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What Causes Forehead Wrinkles?

Sonal Panse
Sonal Panse

Facial wrinkles are visible indicators of the normal aging process, and can be seen on the skin's surface in the form of faint lines, thin creases or deep grooves. On the forehead they can appear in horizontal lines in the area between the eyebrows and the hairline. Forehead wrinkles may also be visible as vertical frown lines between the eyebrows.

The principal cause of wrinkles is the loss of skin elasticity as a person grows older. As the body ages, skin cell division slows down, the dermis layer begins to thin and the fat cells beneath the dermis start to shrivel. As a result of the oil glands producing less water-lipid emulsions, the skin retains less moisture and becomes drier.

A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkles.
A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkles.

The collagen fibers, which provide structural support to the skin layers, elongate and loosen up. At the same time, the elastin protein in the connective tissue is damaged and the skin's elastic ability is affected. The skin is no longer able to repair itself and it sags and wrinkles appear.

Aside from normal aging, some people may have a genetic predisposition that brings on forehead wrinkles at an earlier age. Certain habitual expressions like frowning or raising the eyebrows may also contribute towards wrinkle formation. The muscle contractions that occur with habitual facial expressions can, over a long period of time, give rise to face wrinkle lines.

The lifestyle choices that people make are often responsible for the development of forehead wrinkles.
The lifestyle choices that people make are often responsible for the development of forehead wrinkles.

The lifestyle choices that people make are also often responsible for the development of forehead wrinkles. Smoking and alcohol consumption can interfere with the skin regeneration process, and unhealthy diets, irregular routines and stress can further exacerbate matters. Drastic slimming is another cause as the rapid weight loss equates to a rapid loss of fat cells in the skin.

There are genetic predispositions that bring on forehead wrinkles at an earlier age.
There are genetic predispositions that bring on forehead wrinkles at an earlier age.

Environmental factors like over-exposure to the sun and pollution also harm the skin and cause premature aging. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the collagen and elastin proteins, and ozone pollutants diminish the amount of Vitamin E antioxidant in the skin. In response, the body produces metalloproteinase enzymes to repair the skin damage. Continual repairs of this sort, however, leave the skin vulnerable to the formation of forehead wrinkles.

Wrinkles on the forehead often appear in horizontal lines between the eyebrows and the hairline.
Wrinkles on the forehead often appear in horizontal lines between the eyebrows and the hairline.

Reducing exposure to weather elements and using sunscreen can help to some extent. Nourishing skin moisturizers and a healthy lifestyle regimen can help too in keeping forehead wrinkles at bay. Alternatives procedures like Botox® treatment and plastic surgery are also sometimes used for treating face wrinkles.

Discussion Comments

anon988577

All this information is amazing. Yes, it is true that with exercises you can get rid of those wrinkles on the forehead. It is really upsetting when you start getting this at a young age.

myharley

Keeping your skin, and especially your face, moisturized is one of the most important things you can do. I have had that taught to me from a young age - don't forget to moisturize.

I apply a moisturizing, anti aging cream every morning and night. If I get lazy and skip a few days, I can really tell just by the way my face feels. Also, if I don't get enough sleep it seems like my wrinkles look worse and show up more. If you take the time to pamper your face every day, you can help slow down the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles.

julies

No matter how hard you try not to get wrinkles, it is a part of life. I think one of the best things you can do is to always put sunscreen on your face when going outside. We hear this over and over, but it does make a difference in the long run to help reduce forehead wrinkles.

It is pretty frustrating when you first start to notice wrinkles on your face and forehead, especially when you realize that makeup is not going to really cover them up. There are several treatments you can use to reduce the wrinkles, or you can choose to accept it as part of growing older and wiser!

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    • A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkles.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkles.
    • The lifestyle choices that people make are often responsible for the development of forehead wrinkles.
      By: Monkey Business
      The lifestyle choices that people make are often responsible for the development of forehead wrinkles.
    • There are genetic predispositions that bring on forehead wrinkles at an earlier age.
      By: kazzakova
      There are genetic predispositions that bring on forehead wrinkles at an earlier age.
    • Wrinkles on the forehead often appear in horizontal lines between the eyebrows and the hairline.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Wrinkles on the forehead often appear in horizontal lines between the eyebrows and the hairline.
    • Botox injections paralyze the face's muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, including those on the forehead.
      By: GaudiLab
      Botox injections paralyze the face's muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, including those on the forehead.
    • Collagen supplements are commonly used to get rid of wrinkles on the face.
      By: Syda Productions
      Collagen supplements are commonly used to get rid of wrinkles on the face.
    • Cumulative exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays causes forehead and other facial wrinkles to form.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Cumulative exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays causes forehead and other facial wrinkles to form.