Forehead lines
Forehead lines are horizontal creases that appear when the frontalis muscle raises the eyebrows. They may first show only during expression and later remain visible at rest. Some people naturally recruit this muscle to compensate for low brows or heavy upper eyelids.
What you may notice
- Horizontal lines when raising the brows
- Lines remaining when the forehead is relaxed
- Uneven lines linked to asymmetric brow movement
- A habit of lifting the brows to open the eyes
Why it can happen
Repeated frontalis movement is the main mechanical contributor. Age-related changes in collagen and elastin, sun exposure, skin thickness and genetics influence how strongly lines become etched. Brow position and upper-eyelid heaviness matter because weakening the frontalis can lower a brow that relies on it.
What may help
Sun protection and evidence-based skincare may improve overall photoaged texture. Muscle-relaxing injections can reduce dynamic movement, while resurfacing may help finer static lines. Treatment planning should consider brow shape and eyelid position; aggressive forehead relaxation can create heaviness or asymmetry in unsuitable cases.
When to consult
A qualified assessment is useful if lines bother you, especially when you habitually lift your brows or have hooded lids. Seek medical care for sudden brow or eyelid drooping, facial weakness or other neurological symptoms.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Facial lines and wrinkles [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles (new tab)
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing (new tab)
- US Food and Drug Administration. Wrinkle treatments and other anti-aging products [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): FDA; 2024 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/wrinkle-treatments-and-other-anti-aging-products (new tab)