What should you know about forehead stress lines?

Raising or tightening the eyebrows repeatedly folds the skin above the brows. Emotional strain can make people tense facial muscles, but ordinary concentration, surprise, and habitual expression can create the same movement. Over time, reduced skin elasticity means the crease may remain when the forehead is relaxed. These lines belong to the wider group of [Wrinkles](/symptoms/wrinkles/).

The label does not prove that stress is the only cause. A clinician can consider sun exposure, skin texture, brow position, medicines, and other facial changes before recommending care.

Use sunscreen, a hat, and a moisturiser, and avoid harsh exfoliation that leaves the forehead irritated. Relaxation practices may reduce habitual clenching, although they cannot reverse established skin folds by themselves.

For lines linked strongly to forehead movement, a trained injector may discuss [Botox](/treatments/injectables/botulinum-toxin-injection/). The aim is measured reduction of selected muscle activity while preserving natural expression. Suitability depends on anatomy, brow position, health history, and the pattern of movement.

Seek routine review for a forehead change that is painful, itchy, scaly, bleeding, rapidly changing, or associated with a new lump or marked colour change. Get urgent help for sudden facial drooping, weakness, speech difficulty, vision change, or a severe sudden headache. Cosmetic lines that develop gradually can be discussed at a non-urgent appointment.

Ask which muscles create your lines, whether your brow position affects the plan, how much movement should be preserved, what side effects may occur, and when a review would be needed.