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How to Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles & Fine Lines

By Rachel Link, RD, MS

February 13, 2024

As early as your mid-20s, you may start to notice changes in your skin’s texture, especially if you spend lots of time in the sun, smoke cigarettes and/or don’t have a consistent skincare routine. While eventually developing wrinkles and fine lines is inevitable, since they’re a natural byproduct of the aging process, you can definitely keep your skin looking young by taking care of it. 

Want to know how to diminish the appearance of forehead wrinkles and fine lines? In this article, learn about helpful ways to improve the appearance of your skin’s tone and texture, such as with help from supplements, sunscreen and certain skincare ingredients.

What Are Wrinkles Exactly? 

Wrinkles describe lines and creases that form in your skin, especially as you age. They’re most likely to develop around your eyes, forehead, mouth and neck, since these are parts of your face that you use repeatedly when making facial expressions — hence they're called "expression lines." 

When do they first show up? Usually in your late 20s to mid 30s. That being said, even teens can have some “wrinkles” or creases on their face from repeated facial contractions, such as those we make when we’re smiling (hello crow's feet) or blinking. 

Are wrinkles and fine lines the same thing? Do fine lines become wrinkles? No and yes. Fine lines represent the beginning of wrinkles, and they resemble small creases on the skin. While wrinkles are deeper lines in the skin, fine lines are much more shallow.

Causes of Wrinkles and Fine Lines

What actually causes wrinkles and fine lines? Wrinkles form when the skin loses its volume and elasticity, which happens naturally as someone ages. The underlying reasons for these skin changes include a natural loss of collagen in the skin (collagen is a structural protein that makes skin bouncy and firm) and overexposure to free radicals, which takes a toll on skin’s overall resiliency and appearance.

According to dermatologists, key contributing factors to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines include:

• Sun damage (UVA and UVB rays from the sun or tanning beds), which causes changes to skin cells and many signs of accelerated aging, such as forehead wrinkles and dark spots.

• Skin irritants, which can damage collagen in the skin.

• Smoking cigarettes.

• Pollution, such as air pollution and exposure to harsh chemicals that impact the immune system.

• Blue light exposure from electronic devices, which can negatively impact proteins in the skin (as well as the eyes).

• Dryness (such as dry skin during the winter), which reduces skin plumpness and can make lines look deeper.

Common Treatments

Now that you know how fine lines and wrinkles form, you probably want to know, how do you diminish the appearance of forehead wrinkles? (Note: You should always seek out your healthcare professional prior to engaging any of the treatments mentioned.)

A number of expensive and sometimes risky treatments are available to get rid of forehead wrinkles and fine lines, most of which need to be performed in dermatologists’ offices. Unfortunately, most results don’t last very long and need to be repeated frequently to keep signs of aging from coming back. Plus, these treatments aren’t always suitable for sensitive skin, as they can cause negative reactions such as redness, irritation and even eye drooping.

Among the most common treatments for wrinkles and fine lines include:

• Injections such as Botox, which are most often used to get rid of forehead wrinkles and around the eyes.

• Laser resurfacing treatments, which can treat a variety of wrinkles on the face and neck.

• Chemical peels, which cause the skin to renew itself.

Natural Ways to Lessen Wrinkles and Fine Lines

What are other ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles? Let’s take a look at some of possible approaches. Of course, you should always consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen. 

1. Use Collagen Supplements and Bone Broth Protein

Collagen supplements, as well as Bone Broth Protein that provides collagen, can help improve skin elasticity by providing your body with amino acids that help give skin its volume. Your body basically uses collagen, which is a complex protein made from linked amino acids, to build and promote healthy connective tissues, including those in your skin, hair, nails and joints.

Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Protein products, which are made with a proprietary, human clinically studied fermented eggshell membrane collagen, have been shown to improve the appearance of crow's feet (fine lines around the eyes) after four weeks of use and to improve the appearance of skin tone after eight weeks of use.

While all of our Multi Collagen Protein formulas offer impressive benefits for your skin, we recommend trying Multi Collagen Protein Beauty Within if you're specifically looking for help supporting skin elasticity and a generally healthy appearance. This formula is made with 10 types of collagen — including type 1, which is the overall best type of collagen for skin — plus antioxidant-rich botanicals that can further help promote healthy, resilient skin.  

The new Multi Collagen Advanced Hydrate Powder (lemon lime or mixed berry flavor) supplement helps you achieve rapid hydration for your skin and body. Along with other Multi Collagen Protein supplements, human clinical trials show that it can improve appearance of crow’s feet after four weeks. It's 10 types of collagen from 10 food-based sources.

