Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Glabellar Rhytids, also known as frown lines, the 11s, worry lines, or forehead furrows, are mainly caused by aging. As we age, our faces start losing their structure and elasticity. Our skin starts sagging, stretching, and thinning. Due to the loss of elasticity and repeated movement of the facial muscles, glabellar rhytids start to form.
Figure 1 – Glabellar rhytids are most commonly seen when frowning the brows inwards but can form to be visible at rest and are a more advanced form of skin wrinkle.
Why Do Glabellar Rhytids Affect Facial Aesthetic?
Glabellar rhytids make people look sad or angry all the time. Frown lines appear when you raise your eyebrows or frown, glabellar rhytids appear. These temporary lines become permanent as we age forming deep vertical lines between the eyebrows that are visible while at rest.
It is one of the first signs of chronic stress and early aging of the face, especially after the thirties.
What Causes Glabellar Rhytids?
Ageing
Ageing is the first cause of glabellar rhytids. As we age, our skin starts losing its ability to produce collagen and elastin. The face loses its elasticity and becomes exposed to sag and stretch.
Facial expressions, especially aggressive facial expressions such as worry and stress, and repeated movement of the facial muscles make glabellar rhytidids worse since they prevent the skin from returning to its original place. (1)
Genetics
If early glabellar rhytidids are common among your family members, you may develop them early. Skin types differ genetically. Some skin types are more prone to fine lines and wrinkles while others can delay the development of these ageing signs. (2)
Sunlight
People who are exposed to the sunlight all the time develop fines lines and wrinkles earlier than others. The Ultraviolet rays (UV) break down the collagen and elastin in the skin and reduce the production of new collagen and elastin. (3)
Repeated Facial Expressions
Your face is more likely to develop glabellar rhytids if you smile, squint, frown, or do any other facial expression too often. The temporary lines turn into permanent lines over time. (4)
Stress
Glabellar rhytids are also known as worry lines. Stress causes facial tension, which leads to the formation of frown lines over time. Stressed people always look worried due to the development of frown lines. (5)
Smoking
The repeated facial expression associated with smoking leads to the development of frown lines around the mouth. Smoking also participates in making glabellar rhytids and other types of wrinkles and fine lines worse because it constricts blood vessels, which means less oxygen and nutrients reaching the face. (6, 7)
How To Prevent Glabellar Rhytids?
Many people think that the only way to get rid of glabellar rhytids is Botox injections. However, there are many things to try first before going for treatments.
A Healthy Diet & Hydration
Eating a healthy diet that contains high amounts of antioxidants is essential for having good skin and fighting inflammations. In addition, hydration helps in relieving tension and defending against wrinkles and fine lines.
Try to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids either by eating omega-3 containing foods or by taking a supplement. (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Sleep Well
Sleeping well is highly recommended for refreshing your entire body, including your skin. Avoid sleeping with your face against the pillow since this sleeping position may contribute to the development of glabellar rhytids over time. (13, 14)
Use Sunscreen & Wear Sunglasses
Try to apply sunscreen on your face daily. Remember that the Ultraviolet rays of the sun are always there.
In addition, wear sunglasses to keep your eyes from squinting and protect the area between and around your eyes. (15, 16, 17)
Moisturize and Exfoliate
People usually ignore the area between their eyes and eyebrows while moisturizing your face. It is recommended to moisturize your face at least 3 times per day.
Also, exfoliate your face three to four times per week using a high-quality exfoliating scrub to remove the dead skin cells. (18, 19)
Figure 1 – (A) Participant 5 and (B) participant 27. Unretouched baseline photographs were taken before treatment; unretouched photographs at months 4 and 20 were taken prior to retreatment with onabotulinumtoxinA. No treatment was given at months 1, 24, and 26.
How to Treat Glabellar Rhytids?
Silicone Pads
Since repeated facial expressions contribute significantly to the development of frown lines, silicone pads are effective in treating them. Make sure that the silicone used is 100% medical.
Silicone pads prevent the area between the eyebrows from making the facial expressions that lead to frown lines. They also hydrate, heal, and fill in the rhytids. People who use silicone pads regularly say that their skin becomes more youthful over time. Find high-quality silicone pads and apply them by pressing on the aging areas. Forehead creases, frown lines, and other aging lines can be treated by silicone pads.
If you have hereditary frown lines, silicone pads can be your best solution. (20, 21)
Retinoids
Retinoids refer to products made mainly of vitamin A. They are among the best topical products that can prevent the appearance and development of anti-aging signs.
Retinoids are proved to enhance the turnover of skin cells and stimulate the production of collagen. Using retinoids regularly will diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines including glabellar rhytidids.
Retinoid products are recommended for people who are looking for a long-term solution for glabellar rhytidids. They take about 3 to 6 months to show results according to the severity of fine lines and wrinkles.
It is recommended to start with low amounts, especially if your skin is sensitive. (22, 23)
Microneedling
Microneedling has been more popular among people who want to rejuvenate your face quickly. The process depends on the use of ultra-fine needles. The needles are inserted in the skin, which triggers skin healing and regenerating new skin cells. The use of Microneedling results in stronger, younger skin. Microneedling can be done at home using a dermal roller but it is highly recommended to visit a dermatologist to assess and evaluate your glabellar rhytids and other aging signs.
The procedure can be uncomfortable. If you are going to use a dermal roller, apply a numbing cream first to soothe any discomfort. (24, 25)
Injectables
Botox, Xeomin, and other injections are used to treat any aging signs including glabellar rhytids. The injection of neurotoxins prevents the overactive muscles from causing wrinkles.
Injectables are the best and most effective way to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. Within a week, your glabellar rhytids will be gone completely. (26, 27)
Figure 2 – Model demonstrating the placement of topical adhesive pads (Frownies;B&P Company Inc, Dayton, Ohio) for the treatment of the glabella (A) and the glabella and the central forehead area (B).
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