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.
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.
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
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 |
A:
No. Wrinkles are linked to collagen loss, repeated movements, and sun exposure—not hats.
A:
As skin thins with age, even small movements crease it more easily.
A:
It hydrates and provides antioxidant support, but it won’t erase wrinkles.
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.
Before you go ….
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