What Are Frown Lines?

Frown lines, also known as glabella lines, are vertical wrinkles that occur between the eyebrows. These wrinkles make a person’s face appear tired, sad, or upset, regardless of how the person is truly feeling. They can develop at any age, and some people begin to notice the appearance of frown lines in their early 20s.

Causes

Aging, stress, and sun damage to the skin, as well as other factors such as smoking and dehydration, cause frown lines. When skin ages, it loses its elasticity and becomes thinner. The lack of elasticity makes the skin less able to retain its smooth, taut structure, causing frown lines to develop from the repeated action of frowning. The sun’s UV rays also break down collagen and elastin in the skin, making it more difficult for the skin to retain moisture and its natural, smooth appearance. According to an article published by U.S. News & World Report, stress is one of the leading causes of aging. Chronic stress damages the inner lining of the arteries, causing the vessels to constrict; this, in turn, makes the skin shrivel, creating wrinkles.

Prevention

To help prevent frown lines, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and slow the skin’s natural aging process, follow these tips:

  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 approximately 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Use a Clarisonic cleansing device daily to help gently cleanse the skin and remove bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells.
  • Treat your skin with microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Both treatments exfoliate and remove the top layer of skin, promoting the growth of healthy, new skin.

Treatment

At DermaHealth, we treat frown lines with neurotoxins such as Dysport and Botox – inhibitors that stop the daily muscle movements that create frown lines. These injectibles force the muscles to elongate and relax beyond what they normally would. Both Dysport and Botox are injected directly into the muscle, affecting only lines caused by muscle contractions. This helps stretch out the lines and gives a smooth, more youthful appearance.

The first injection typically softens the wrinkle lines. By the second or third treatment, wrinkles are blended into the surface of the skin, resulting in a smoother, more natural appearance. They are NOT fillers that plump the lines – rather, they inhibit the muscle from responding to expression commands. DermaHealth will customize the treatment to fit your needs and budget. Neurotoxins last three to four months and are not for use in those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have any neurodegenerative or autoimmune illnesses.

For more information and to see if you are a candidate for one of our frown line treatments, schedule a complimentary consultation with DermaHealth today.