Frown lines
Frown lines are vertical or slightly angled creases between the eyebrows, sometimes accompanied by a horizontal line across the bridge of the nose. They deepen when frowning or concentrating and may remain visible when the face is relaxed.
What you may notice
- One or two vertical lines between the brows
- Creases that deepen with concentration
- A horizontal line above the nose
- Asymmetry related to muscle movement
Why it can happen
The corrugator and procerus muscles draw the brows inward and down. Repeated movement, skin ageing, ultraviolet exposure and individual muscle strength shape the pattern. Brow position and natural facial anatomy affect both the appearance and the result of any treatment.
What may help
Sun protection and retinoid-based skincare may help photoaged skin but do not stop strong muscle movement. Muscle-relaxing injections are commonly used for dynamic glabellar lines; resurfacing may help etched surface lines. Precise placement matters because unwanted brow or eyelid drooping can occur. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy.
When to consult
A consultation can assess muscle pattern, brow position and whether lines are dynamic or fixed. Sudden one-sided brow drooping, facial weakness, severe headache or visual symptoms needs prompt medical assessment.
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)
- European Medicines Agency. Updated measures for pregnancy prevention during retinoid use [Internet]. European Medicines Agency; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/updated-measures-pregnancy-prevention-during-retinoid-use (new tab)