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If you're not quite sure what 11 lines are, open your front camera or look in a mirror while furrowing your brow. “11 lines” are the vertical lines that appear just below the forehead between the eyebrows, and with skin aging, these lines stick around even when you're not intentionally trying to make them appear.
11 lines are one of many signs of skin aging that appear around the forehead area, and like other signs of skin aging, they can be addressed with the right products and treatments. Let's talk about these forehead wrinkles, including what exactly causes them to form as well as our expert tips for visibly smoothing them.
What Causes 11 Lines?
11 lines, also known as glabellar lines, are the vertical lines that form between the eyebrows. These lines develop because of repeated facial expressions, skin aging, and environmental influences.
Facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, or concentrating cause the muscles between the eyebrows to contract, leading to the formation of these lines over time. Each time you make these expressions, the skin folds in the same place because of the specific muscle contraction taking place, eventually creating permanent fine lines where the skin creases.
Additionally, as we age, the skin naturally loses its elasticity and collagen, which are responsible for its flexibility and structure. The loss of structural support in the skin means that it doesn't bounce back as easily, allowing lines to become more pronounced. This makes skin more susceptible to the formation of lines and wrinkles, especially in areas where a lot of muscle movement takes place, such as the forehead (11 lines) and the edges of the eyes (crow's feet).
Finally, environmental factors like sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet can accelerate skin aging. Both UV rays from the sun as well as the chemicals in cigarettes break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, often leading to the early development of wrinkles as a sign of declining skin health.
How To Treat 11 Lines
With a breadth of products on the market targeting wrinkles, it can be hard to know what actually works. Below are four proven methods that can help visibly reduce the appearance of these wrinkles, including both invasive and non-invasive options.
From advanced skincare technologies to choosing the right ingredients, here are some of the most effective ways to address 11 lines:
Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy is a powerful, non-invasive method for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including 11 lines. This effective treatment works by stimulating collagen production, which helps to visibly smooth out the skin and diminish the visibility of lines wherever treatment is applied.
For 11 lines specifically, we recommend the Eye Recovery Pro Mask. This advanced device harnesses the benefits of Red Light, Amber Light, Near-Infrared Light, and Deep Red Light Therapy to target the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles including 11s and crow's feet, while also depuffing the under eye area and brightening the appearance of dark circles.
Red Light Therapy is gentle enough to be added into your regular skincare routine after cleansing and before applying your other products. With FDA clearance and a treatment time of just 3 minutes, the Eye Recovery Pro Mask is an easy, safe, science-backed method to target 11 lines and give your skincare routine a professional-grade boost!
Botox® Injections & Dermal Fillers
A neuromodulator is a substance that alters nerve activity by inhibiting or stimulating specific neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help send messages), thereby affecting muscle contractions and various physiological processes.
Botox® injections are a popular neuromodulator treatment option for smoothing out the appearance of 11 lines. By temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for these lines, Botox® can effectively reduce their visibility, resulting in a smoother, firmer look.
Dermal fillers are another in-clinic option for treating 11 lines. These injectable treatments work by adding volume beneath the skin (typically via the injection of a type of hyaluronic acid), filling in lines and wrinkles to create a smoother complexion. Fillers can provide immediate results and can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used.
While both Botox® and dermal fillers can be effective solutions, it's important to consider some of the potential drawbacks. The cost of these treatment options can be quite high, making them less accessible for those on a budget. Additionally, the effects of Botox® are temporary, requiring regular maintenance sessions to sustain the results—typically 3-6 months between treatments for most individuals. Dermal fillers also require periodic touch-ups to maintain their effects. Recovery time, although minimal, can also be a factor for those with busy schedules.
For individuals seeking a more convenient and cost-effective alternative, exploring other methods such as Red Light Therapy or topical treatments may provide similar benefits without the need for frequent in-clinic visits. Always consult with a licensed skincare professional such as a dermatologist or esthetician for advice on getting these types of treatments.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments can be a valuable tool in addressing 11 lines, especially those with intentional anti-aging ingredients like retinoids and peptides. Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, help promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, helping to smooth out lines and improve skin texture. Peptides, on the other hand, are short chains of amino acids that support the skin's natural repair processes, supporting skin firmness and elasticity.
In addition to retinoids and peptides, incorporating products with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants into your skincare routine can provide notable benefits. Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains moisture, visually plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E, help protect the skin from environmental damage while also supporting overall skin health.
For a comprehensive approach to skincare, try the Glowing Skin Starter Set, which includes hydrating and nourishing ingredients for each step of your routine. This set is designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, avocado peptides, and probiotics, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce the appearance of 11 lines by achieving an overall healthier-looking, glowing complexion!
Facial Massage and Exercises
Facial Massage and exercises are excellent methods for reducing the appearance of 11 lines by relaxing the facial muscles and improving skin tone.
Regularly massaging your face can help to increase blood circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and release tension in the muscles, which can soften the appearance of existing lines and wrinkles while also helping with the prevention of future wrinkles.
One effective tool for incorporating Facial Massage into your routine is the 4-in-1 Skincare Wand. This innovative device combines Red Light Therapy, Therapeutic Warmth, Galvanic Current, and Facial Massage to provide a comprehensive skincare tool that helps to rejuvenate, restore, and refresh your skin.
In addition to massage, simple facial exercises can help strengthen and tone the muscles around the eyebrows, reducing the prominence of 11 lines. Exercises such as gently pressing your fingertips against your eyebrows and lifting them while resisting with your fingers can help build muscle strength and improve skin elasticity.
Conclusion
Red Light Therapy, topical treatments, Facial Massage, and exercises are all proven methods of addressing forehead wrinkles, including 11 lines, and they can all fit into a regular skincare routine. In addition to these methods, maintain a consistent skincare regimen that uses nourishing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated. Don't forget the importance of sun protection, either; daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF is essential to prevent further signs of skin aging caused by UV ray damage.
11 lines aren't the only wrinkles Red Light Therapy can help with! Take our Skin Quiz here for personalized recommendations on which devices can help boost your skincare routine with professional-grade results.
Sources:
- Frown Lines - Oregon Medical Research
- Neuromodulations - American Society of Dermatologic Surgery
- Hyaluronic Acid (Injection Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic
- Retinoid or retinol?
Disclaimer: Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan.
