S., et al. Facial aging trajectories: A common shape pattern in male and female faces is disrupted after menopause. Am J Phys Anthropol. Ibid.

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

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Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO