BAZAAR's Guide to Getting Rid of Forehead Wrinkles (2024)

Fine lines and wrinkles are a normal—and inevitable—sign of aging skin. Over time, you may notice crow's feet around the corner of your eyes, "perioral" lines near your mouth, and neck lines or creases. However, the forehead is one of the most common areas for wrinkles to form, whether from repeated facial expressions, sun damage, or just plain time. You don't need to concern yourself with lines on your forehead–but you also don't have to sit back and watch them happen if you prefer the look of smoother skin.

Ahead, we've gathered dermatologist-approved methods for addressing forehead wrinkles. From skincare products to advice on choosing between toxin injections like Botox and dermal fillers, keep reading for the best tips and tricks to keep forehead wrinkles at bay once and for all.

"Forehead wrinkles are primarily caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors," Shereene Idriss, a dermatologist and founder of her eponymous brand, tells Bazaar. Intrinsic factors refer to the natural aging process, in which "our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin's firmness and elasticity," she says.

On the other hand, extrinsic factors come from outside influences, which can include repeated movements of the forehead muscles, like raising your eyebrows, squinting, or frowning. Idriss explains that these basic (and seemingly innocuous) movements can worsen wrinkles over time. Dynamic wrinkles, which appear when your facial muscles are moving, can eventually develop into static wrinkles, which are visible even when your face is at rest.

Michael Bassiri, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, adds that environmental factors like sun exposure are another cause of forehead wrinkles (and other fine lines and wrinkles, too) because they accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. The good news: Wearing a facial sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is a great preventative step to protect your skin from UV rays and their damaging effects. Fortunately, plenty of luxurious formulas are available these days that make daily application a breeze.

Ultimately, even if you're proactive about addressing forehead wrinkles, you likely won't completely avoid them because many factors are involved. "Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in how early wrinkles appear as well as sun exposure and other lifestyle factors," Idriss says, adding that "some people might start noticing forehead wrinkles as early as their late 20s or early 30s, while others may not see them until their 40s or even later."

Forehead wrinkles, especially deep-set static ones, aren't entirely reversible. However, there are effective measures to reduce their severity. From potent skincare ingredients to advanced in-office treatments, we've compiled 10 strategies to address forehead wrinkles ahead.

Hyaluronic acid, a popular hydrating skincare ingredient, can plump fine lines and wrinkles. While the effect is temporary, the ingredient can subtly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Brian Hibler, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, suggests incorporating products containing the ingredient into your regimen. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains water molecules to make skin look fuller from the inside out.

Bassiri seconds Hibler's suggestion of hyaluronic as a temporary fix, noting that there are a slew of great hyaluronic acid-based skincare products on the market that effectively hydrate and plump the skin. Nonetheless, he stresses that at-home treatments will never be as effective as in-office treatments or surgery. This is because hyaluronic acid works on the outer layers of the skin and doesn't stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin.

Instead of opting for a quick fix, reach for one of the skincare ingredients that's most proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles: retinol. “Retinol stimulates collagen to help the skin resist wrinkling,” explains Joshua Zeichner, a New York-based dermatologist and co-founder of Jori Skincare. With any retinol product, it will take at least three months until you notice the skin-smoothing results. Retinol can make your skin sensitive, so it’s important to moisturize and wear sunscreen when using retinol products—and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it altogether.

Try the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Night Serum with Pure Retinol for those looking for an over-the-counter formula. It is blended with 0.3 percent of the most potent form of retinol to visibly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles with consistent use. It also contains hyaluronic acid and soybean oil to keep skin hydrated. For a more potent (but gentle) formula, consider the Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, a dermatologist-recommended formula that boasts thousands of five-star ratings and is safe for those with sensitive skin.

Sun exposure and environmental pollution can also cause forehead wrinkles to appear because they can lead to the formation of free radicals. Y. Claire Chang, a cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, recommends using antioxidants like vitamin C to protect skin and prevent collagen loss from free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that damage skin and lead to premature wrinkles, in addition to protecting against air pollution, heavy metals, secondhand cigarette smoke, and more–but they are not a replacement for sunscreen.

One of our favorite skincare products featuring vitamin C is the tried-and-true SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This cult-favorite formula harnesses a potent 15 percent L-ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C) to brighten pigmentation, diminish brown spots, and improve overall skin tone. It also stimulates collagen production for enhanced skin elasticity and firmness.

Chang also recommends peptides, which “can help hydrate and plump the skin to help with the appearance of fine lines.” Peptides are short chains of amino acids and are essential for building proteins like collagen and elastin. The body has numerous types of peptides, each serving specific functions. Two well-known peptides found in skincare products that target fine lines and wrinkles are Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4), known for stimulating collagen production, and Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8), a synthetic peptide that can subtly and temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Neurotoxin-based injectables

Our experts agree that Botox and other neurotoxin-based injectables are among the most effective ways to smooth forehead wrinkles. “Injectable wrinkle reducers work by relaxing muscles under the skin,” Zeichner explains. Essentially, if you can no longer make the facial expression, your skin won’t be able to create the wrinkle.

"When a muscle moves a lot over time, it gets bigger, which leads to bigger wrinkles," adds Purvisha Patel, dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. "Using toxins consistently over time makes the muscles thinner, flattening the overlying skin. Being consistent with toxin injections is key."

The results typically last three to four months, but Zeichner says injectables can smooth them away if your lines aren’t too deep. “Just like hanging a sheet on a clothesline and allowing it to unfold in the wind, neurotoxins allow the skin to fill in lines on its own by preventing repeated facial expressions that cause the wrinkles to begin with,” he explains.

Bassiri adds that Botox and other neurotoxin injectables (such as Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin) are best for dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movements, as they temporarily paralyze or freeze the muscles, preventing further creasing.

Fillers

On the other hand, Bassiri says that fillers are a more effective alternative for deeper, static wrinkles (those visible even when your facial muscles are at rest). Neurotoxins are typically the preferred dermatologist method for treating forehead wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid-based fillers are best for deeper wrinkles in the forehead. "Fillers are used for deeper, static wrinkles, providing volume and smoothing the skin's surface," says Bassiri. He explains that fillers aren't injected directly into the wrinkles like Botox. Instead, they are placed in supporting areas, such as "to treat or counteract smile lines, a physician will typically inject filler into the cheekbones to help lift the face," the derm says. The key to getting perfectly placed filler is to go to a board-certified provider with extensive experience to ensure you're in good hands.

Chemical peels

"Chemical peels exfoliate the skin's surface, removing dead cells and encouraging new cell growth, which helps to reduce fine lines and improve overall skin appearance," Bassiri says. While you can purchase a light peel with mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for at-home use, deeper peels that are available at a dermatologist's office target more pronounced forehead wrinkles.

"Chemical peels were more popular in the past before lasers became widely accessible," Bassiri continues. However, he notes that superficial and medium-depth peels remain popular because they are "generally less expensive to administer, typically ranging from $150 to $650." Two well-known peels used to treat forehead wrinkles are the TCA Chemical Peel and Blended Jessner Peels.

Depending on your desired results, multiple appointments may be necessary to achieve a noticeable improvement in forehead wrinkles. As for the risks, be wary of potential redness, burning, pigmentation problems, and infection. FYI: Bassiri doesn't recommend at-home peels without being evaluated by a professional first, but we've included two of our favorite options below to ask your dermatologist about.

Laser Resurfacing

If you prefer a heavier-hitting treatment, try laser resurfacing, which "causes controlled damage to the skin, taking advantage of its ability to heal itself and create new collagen,” explains Zeichner. The main differentiator between lasers and chemical peels is that "lasers can be set to deliver a precise amount of heat and energy to the skin, whereas peels rely on the provider to correctly coordinate the right concentration and time spent on the skin for optimal results," Bassiri says.

Lasers target "superficial to deeper lines and acne scars depending on the type and intensity of the laser," says Bassiri, adding that "downtime can be anywhere from a day to a week depending on the settings and costs typically between $1,000 to 5,000 per session." He compares the spectrum of laser resurfacing treatment options to "anywhere from a strong facial to almost a surgical procedure." While you can often see results with just one session, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve desired results. Risks include redness, skin sensitivity, burns, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation.

Microneedling

Microneedling has taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. "Microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to [create damage] and promote the production of collagen and elastin, leading to smoother, firmer skin," Bassiri explains. The treatment is often combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for more amplified results. This dual treatment is often sought because "PRP contains the body's own growth factors that aid in healing and improve blood flow to the region," says Bassiri. He adds that "microneedling creates channels in the skin for the PRP to be infused." According to the pro, prices for microneedling treatments range from $600 to $1,200. "The number of treatments needed can vary from one for uneven skin tone to multiple for deeper concerns," such as forehead wrinkles.

Facelift

"The most effective and longest-lasting treatment option for someone with deep wrinkles or redundant skin is a facelift," Bassiri says. "There are various facelift techniques, such as a deep plane facelift, ponytail facelift, and more, so it’s important to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon to make the best decision for your skin type and aesthetic goals."

Meet the Experts

• Michael Bassiri-Tehrani is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City.
• Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of science-backed skincare line, Dr. Idriss.
• Brian Hibler is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
• Y. Claire Chang is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.
• Joshua Zeichner is a New York-based dermatologist and co-founder of Jori Skincare.
• Purvisha Patel is a double-board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.
  

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