Meanwhile, Ancient Nutrition’s chicken-based Bone Broth Proteins have been shown to cause a significant decrease in the appearance of skin wrinkles after eight weeks of use.

2. Wear Sunscreen

Each day, apply sunscreen to your face with an SPF of 30+. If you’re spending lots of time in direct sunlight, reapply every few hours for the best protection. We recommend using a mineral sunscreen, which sits on top of skin and forms a proactive barrier, rather than chemical sunscreen that is absorbed into your pores.

You might be concerned about getting enough vitamin D if you wear sunblock every day; to get the vitamin D you need, allow sunlight to hit your limbs, chest and back for about 10 to 20 minutes most days, but protect your face to prevent premature signs of aging.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliating the skin helps to promote fibroblasts which repair skin, plus exfoliated skin may absorb other anti-aging products better, including serums and retinol. Try a combination of physical exfoliants, such as scrubs used 1–2 times per week, plus chemical exfoliants, including glycolic acid or lactic acid, which can be used every other day.

4. Moisturize Frequently

Moisturizing your skin helps to trap water in, keeping your skin plump and hydrated. This reduces how noticeable wrinkles and fine lines appear, although hydrating your skin alone is usually not enough to prevent new wrinkles and fine lines from forming.

When choosing a moisturizer for aging skin, look for one with ingredients such as: hyaluronic acid, shea butter, argan oil and marula oil. Avoid irritating products, such as those with alcohol, phytates and fragrances. 

5. Use Retinol

How can you help diminish the appearance of forehead wrinkles and fine lines on your face fast? While it’s not an overnight solution, retinol products (such as Retin-A) are among the well-researched skin care ingredients that have been shown to help fight wrinkles when used consistently.

For retinol products to work, apply them consistently for at least two-plus months, ideally at night since retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Prevention is key for keeping wrinkles at bay, so continue to apply retinol even after you start noticing improvements. 

6. Apply Products with Antioxidants

When it comes to achieving glowy, even skin, for the greatest effects you want to help prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place. Moisturizing is a great idea for all skin types, but you’ll also want to add antioxidants to your skincare routine to help reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles and fine lines.

The best antioxidants and vitamins for skin include: 

• Vitamin C, which helps promote healthy skin cells. Vitamin C serums are often used to help diminish wrinkles under the eyes and dark spots.

• Niacinamide, used to brighten skin and help improve the skin’s barrier.

• Botanicals with inflammation-balancing effects, such as lavender, chamomile, aloe vera, coffeeberry, pomegranate and sea buckthorn.

Other tips for keeping skin looking young:

• Eat a healthy diet, meaning one with plenty of fruits and veggies, vitamin C, antioxidants, healthy fats such as omega-3s, and protein.

• Get enough sleep (7 to 9 hours per night). Consider sleeping on a soft, silk pillowcase which may put less pressure on your skin.

• Manage stress, since chronic stress takes a toll on your body, including your skin.

Wrinkle Myths

It’s not surprising that there are so many misbeliefs about how wrinkles and fine lines form and how to effectively tackle them, considering that many people (especially adult women) go to great lengths to help keep them from being noticeable.

Let’s debunk some common myths about wrinkles and fine lines:

1. False: Wrinkles and fine lines are primarily caused by you smiling and laughing

While repeated facial expressions can contribute to forehead wrinkles and crow's feet forming, it would be impossible (and unattractive!) to stop your face from moving. Showing facial expressions is a key part of communication and connecting with others, so you definitely don’t want to avoid smiling in an attempt to look better. 

2. False: You inherit wrinkles from your parents

Genetics can play a part in the appearance and health of your skin, but even more important is how you protect your skin from damage, such as sun burns, pollution, dehydration, and more.

One physician from Penn State Surgery states, “Up to 90 percent of visible skin changes are a result of damage from the sun, called photo damage.”

3. False: You only need to wear sunscreen when in the sun for a long time

Even small amounts of sun exposure throughout the day add up and can cause changes to your skin’s texture. Therefore, it’s best to wear sunscreen every day, at least on your face, to protect your skin from damaging UV rays.

4. False: Your lifestyle, such as your diet and sleep, don’t contribute to wrinkles and fine lines

While sun damage may be a leading cause of wrinkles and fine lines, other factors play a big role, too, such as your diet, sleep patterns, general health, and use of cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs.