Dealing with forehead wrinkles

Forehead lines often become more visible when the frontalis muscle repeatedly lifts the eyebrows. Sun exposure can break down supportive skin proteins, while dryness makes surface lines look sharper. A wrinkle is usually a cosmetic skin change rather than an illness. New or rapidly changing marks, scaling, bleeding or a sore that does not heal are different concerns and deserve an examination.

A clinician can distinguish movement-related lines from broader photoaging. You can read about [Wrinkles](/symptoms/wrinkles/) and [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) for background.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin each morning, reapply when outdoors, and add shade or a hat. Apply a bland moisturiser after cleansing; gentle products are less likely to irritate the area. Avoid scrubbing, tanning and smoking. If expression lines remain troublesome, a qualified clinician may discuss botulinum toxin injections, which temporarily reduce targeted muscle activity, or dermal fillers for selected volume-related grooves. These options need an assessment of anatomy, expectations and risks; they are not interchangeable.

Explore [Botox](/treatments/injectables/botulinum-toxin-injection/) or [Dermal Fillers](/treatments/injectables/dermal-fillers/) before a consultation.

Arrange a dermatology review if a forehead mark changes quickly, crusts, bleeds, becomes painful, or repeatedly returns after healing. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, marked swelling or fever after a cosmetic procedure. Cosmetic lines alone do not require urgent treatment, but an examination can help when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Ask whether your lines are mainly caused by muscle movement, sun damage or volume change; which routine suits your skin; what improvement is realistic; how long any procedure may last; and which warning signs should prompt a review.