Fine lines and wrinkles appear all over, but some stand out more than others. Like those on the forehead, which is an area that is responsible for many of the facial expressions that make you, well, you. Whether you’re in your 40s, 60s, 80s, or beyond, you might start to wonder exactly how to get rid of forehead wrinkles and what to do to address those lines for good.
There are so many skincare products marketed as “anti-aging.” Many, claim to turn back the clock, erasing the signs of time. Take the seemingly never-ending supply of anti-aging serums, eye creams, and even anti-wrinkle straws (yes, really, these exist) as examples. But what actually works and how can you truly obtain the smooth skin you covet?
No need to furrow your brow in search of an answer. We’ve consulted top dermatologists to explain how to prevent wrinkles on your forehead, why we get them in the first place, and yes—how to get rid of them.
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.
Moisturizer
Keeping skin hydrated with moisturizer is not only needed for overall skin health, but it can 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 leading board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in NYC.
Peptides
Peptides are a powerful anti-aging, wrinkle-reducing ingredient that you can find in many serums and creams. 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 stimulating collagen production are those that contain retinol, according to Dr. Jaliman. Retinol benefits include reducing fine lines and wrinkles, regulating oil production, as well as 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.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Vitamin C
Skincare products containing vitamin C, a 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.
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 its youthful appearance. Smoking can also lead to the breakdown of collagen, “making forehead lines and wrinkles in general more likely to appear,” adds Dr. Garshick.
Assistant Editor
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
