Notice that crease between your eyebrows that seems to be settling in for good? It’s the famous frown line. Repeated furrowing, stress, fatigue… It sets in over time, often sooner than you think. Fortunately, today there are simple, effective and long-lasting solutions to smooth it out – without upsetting your daily routine. Here’s everything you need to know to understand it and take concrete action.
What causes frown lines?
The frown line is that vertical crease between the eyebrows. It often gives a stern or tired look. It forms over time, due to repeated facial movements. But it doesn’t stop there.
The muscles involved
This wrinkle arises mainly from two muscles: the corrugator and the procerus. These are the muscles that contract the area between the eyebrows when the forehead is furrowed. By repeating this gesture, the skin becomes marked.
With age, skin loses elasticity. It no longer returns to its initial shape after each contraction. The result: one line remains, then two, then a deeper wrinkle.
Aggravating factors
Several factors accelerate the appearance of this wrinkle:
- Stress and concentration: we frown without realizing it.
- Sun exposure: UV rays damage collagen, making the skin more fragile.
- Tobacco: reduces skin oxygenation and accelerates aging.
- Lack of moisture: dry skin marks more quickly.
Lifestyle therefore plays an important role. Good moisturizing, daily sun protection and the right anti-aging skincare can slow the process.
The role of skin aging
Over time, the skin produces less collagen and elastin. It becomes thinner. Cell regeneration slows down. As a result, wrinkles set in more easily.
The frown line is often one of the first to appear. It’s dynamic at first (visible only when frowning), then becomes static (visible even at rest).
Why is this wrinkle so pronounced?
The area between the eyebrows is very busy. It’s used to express anger, concentration and concern. It’s also thinner than other parts of the face. Less fat, less support. It therefore marks more quickly.
Repeated facial expressions, combined with more fragile skin, create the perfect breeding ground for this wrinkle. That’s why Botox injections are often used here: they relax the muscles responsible for the crease.
When wrinkles become permanent
Over the years, even at rest, the wrinkle remains visible. It becomes a so-called “static” wrinkle. At this stage, aesthetic treatments such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, laser or peeling can help smooth and improve skin radiance.
Each method has its advantages. For example:
| Treatment | Action | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Botox | Relaxes muscles | 3 to 6 months |
| Hyaluronic acid | Fills the wrinkle | 6 to 12 months |
| Fractional laser | Stimulates regeneration | Gradual and lasting effect |
| Peeling | Exfoliates and renews the skin | Varies according to intensity |
By understanding the mechanisms of this wrinkle, we can better choose the right treatment. And act early to prevent long-term wrinkling.
Natural methods for reducing frown lines
The lion’s wrinkle forms between the eyebrows. It is often linked to facial expressions, stress or aging. Before you think about injections or Botox, there are a number of natural methods that can help reduce this wrinkle. They are gentle, accessible and have no side effects.
1. Facial massages
Regular massage relaxes forehead muscles. It also stimulates cell regeneration . This helps smooth the skin and reduce the muscular tension that creates frown lines.
A simple example:
- Place your index fingers between your eyebrows
- Press lightly and use circular movements for 1 minute
- Repeat every day, morning and evening
This gesture improves blood circulation and helps smooth the area.
2. SkinCeuticals P-TIOX serum
Among cosmetic alternatives, SkinCeuticals’ P-TIOX serum is an innovative treatment that specifically targets expression lines, including frown lines.
Its formula acts like a topical “Botox-like”: it helps to relax muscular micro-contractions, while reinforcing skin elasticity. Day after day, features are softened and expression lines are less pronounced.
Applied morning and night between the eyebrows, it becomes a simple gesture to prevent or slow the appearance of this vertical wrinkle. A gentle, needle-free solution to incorporate into your routine at the first sign of wrinkles.
3. Nutrition and hydration
Skin that is well nourished from the inside is less marked. To reduce frown lines naturally, use :
- Foods rich in antioxidants (red fruits, green vegetables)
- Omega-3 (fatty fish, flaxseed)
- Plenty of water : at least 1.5 L a day
Good internal hydration improves skin elasticity.
4. Stress management
Stress is a direct factor in frown lines. It causes repeated contractions of the forehead. To limit this effect:
- Practice meditation or deep breathing
- Take regular breaks if you work on a screen
- Try facial yoga
These practices relax muscles and reduce tension.
5. Sleep and resting position
Poor sleep accentuates wrinkles. Sleeping on your stomach or side can also wrinkle the skin on your forehead. To avoid this:
- Sleep on your back whenever possible
- Use a silk pillowcase to limit friction
A good night’s sleep promotes the skin’s natural regeneration.
Effective cosmetic treatments
The frown line, that vertical line between the eyebrows, often gives a stern or tired appearance. Fortunately, today there are several cosmetic treatments to smooth it out effectively and, in some cases, lastingly.
