Frown lines, also referred to as “the 11s,” are vertical lines that develop on the forehead between the eyebrows. As you might already know, permanent frown lines are mainly brought about by ageing.
But this statement might leave you confused if you are in your twenties, and those frown lines that used to just appear when you raised your eyebrows or frowned have somehow become permanent.
In this article, we will share the causes of such frown lines, how to prevent them, and what to do if you already have frown lines.
What causes frown lines in people aged below 30
As stated above, ageing is the primary cause of frown lines. As we get older, our skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin slows down. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and a major building block for your bones, muscles, and skin.
On the other hand, elastin is another protein whose primary role is to help your skin return to its original position when it stretches, contracts, is poked or pinched.
Simply put, collagen keeps your skin firm while elastin keeps it tight— working together to give your skin a supple youthful look.
But as collagen and elastin production in the body declines, the skin becomes less firm and supple and becomes prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
But you might be wondering, “I am only 25, so why do I already have frown lines?”
There are other factors that contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin and result in premature ageing of your facial skin. These include:
1. Photoaging
Other than ageing, the other most common source of frown lines is over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Exposure to UV light breaks down collagen fibres and alters the formation of new elastic fibres resulting in the formation of wrinkles.
2. Genetics
Your DNA plays a major role in deciding whether your skin can retain its original shape or is prone to develop frown lines. This means you might be genetically predisposed to develop frown lines at an earlier age.
3. Smoking
Smoking constricts blood vessels, and as a result, less oxygen is carried to the tissues, which further contributes to the skin losing its elasticity.
Research has also shown that smoking contributes to a reduction in the production of new collagen at a higher rate than normal ageing.
4. Stress
If you are under constant stress —for example, pressure from a new job—you probably make many facial expressions that cause wrinkles to become more prominent over time.
5. Lifestyle choices
People who don’t watch what they eat, fail to exercise and get inadequate sleep will often complain of skin problems regardless of their age.
All these factors contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, making the skin more susceptible to frown lines, wrinkles, sagging and other ageing-related skin conditions.
How to prevent frown lines from forming in your 20s?
Keeping your skin hydrated at all times is crucial to help the skin maintain its elasticity. That’s why it’s recommended to drink a lot of water and eat a healthy diet.
It’s best to avoid smoking as it has an adverse ageing effect on your skin. Also, don’t compromise on your sleep. Your skin replenishes and repairs itself while you sleep, making new collagen and elastin.
A proper skincare routine that includes moisturizing is essential to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and youthful. And very importantly, don’t forget your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen when going out in the sun.
How to get rid of frown lines
For most of us, these frown lines aren’t particularly welcome, which means we look for ways to get rid of them.
1. Surgical procedure
Frown lines can be eliminated through a surgical procedure. Adjustments are made to the forehead’s underlying tissues, whereby excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled in tighter to reduce wrinkles.
With any cosmetic surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications involved. These include but are not limited to numbness, poor wound healing, eye irritation or dryness, and the possibility of revision surgery.
If you choose to get frown lines correction challenges, you need to determine if these potential risks are acceptable.
2. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®) injection
This is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United Kingdom. It’s an effective non-surgical treatment for frown lines and our preferred option here at Dr Aesthetica. Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract.
We inject Botox into the muscles whose contractions cause wrinkles—in the case of frown lines—in the facial muscles between the eyebrows. Within a week of the treatment, the appearance of frown lines will start to go away.
It’s essential to note that Botox injections pose very minimal risks when done by a qualified and experienced practitioner.
Wrapping Up
Though a natural part of ageing, frown lines will develop at different stages of life in different people. We hope the information we have shared above will help you keep frown lines at bay. Even if you already have frown lines, all hope is not lost.
The Botox injection treatment is a safe and effective treatment for frown lines that appear in your twenties. Talk to us today about your frown lines or other skin issues.
