How to Reduce Forehead Wrinkles

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist

Simple, non-invasive ways to smooth forehead lines

Noticing lines across your forehead and wondering what to do about them? You’re not alone.

Woman massaging her forehead to relax expression lines and ease wrinkles

The truth is, forehead wrinkles happen to almost everyone with time—thanks to natural collagen loss, sun exposure, and those everyday expressions we make without even realizing it.

Not everyone wants (or needs) to spend money on spa treatments or injections right away.

The good news? There are plenty of affordable, non-invasive steps you can try at home that can help soften the look of forehead lines and support healthier skin over time.

My testimonial: I never developed deep forehead lines, but had very deep wrinkles on my neck. I tried the remedies on this page, especially the AHA's and massages. Here are my before and after pictures so you can see how effective these treatments are. 😊

Why forehead wrinkles show up

Forehead wrinkles show up for a number of reasons including:

  • Collagen loss with age means the skin loses firmness.
  • Sun exposure speeds up skin thinning and creasing.
  • Facial expressions like frowning or raising eyebrows repeatedly fold the skin in the same spots.

These factors together make forehead lines some of the deepest wrinkles we get.

The main steps

Step 1: Relax your forehead muscles with massage

What’s happening: Tight muscles make forehead lines more noticeable.

How to do it:

  • Use fingertips to gently rub across your forehead in small circles. Apply a cream or face oil for easier glide. 
  •  Want to explore a full routine? See the face lift massage guide — it explains how massage can lift, tone, and refresh the whole face.

Tips:

  • Massage also boosts blood flow, which supports healthier-looking skin. Even a minute or two a day can help your forehead feel less tight.

Try this free video: Carolyn from Facial Fitness demonstrates her “Dancing C’s” massage, a simple technique designed to release forehead tension and help smooth out expression lines.

Video courtesy of Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. If you’d like more exercises beyond this free sample, explore Carolyn’s full program here .

Step 2: Soften the “11” lines between your brows

This Tibetan Slide exercise is part of Carolyn’s 4-Step Wrinkle Releasing & Detacking Technique. It focuses on softening the “11” lines between your brows while also helping to relax tension across the forehead. 

How to do it:

  • Practice short, gentle exercises to relax and retrain the muscles.
  • Aim for just a few minutes, two or three times a week.
  • Keep movements slow and controlled.

Try this free video: Carolyn from Facial Fitness demonstrates an exercise designed to ease tension in the brow area and help soften the look of “11” lines.

Video courtesy of Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Want to go further? Carolyn’s full program has many more routines you can follow .

Step 3: Add skincare ingredients that support collagen

Why: Moisturizers keep skin hydrated, but actives target underlying causes of wrinkles.

Options:

  • Retinols (Vitamin A): Encourage collagen production and cell turnover.
  • Peptides: Support collagen, hydration, and sometimes muscle relaxation.
  • Omega-3 moisturizers: Nourish the skin barrier, lock in hydration, and help calm visible dryness or irritation.
  • Glycolic & lactic acid (AHA): Exfoliates to smooth texture and brighten skin.

Tips:

  • Start retinol slowly (1–2 nights a week) to reduce irritation.
  • Don’t use retinol and glycolic acid on the same night.
  • Look for peptides in creams that also moisturize.

Step 4: Smooth lines overnight with silicone patches

Smiling woman wearing a silicone forehead patch to smooth fine lines and prevent wrinkles

What’s happening: Many people crease their forehead while sleeping. Patches hold the skin flat and help it stay hydrated.

How to do it:

  • Apply to clean skin before bed.
  • Remove in the morning for a temporarily smoother look.

Why people like them: They’re affordable, easy, and can give the forehead a refreshed look by morning. SIO Patches are my favorite.

Step 5: Resurface gently with microdermabrasion

What’s happening: Exfoliating treatments remove dead skin cells, making wrinkles less noticeable.

Options:

Step 6: Protect your results with sunscreen

Sun damage accelerates forehead wrinkles faster than anything else.

How to do it:

Wrap-up

Now you know the main options for softening forehead wrinkles—from relaxing muscles and strengthening with exercise, to adding retinol or peptides, smoothing with silicone patches, resurfacing, and protecting with sunscreen.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about choosing what feels right for you and staying consistent. Small changes practiced regularly can add up to a noticeable difference over time.

👉 Try one or two of these steps this week and pay attention to how your forehead feels.

Comparison chart

Treatment Pros Cons Cost Time
Massage/exercises Free, natural Needs consistency Minimal Weekly
Retinol Supports collagen Possible irritation Affordable Nightly
Peptides Hydration + firmness Results vary Moderate Daily
Glycolic acid Smooths texture Avoid with retinol Affordable Weekly
Silicone patches Overnight smoothing Temporary Affordable Overnight
Microdermabrasion Softens wrinkles Cost varies $–$$$ Monthly
Sunscreen Prevents new damage Daily habit Affordable Daily

Q: Do hats cause forehead wrinkles?

A:  No. Wrinkles are linked to collagen loss, repeated movements, and sun exposure—not hats.

Q: Why do I only see wrinkes when I'm raising my eyebrows?

A:  As skin thins with age, even small movements crease it more easily.

Q: Can I use castor oil for forehead wrinkles?

A: It hydrates and provides antioxidant support, but it won’t erase wrinkles.

Q: Won't Botox help with frown lines?

A: Botox can temporarily relax forehead muscles, making frown lines look smoother. Some people prefer it, but at-home care can also help improve the look and feel of skin.

About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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