What Causes Frown Lines?

Glabellar lines, or "frown lines," are vertical wrinkles on the forehead that appear between the eyebrows. The appearance of frown lines can worsen as collagen in the skin continues to break down. Frown lines, along with other facial wrinkling, are usually caused by the interaction of a few different factors. Those who have frown lines can minimize or reduce their appearance through the assistance of a doctor.

Sun Exposure and Frown Lines

• Ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun damages the collagen fibers of your skin. In response, new collagen is created and reformed. As this process occurs again and again, wrinkles and frown lines appear. Minimizing your exposure to the sun and using sunblock products can help prevent premature aging.

Aging and Frown Lines

• As people age, the inner layer of skin, the dermis, thins and skin cell division slows. The elastin and collagen fibers in skin loosen. Skin loses its elasticity over time and does not contain moisture as well. These conditions increase the likelihood that a person will develop frown lines. The use of moisturizing lotions can improve the appearance of your skin as you age.

Facial Movements and Frown Lines

• Repetitive facial expressions and movements such as laughing, crying, frowning or smiling can cause permanent etches into skin over time. Aging compounds the effects of these facial contractions. Reducing these facial contractions can reduce the severity of developing frown lines.

Smoking and Frown Lines

• In addition to yellowing teeth and fingernails and reducing healing time when you are injured, smoking also impacts the health of your skin. In healthy individuals, new collagen is created when old collagen is destroyed. In smokers, new collagen creation is decreased. This imbalance can lead to the development of frown lines and wrinkles.

Treatment Options for Frown Lines

• Over-the-counter products in the forms of creams or lotions can reduce the appearance of frown lines, but some frown lines may persist even after this treatment. Surgical procedures are also an option for removing or reducing frown lines. Dermabrasion scrapes away outer layers of the skin to create a smoother, firmer appearance. Other surgical procedures, such as chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing, also affect the appearance of the outer layers of skin. Botox injections are also used to treat frown lines.