Wrinkling between the eyebrows is an aftereffect of expressing various emotions like anger, joy, sorrow, etc. Their onset can be prevented to some extent by regularly using moisturizers, and controlling one’s facial expressions.
Did you know…
People who are more facially expressive will eventually end up with deeper lines between their eyebrows.
Wrinkles in general are caused by the breakdown of underlying elastin and collagen fibers. Unwanted fissures start making their way into the skin around the age of 27, however, some individuals may show it in their teens as well. Genetics, aging, excessive muscle usage, support-fat tissue wasting, UV-ray-induced collagen loss, smoking, environmental factors, injury, etc. can conduce to wrinkles on the face. The loss of collagen and elastin, loss of skin elasticity, and declining levels of hormone estrogen in women, are other factors associated with the aging process that contribute to wrinkles between the eyebrows.
One’s emotions directly affect the mimetic muscles (network of facial muscles) and cause them to respond by forming expressions that dictate the depth, size, shape and position of deep wrinkles. Facial expressions such as frowning and other expressions that cause the skin to wrinkle between the eyebrows, result in the formation of vertical lines between the ages of 20 to 27. Fine lines begin to appear towards the edge of the eyes, but are barely noticeable. However, by the age of 40, the skin loses its elasticity and the smooth lines turn to deep wrinkles between the eyebrows, and other parts of the face.
How are Wrinkles Between the Eyebrows Formed?
Six different muscles that work to pull the eyebrows inward are responsible for the formation of wrinkles between the eyebrows. Wrinkles are formed in a crosswise direction to the direction in which fibers of the muscles run, thereby making an expression form with the contraction of the facial muscle. Frowning or furrowing the eyebrows causes certain muscles to contract that cause deep lines to form between the brows. These muscles in the face are responsible for expressing feelings and emotions like joy, sorrow, anger, agitation, etc. Continuous use of these muscles causes expression wrinkles to appear, which are prominently visible even when the muscles stop working.
There are two types of wrinkles formed between the eyebrows. One is the glabellar type, which is nothing but vertical lines between the eyebrows, caused by the muscles situated between the eyebrows called corrugators. Emotions like anger and frustration are seen to cause these wrinkles. Then, there is the horizontal type, which are wrinkles formed horizontally across the forehead between the eyebrows. This type is known as frontalis.
How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Between the Eyebrows?
The presence of wrinkles between the eyebrows are considered to convey a negative impression, and is treated with disdain. This is why an injection of the type A botulism toxin, known as Botox was developed to combat these unwanted furrows between the brows. This toxin, that’s synthesized in the laboratory, produces a temporary paralysis in the muscle into which it is injected. Corrugator supercilii is the muscle that runs transversely from the bridge of the nose, all the way outwards to the top of the socket. This muscle is the culprit behind those nasty furrows between the brows. The botulism toxin relaxes the underlying corrugator muscles and is an effective treatment option, to reduce wrinkles between the eyes.
Recently, a compound called Argireline (trade name for acetyl hexapeptide 3) was introduced, which mimics some of botulinum toxin’s effects without the use of injections. This is a cream that promises to relax the facial muscles and reduce wrinkles without toxicity. For those who want to try out a more natural way of getting rid of deep wrinkles between eyebrows, there is a simple exercise that can be performed. To get rid of the annoying wrinkles between eyebrows when you are agitated, you just have to lift your eyebrows. Now, adjust the mimetic muscles to get rid of the wrinkles and hold them in this new position for at least 2 minutes. The idea is to replace the frowning (wrinkling emotion) with excitement (de-wrinkling emotion). Therapists believe this alteration of facial muscle expressions can instantaneously alter one’s emotional state of mind and also reduce wrinkles. Microdermabrasion (resurfacing), soft tissue fillers, implantation (brow-lifts), needling, cosmetic surgery, acupressure point massage, etc. are some other methods of getting rid of wrinkles.
How to Prevent Wrinkles between the Eyebrows?
That was all about wrinkle management, but how does one prevent their onset in the first place? Let us have a look at the different things one can do to help slow down the process of wrinkle formation.
Refrain from getting angry or sad too often. Moreover, one should avoid frowning.
Wear sunglasses when you go out in the sun. This will prevent you from squinting and will reduce the number of wrinkle lines formed.
Moreover, apply sunscreen every time you move out into the sun. The ultraviolet rays can damage the collagen fibers of the skin and lead to the formation of wrinkles. Make sure you wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (the higher the SPF protection, the better).
While working on the computer or studying, avoid squinting.
Do not use soap to wash your face or remove makeup, because soap as we all know dries the face, and dry skin is conducive to wrinkle formation.
Apply moisturizers and nourishing creams to keep your skin supple and moist. This will prevent early onset of wrinkles. Applying vitamin E oil on the face will also help nourish the skin and increases the water-holding capacity of the skin.
Drink ample amounts of water. Staying hydrated keeps the skin elasticity at its best.
If you are into the habit of smoking, you might want to reconsider that! This is because smoking weakens the skin cells and results in wrinkle formation.
Taking a multi-vitamin supplement will also keep your skin nourished and healthy.
Try wearing facial patches, which are made from skin-friendly materials. These patches are to be applied on the skin between the eyebrows and work by preventing formation of wrinkles when you go to sleep. This can be also applied on faint wrinkle lines.
One point to be noted is that the above-mentioned preventive measures are only things you can do to keep your skin moisturized and supple. These measures will not prevent onset of wrinkles between the eyebrows, however, they may help in delaying the onset. So don’t get discouraged if after all your efforts, wrinkles still begin to appear. Wrinkles between the eyebrows sneak into your face while you are eating, driving, working, woolgathering, exercising, etc. Every time you feel an emotion, there are chances of new wrinkles being etched onto the face. So keep monitoring your emotions and avoid holding onto an emotion that makes you frown for too long!
Disclaimer: This BeautiSecrets article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
