We will all, inevitably and possibly at some point soon, begin to notice the signs of aging. It is most important to find peace with this reality, to have gratitude for our youth and the beauty that we can express from the inside out. We give ourselves freedom when we spend less time worrying about it. All of that said, it is natural to resist change in our bodies, especially when it comes to aging.
The lines that people most commonly complain about are the lines that develop between the eyebrows and across the bridge of the nose. Also, known as ‘the elevens’ these lines often form as two or more vertical lines between the eyebrows resembling the number eleven. You can create these lines by furrowing your brow.
How do these lines come to be? There can be some variation in this, depending on your specific, skin, lifestyle behaviors, and even the habits of your expressions. I remember my mother and other adults in my life saying something like “If you don’t stop making that face you’re going to get stuck like that!” Well, perhaps not the goofy faces we were making back then, but they weren’t wrong about expressions getting ‘stuck’ on our faces. Here are some of the ways that we cause these lines to show up on our faces;
Squinting in the sunshine or without corrective lenses
Sun exposure
Focus and concentration, especially on a screen
Unmanaged stress
Upsetting dreams (that’s right, we furrow in our sleep)
Frustration, irritation, anger
We also mimic the expressions of those we are close to or even those we are speaking with
So what can we do about this? How do we prevent these lines or even take them backward when we start to notice their presence? Here are a few of the tested and generally applauded options;
Smile more, it’s really tough to furrow and smile at the same time
Notice your expressions
Wear sunglasses, and on a bright day add a hat
Get your eyes checked
Try sleeping with “Frownies” or other sticker between your eyebrows
Use a silicone wrinkle patch for 1-8 hours a day
Find stress management techniques that work for you
Leave that toxic job or friendship (for more reasons than your furrowed brow)
Stay hydrated, this is a big one, hydration also prevents circles under the eyes
Practice relaxing the muscles of your face
Get regular facials, these can be more relaxing than a full-body massage
Consider upgrading your face care routine, we LOVE Laurel Skincare & carry it in the clinic
Did you know that cosmetic acupuncture can also be a great way to relax the muscles of the face? Small needles placed in the tight, brow-furrowing muscles of the face are a great way to prevent the ongoing habit of furrowing the brow. You can literally feel the tension melting away. It’s also great for headaches across the forehead.
If you are considering Botox or other fillers try these tricks first and see how it goes. You can always try a more intrusive method if you want more drastic results.