Age lines on the forehead: what to know

The forehead creases when the frontalis muscle lifts the eyebrows. Early lines may appear mainly during expression, then remain visible at rest as the skin gradually loses collagen, elasticity and moisture. Sun exposure can speed this change, while genetics, smoking, repeated squinting and naturally dry skin can influence how noticeable the creases become. These lines are a form of wrinkles and are usually a cosmetic concern rather than an illness.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, shade and a moisturiser can reduce further sun-related damage and make dry lines less prominent. A dermatologist can suggest a retinoid or other topical product after checking skin sensitivity and whether pregnancy is relevant. Botulinum toxin injections relax the muscles that create expression lines; they do not restore lost skin structure, and their effect wears off. Other procedures may target texture or collagen, but the suitable choice depends on skin type, line depth and the result you want.

Choose a licensed, appropriately trained clinician for injections or procedures. Discuss medicines, allergies, previous facial procedures, muscle or nerve conditions, and any tendency to scar or develop pigment changes before treatment.

Arrange a routine skin assessment if a line-like area becomes scaly, crusted, sore, bleeds, changes colour or does not heal, because that change may be a skin lesion rather than a wrinkle. Seek urgent care for sudden facial drooping, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, vision change or a severe new headache. Those symptoms are not expected features of ordinary forehead ageing. After a cosmetic procedure, contact the treating clinician promptly for increasing pain, marked swelling, spreading redness, fever, vision symptoms or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Ask whether your lines are mainly movement-related or visible at rest, which option fits your skin and goals, what improvement is realistic, and how long the effect may last. For a procedure, ask who will perform it, what side effects are relevant to you, what aftercare is needed, and what the plan would be if the outcome is uneven or your brows feel heavy.