It’s also possible to combine Botox and hyaluronic acid, especially when the wrinkle is both deep and still active. Botox relaxes the muscle responsible for the contraction, while hyaluronic acid fills in the furrow already formed in the skin. The result is more complete and harmonious.
Botox: the benchmark for relaxing wrinkles
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is one of the most widely used treatments. It works by blocking the muscle contractions responsible for frown lines. Result: the muscle relaxes and the skin becomes smoother.
The treatment is fast, painless and requires no time off work. Effects appear within a few days and last an average of 4 to 6 months.
- Session duration: 10 to 15 minutes
- Visible results: in 3 to 5 days
- Duration of effect: 4 to 6 months
Hyaluronic acid injections: filling the wrinkle
When the frown line is marked, Botox alone is not enough. Hyaluronic acid injections can be added. This gel, naturally present in the skin, fills the wrinkle hollow and restores volume.
This treatment can be very effective, but must be carried out with great care. Unlike Botox, hyaluronic acid does not block muscle movement. It fills, but does not relax. If the contraction is still too active, the result may be less lasting or accentuate certain folds. That’s why it’s often advisable to treat with Botox first, then top up with hyaluronic acid if the furrow remains marked.
- Session duration: 20 to 30 minutes
- Visible results: immediate
- Effect duration : 9 to 12 months
Radiofrequency: needle-free firming
Radiofrequency heats the skin deep down using electromagnetic waves. This triggers collagen production, which firms the area between the eyebrows.
This treatment is non-invasive, with no need for injections. It is appreciated for its comfort and progressive durability.
- Number of sessions: 4 to 6 on average
- Visible results: after a few weeks
- Duration of effect: several months
A regular skin care routine helps to maintain skin radiance and slow the appearance of new wrinkles.
Professional aesthetic procedures
Aesthetic injections (botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid)
Aesthetic injections are often the most effective way to reduce frown lines. They offer rapid, visible and long-lasting results. Two main products are used: botulinum toxin (better known as Botox) and hyaluronic acid.
Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the contraction of the muscles responsible for wrinkles. The result: a relaxed forehead, smoother skin and more open eyes. It’s a rapid treatment that lasts an average of 4 to 6 months.
Hyaluronic acid is a gel naturally present in the body. It fills hollows, deeply moisturizes and restores volume. For frown lines, it is often used as a complement to Botox if the wrinkle is already marked at rest.
Here’s how to choose between the two:
- Botox: ideal if the wrinkle only appears when you frown.
- Hyaluronic acid: recommended if wrinkles are visible even when the face is relaxed.
- The two can be combined for an optimal anti-aging effect.
The session lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Results are visible within a few days for Botox, and immediately for hyaluronic acid. No general anaesthetic is required, just a local anaesthetic cream if necessary.
These aesthetic treatments are safe when performed by an experienced professional. At the Entourage clinic in Lausanne, we use high-quality products and precise techniques to guarantee natural, harmonious smoothing.
On average, the effects of Botox last 4 to 6 months. Hyaluronic acid can last up to 12 months. To maintain results, one or two sessions a year are sufficient.
Side effects are rare: slight redness, swelling or bruising. They disappear within a few hours or days. No work stoppage is necessary.
Today, injections are a benchmark solution for the reduction of forehead wrinkles. They deliver visible rejuvenation without surgery, with satisfactory durability.
Screen-related eye strain
The lion’s wrinkle forms between the eyebrows. It is often linked to repeated muscular contractions. One of the most common causes is eyestrain caused by screens.
When we stare at a screen for too long, we frown without realizing it. This repeated movement deepens the skin over time. The result: a vertical wrinkle that looks stern or tired.
Here’s what accentuates this phenomenon:
- Working several hours without a break
- Screen incorrectly positioned (too high or too low)
- Light too bright or too dim
- Don’t wear your glasses if you need them
This visual stress causes the muscles of the forehead to contract. In the long run, this marks the skin. Even in young people.
To limit the effect, take a few simple steps:
- Take a break every 20 minutes (look away for 20 seconds)
- Blink regularly to avoid dryness
- Use a moisturizing serum around the eyes
- Adopt good posture in front of the screen
Certain treatments can also help correct or prevent frown lines:
- Botox injections: block muscle contractions
- Hyaluronic acid: fills wrinkles and restores volume
- Gentle peel: improves texture and radiance
These treatments offer visible wrinkle reduction and a lasting anti-aging effect. They are often combined for greater effectiveness.
At the same time, it’s important to adopt an appropriate cosmetic routine. A good moisturizer, rich in retinol or peptides, helps strengthen the skin. This improves natural smoothing and delays the appearance of deep wrinkles.
