Oh, forehead wrinkles. Even if you’re amongst the least vain of people, they’re still a concern, as they make you look angry and frustrated. And if you are somewhat vain, well, they’re a nightmare! – aging, visible, hard to disguise.
Forehead wrinkles can occur at any age, and they are caused by the same factors that cause any other kind of wrinkle: Â predominantly cumulative UV damage, but also overuse from expression, and to a smaller extent, non-UV environmental factors and genetics. Â Lifestyle also plays a role: Â for instance, smokers almost always have more wrinkles, due primarily to increased collagen breakdown from increased metalloproteinase activity (The Lancet, 2001). Â There are both horizontal lines and vertical lines (“the elevens”), but both can be cleverly disguised:
Skin Care: Collagen-Stimulating Antioxidants by Day, Retinoids by Night
By day, I love using certain antioxidants that are proven not only to stimulate collagen (removing wrinkles and improving firmness over time), but also enhancing your sunscreen protection. Some of my favorite proven UV protection-stimulating antioxidants are vitamins C and E, Coffeeberry, and green tea. My favorite products containing some of these ingredients are Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (vitamins C and E) and RevaleSkin Intensive Recovery Treatment (with 1.5% coffeeberry).
Retinoids are prescribed by dermatologists more than any other agent for treating fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, and other signs of aging. Retinoids are effective in preventing and treating the collagen loss caused by photodamage, as UV exposure decreases the skin’s natural production of collagen with 24 hours, but treatment of the skin with all-trans retinoic acid prevents the loss of these types of collagen synthesis (Archives of Dermatology, 2002). In addition, the same study proved topical retinoids can inhibit the induction of matrix metalloproteinase genes, which are also responsible for collagen degradation. The gold standard is prescription retinoids, of course, but my favorite over-the-counter retinol creams include Green Cream Level 6, with 0.6% retinol; Skinceuticals 1.0, with 1.0% retinol; Topix Replenix 10x, with approximately 1.0% retinol (exact concentration not listed) and antioxidant green tea; and Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM, with 1.5% retinol. Keep in mind that first-time retinol users should start with low doses of retinol every 2-3 days and gradually work up to nightly use, as initial retinol use is associated with redness and irritation.
Cosmetics: 6 Steps from Bobbi Brown!
As Bobbi Brown tells Glamour beauty editor Andrea Pomerantz Lustig in the September 2011 issue of Glamour magazine:
1. Double-moisturize – dry skin emphasizes lines. [FutureDerm.com note: I like Estee Lauder Day Wear SPF 15 as a light moisturizer that wears well under make-up.]
2. Apply a serum or lightweight moisturizer. [FutureDerm.com note: I suggest Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator as a daytime serum under cosmetics.]
3. Wait 5 minutes.
4. Layer a thicker product on top. [FutureDerm.com note: When I tried this trick, I applied Estee Lauder Day Wear SPF 15 again.]
5. Try a light-coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer on your forehead, even if you use a heavier one on the rest of your face. [FutureDerm.com note: I love Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation.]
6. Deflect attention from forehead wrinkles even further by playing up a feature you love – full lips, high cheekbones, beautiful eyes!
Bottom Line
Don’t make forehead wrinkles turn into a headache for you: Â see a dermatologist; use antioxidants, sunscreen, and retinoids religiously; and try the fun make-up tips above.
Other Posts You May Enjoy
- Friendly Fridays Q&A: Â What is the Best OTC Retinol Treatment in 2011?
- Super Excited about the New Revale Skin Intense Recovery Complex!
- Daily Question: Â What are the Best Sunscreens?Â
- What Real Dermatologists – and I – Use on Our Skin
- Product Review: Â Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation
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