It is natural for your skin to become dryer, thinner, less supple and more damage-prone as you age. Medical News Today notes that one of the key factors in the development of fine lines and wrinkles is the exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is therefore not surprising that one of the first places to develop wrinkles is on areas of the face like the forehead. There are treatments that can reduce the appearance of these wrinkles.
Topical Retinoids
If your forehead wrinkles are slight then topical retinoid creams, on prescription from your doctor, are an option. Tretinoin, sold commercially as Retin-A, is often the weapon of choice. The University of Maryland notes that Retin-A is a collagen stimulator. Increasing collagen production in the skin leads to the creation of new, less-wrinkled, skin cells. Six months of treatment, applying twice a day, will normally reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox
Westside Aesthetics notes that Botox is very effective at treating forehead wrinkles, caused primarily by repeated facial expressions. Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, which is produced by botulism-inducing bacteria. In small injectable doses, Botox paralyzes the muscles into relaxation, thus smoothing out the wrinkles in that area. It will stay in the muscle for three to four months before being excreted.
Collagen Inducing
According to MayoClinic.com, there are a number of wrinkle treatments that induce collagen production via wounding the skin. Heated lasers, chemical peels and dermabrasion treatments all remove the epidermal layers, or surface layers, of skin. This wounding shocks the body into collagen production to create fresh skin cells. The removal of this layer also reduces the superficial appearance of the fine line or wrinkle.
Ineffective
According to MayoClinic.com, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, does not put cosmetic skin care lotions, the types available in drug and departmental stores, through rigorous testing. Therefore, cosmetics companies' claims of wrinkle-reducing effectiveness are unproven. MayoClinic.com maintains that these products are unlikely to make any noticeable difference to the skin but could help temporarily mask the appearance of fine lines.
Considerations
Westside Aesthetics notes that in the hands of highly trained and experienced operatives, Botox should not cause any adverse side effects but warns against having the procedure done at shopping malls or beauty spas. MayoClinic.com notes that topical retinoids can cause skin reddening and irritation as well as increased sensitivity to sunlight. Wounding procedures can also cause irritation and soreness. If you have forehead wrinkles that you find bothersome, speak with your health care provider for further advice.
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