How To Get Rid Of Frown Lines Naturally + What Causes Them

Expression wrinkles are not a bad thing, and you shouldn't feel ashamed that you've lived a life filled with emotion and experience (that's what life is about, no?). Unfortunately, modern advertising filled with airbrushed images and social media filters has triggered insecurities that we may not have even had previously.

Regardless, wanting to ease fine lines is a valid ask. Wanting to improve the health of your skin in any capacity is valid! This is especially true if you notice them every time you look in the mirror. 

Frown lines, often referred to as "11s" present as two lines between the brows. If you make an angry face or express concentration, you'll be left with a pouty frown, hence where the name comes from. 

Here's the truth: "As frown lines are primarily a muscular problem, there are no topical remedies that will work to completely eliminate frown lines," says board-certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, M.D.

"There are ingredients that can be incorporated into your routine early on that will help prevent the skin from thinning and, in turn, creasing at the surface level," Gabriel says. One of which, she notes, is retinol. 

"Regular use of retinol over time can contribute to the formation of new collagen, which in turn can help keep skin firm," Camp echoes. 

Here's how it works: "​​Retinol binds to retinoid receptors within skin cells," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., previously told mbg. This "activates genes that upregulate collagen production."

While vitamin C serums are best known for their skin-brightening properties, they also play a huge role in physical skin aging. Not only does vitamin C stimulate collagen production; it stabilizes the collagen1 you have, leading to overall wrinkle reduction.

Plus, vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant, meaning it helps to neutralize free radicals that can break down collagen and contribute to overall skin aging. 

Peptides are a popular ingredient for healthy skin aging and skin barrier support, and a valid crowd-pleaser at that. They do much more than just hydrate and plump the skin momentarily, though. 

Here's why they really shine for fine lines: "Peptides are building blocks of proteins, such as collagen and elastin," Camp explains. "It is thought that peptides may help stimulate the production of new skin proteins."

Another way to support collagen production is via red light therapy, also known as LED light masks or devices. "Red LED masks may reduce inflammation and increase collagen production," Garshick notes. 

Topical alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acid treatments are another way to support overall skin health and ease fine lines. Both AHAs and BHAs slough off dead skin cells, but they provide slightly different benefits. 

AHAs are better known for their healthy aging effects than BHAs, as research notes that AHAs can help ease fine lines and wrinkles2. A few examples of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. 

On the other hand, BHAs like salicylic acid are most beneficial for those who are also dealing with breakouts because they help regulate oil production3, thus helping to clear acne. So if you're simply looking to exfoliate aging skin, stick with AHAs. 

Microcurrent devices are another high-tech option for easing fine lines and wrinkles. Like LED masks, these tools will only deliver lasting results if you continue using them regularly. 

"Microcurrent devices can temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it's important to remember the results are temporary," Garshick adds. 

Let's make one thing clear: Facial massage won't magically eliminate this type of wrinkle. However, using a gua sha, jade roller, or your own hands to massage this area of your forehead isn't going to hurt. 

One way to address collagen production at the source is to consume collagen supplements. When ingesting hydrolyzed collagen peptides (a research-backed form), collagen can support skin elasticity4 and potentially make fine lines appear smaller.

One double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that when a small group of women took a collagen supplement that was also formulated with hyaluronic acid and a few other actives, they experienced a significantly smoother appearance of wrinkles.

The benefits of collagen supplementation don’t stop there—collagen supplements also support skin hydration5, helping to ease the appearance of those fine lines and wrinkles from within. 

So, do you need to see a professional for frown lines? Not if they don't bother you too much—they're completely normal, expected, and common to have. But for those that constantly focus on these wrinkles, experts can certainly help you ease their appearance more effectively than many at-home options (though you should give those a shot first). 

Before you pull out all of the stops to freeze your frown lines, remind yourself that it's OK to age—and a privilege, in fact. Despite the name "frown lines," these wrinkles don't show up because you've been pouty your whole life; they simply come from expressing emotions. 

It can be difficult to step out of the anti-aging narrative, framing aging as a bad thing that should be addressed and "fixed," but give yourself some grace today knowing that if you tend to your skin health, it will age as it's meant to—wrinkles included.