Help for the Elevens - Forehead Frown Lines and Wrinkles Between Your Eyebrows

You’re worried about getting forehead frown lines. You’ve got them already. Or you are blissfully unaware of their existence. We’re talking about the elevens, the vertical creases that appear between the brows looking a lot like the number they’re named for. Not everyone will get them, but for those who do, getting rid of them can become a minor obsession.

In medical terminology, the elevens are glabellar lines, so named for the glabella space in the forehead between the eyebrows. Repetitive motion creates creases in the skin that tend to show up around age thirty, though they can begin to appear as early as your teens.  

Genetics and environmental factors like sun exposure play a significant role in your glabellar condition, but much of it comes down to the intensity of your facial expressions. When you’re young, your skin has more elasticity, but as you age collagen and elasticity decrease and the lines can become more visible.

Like most skin issues, prevention is always easier than correction. Start before the issue becomes an issue by following a preemptive skin care routine with ingredients to support and promote collagen and elastin production and prevent the free radical damage that leads to collagen loss. Your skin care regimen should include acids for exfoliation and cell regeneration and vitamin A (retinoids) to accelerate cell turnover and spur new collagen growth. Derm-A Renew is a vitamin A therapy formulated to do all that.

The most important weapon in your anti-elevens skin care arsenal is a peptide serum like Vivant’s Rejuv Rx. Use this super concentrated formula to plump and fill creases like Botox without the needle. Collagen-boosting, deeply hydrating, and intensely nourishing, Rejuv Rx is also excellent for firming the neck and décolletage.

And as always, sun protection is a must. Use sunscreen daily. Our lightweight Day Treatment Lotion SPF 15 delivers moisture and UV protection without being greasy. Always wear sunglasses, both to protect the area from sun exposure and also to keep from squinting. Ditto a hat.

Boost your regimen with a weekly mask to tighten and firm the skin.

If you’re already past ten on the glabellar scale, you are ready for a more intensive treatments including a ProPeel® done by your aesthetician. The ProPeel removes the top layers of skin including cellular buildup and impactions and stimulates new collagen while increasing the level of hyaluronic acid in the dermis.

Acids, retinoids, and peptides are still your go-to ingredients, just in stronger formulations. Pair regenerative Exfol-A with peptide-rich Rejuv Rx for maximum rejuvenation.

You could also try microneedling also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT). It can be done at home with a small roller device, or by a skin care professional. The difference is in the length of the needles. The home device will not work as deeply as what a professional can provide. In either case, the point is to introduce micro-injury to the skin, which prompts your body to send collagen to the epidermis to repair the skin. The process also enhances the absorption of corrective serums.

For deep creases, a botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) like Botox or Dysport is often recommended in conjunction with a filler like Juvederm or Restylane. Additionally, the muscles underlying the glabella are among the larger muscles treated with BoNTA and may require higher doses than other facial sites. Men typically have a greater glabellar muscle mass than women. Remember that this is a temporary solution. Botox usually lasts 6 to 9 months so you’ll need a regular top up. Rejuv Rx helps extend the effects of Botox for a longer period of time. If you choose the injectable route, make sure to go to an experienced professional.

Finally, avoid repetitive facial expressions as much as possible. Take note of your sleeping position and avoid pressing the side of your forehead against the pillow. Facial massage to increase circulation and relax the muscles can also be helpful. As always, get good sleep and hydrate.