Table of Contents
Those pesky, stubborn lines between the eyebrows can be both annoying and also extremely difficult to get rid of. While many choose to go the way of Botox and/or Dysport to paralyze the facial expressions causing those lines, we have some simple at-home (and less expensive!) ways to soften the lines of your brow furrow.
Jump to:
1. Up your hydration
Increasing water intake is one of the least expensive ways to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin dehydrates, and simply increasing our water consumption can nourish and plump our skin from the inside out. Don’t underestimate the power of water.
2. Try gua sha
A trend that is gaining momentum involves a facial tool typically made of jade or quartz. Gua sha utilizes massage techniques for the face, increasing circulation [source] and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Typically, a gua sha tool comes with a guide for application use, but you can learn the proper technique here.
3. Master facial massage
Research has shown the beneficial effects of facial massage on facial appearance [source]. Concentrating massage movements along the furrowed brow can both relax the muscles and increase blood flow to this area. Bringing fresh oxygen feeds and repairs the tissue that has been damaged by repeated frowning, the sun’s rays, or just the aging process. Jojoba oil and olive oil are great choices for gentle massage work.
Place your index finger between your eyebrows and above your nose. In a clockwise motion, make 10 rotations with medium pressure. Take a deep breath and repeat 3 times. This acupressure point helps soften and prevent wrinkles between the eyebrows. Plus, it helps relax your whole face!
4. Apply overnight gel masks
One of the easiest ways to treat a furrowed brow is by applying forehead facial patches designed to hydrate the skin and smooth wrinkles away while you sleep. Delivering intense hydration plumps up these lines and wrinkles. For a DIY version, try this gel eye mask which can also alleviate under eye puffiness.
5. Supplement with aloe vera
A small 2009 study found that taking an aloe vera supplement daily resulted in increased collagen formation and a significant improvement in facial wrinkles [source]. Always check with your healthcare clinician on the correct dosing.
6. Plump lines with a hydrating mask
Superfoods have dense nutrients that work as powerful antioxidants and can drastically reduce the effects of premature aging, including those brow furrow lines. Avocados are one fruit that has these powerhouse nutrients on the inside portion of their peel [source]. Scrape the inside of the avocado skin after the meaty part has been removed, and apply it to the brow wrinkles you are treating. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before removing with warm water.
Here are more hydrating masks to try!
7. Try a tightening mask
Amino acid-rich egg whites tighten skin, while the vitamin C in lemon juice spurs collagen and elastin synthesis [source] for a firmer, smoother complexion.
—1-½ tablespoons brown sugar
—1 egg white
—2 teaspoons lemon juice
Apply to clean, dry skin and rinse after 10 minutes. Repeat once a week.
8. Apply retinoids topically
Easily found over the counter and in a range of prices, topical retinoids speedily turn cells over, revealing fresh new skin cells beneath [source]. Tretinoin is a popular topical choice for treating wrinkles.
9. Protect against UV rays
The most effective weapon against wrinkles is prevention. UV rays from the sun take their toll on skin [source], and stopping the wrinkles before they start should be #1. Wear sunscreen daily, no matter the weather, no matter the season. SPF 30 is the minimum recommended level of sunscreen protection to add to your daily routine. Reapply frequently if you are doing activities in direct sunlight.
10. Rest adequately
Stress and exhaustion can make everything worse and definitely have effects on the face, especially when we scrunch our face! Getting adequate sleep and relaxation is crucial for overall skin health and especially for dealing with signs of aging. You can experiment with essential oil blends for sleep, for example, if you’re having trouble getting enough close eye.
References (in order of appearance):
1. Nielsen A, et al. The effect of gua sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects. Explore (NY). 2007.
2. Okuda I, et al. Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: a preliminary pilot study. Skin Res Technol. 2022.
3. Cho S, et al. Dietary aloe vera supplementation improves facial wrinkles and elasticity and it increases the type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo. Ann Dermatol. 2009.
4. Figueroa JG, et al. Comprehensive identification of bioactive compounds of avocado peel by liquid chromatography coupled to ultra-high-definition accurate-mass Q-TOF. Food Chem. 2018.
5. Pullar JM, et al. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017.
6. Shao Y, et al. Molecular basis of retinol anti-aging properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2017.
7. Rittié L, et al. Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2015.
