Many assume that frown lines are caused by frowning too much, but several other facial expressions, including laughing, can also contribute to lines and wrinkles developing on the forehead. However, while a light smattering of crinkles around the eyes or mouth can make it look as though you are living a happy and worthy life, frown lines are rarely flattering, making it completely understandable that many turn to more invasive measures as a way to tackle them.

However, invasive treatments should always be a last resort, especially when there are now so many topical ingredients that can bring about similar results.

Curious about which topical ingredients can instantly reduce the visibility of your frown lines?

Here are the fast-acting superstars to look into:

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

You probably already know that peptides are crucial when it comes to the health and appearance of your skin. Peptides are what your skin uses to build protein fibers, such as collagen and elastin – the two proteins that give your skin its firmness and elasticity.

However, while most peptides are capable of effectively minimizing fine lines and wrinkles over time, acetyl hexapeptide-8 works a little differently…

This ingredient is often referred to as Botox in a jar, because this peptide is made from some of the same proteins that are used in the popular Botox injections. As a result, acetyl hexapeptide-8 has very similar results, although not quite at the same level of intensity as Botox.

How does it work?

When applied topically, acetyl hexapeptide-8 relaxes the muscles in the face, therefore smoothing away any expression lines, including those on your forehead. The results are pretty much instantaneous, although long-term use can make the effects even better – studies have found that after the ingredient has been used for 30 days, subjects experienced a 30% reduction in wrinkles.

Woman applying serum to hand

DMAE

DMAE is short for dimethylaminoethanol tartrate, and has long since been used as a medication to treat age-related cognitive decline, as well as memory loss. While it has been proven to be extremely effective in enhancing brain health, recent studies have found that DMAE can have some truly transformational effects on the skin too, when applied topically.

What exactly does DMAE do to the skin?

It acts in a similar way to a temporary filler, plumping up the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While its immediate effects may be temporary, research has found that regular use of DMAE results in a noticeable reduction in forehead lines and wrinkles, with this effect continuing on even after the subjects stopped using the ingredient.

In addition to using DMAE to minimize frown lines, this ingredient has also been successful at:

  • Tightening sagging skin on the neck
  • Fading dark circles under the eyes
  • Improving lip shape and fullness

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is really having its moment in skin care – so many products are now incorporating this ingredient into their formulas, and for good reason too!

Hyaluronic acid is one of the industry’s most powerful humectants, which means that it works by drawing in water molecules from the air and then holding on to them, releasing them to skin cells as needed. In fact, research shows that hyaluronic acid is capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water, meaning that just a small dose of the ingredient will bring about a noticeable plumping effect in the skin.

Applying hyaluronic acid to your frown lines will help to plump up those creases, making your forehead look much smoother and firmer overall.

Now, ideally, if you really want to erase those frown lines, you should look for a product that contains all three of the above-mentioned ingredients:

  • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
  • DMAE
  • Hyaluronic Acid

This is why the OROGOLD 24K Rose Gold IV Filler Concentrate was developed – it contains those three ingredients, plus a few extra vitamins and botanical extracts to help minimize those lines even further in the long run.

OROGOLD Rose Gold Syringe with rose petals

Caffeine

You probably already know that a steaming cup of coffee is a great way to perk your mind and body up in the mornings, and this is all down to its caffeine content. Well, when used topically on the skin, caffeine has similar effects…

It works by constricting the blood vessels that lie underneath your skin, which then gives the skin an instantly tighter and smoother appearance. Caffeine also acts as an anti-inflammatory, minimizing any puffiness or redness that you may also be experiencing.

As an added bonus, caffeine is also a powerful antioxidant. This means that it is capable of neutralizing the free radicals that would have otherwise caused irreparable damage to the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin, therefore helping your skin to retain its firmness and elasticity in the long run.

Glycolic Acid

Exfoliation is a great way to instantly transform your appearance. Not only will this make your skin look instantly brighter and clearer, but it can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Of course, this does all depend on the actual exfoliant you choose…

There are many options out there, but these can usually all be categorized as one of the following:

  • Physical exfoliants – these contain abrasive particles that physically scrub dead skin cells off the skin
  • Chemical exfoliants – these make use of an acid to dissolve away dead skin cells

You are probably thinking…

What does exfoliation have to do with frown lines?

Well, if you opt for glycolic acid as your exfoliant of choice, which counts as a chemical exfoliant, this can have quite the impact on your frown lines. The way in which glycolic acid sheds away the outer layer of skin cells immediately reveals a softer, smoother and more radiant complexion. Fine lines and wrinkles, including those on your forehead, will look less noticeable too.

In the long term, regular use of glycolic acid will help to stimulate collagen production, giving your skin a much firmer and tighter look.

Woman using cotton pad on face

Alpha Lipoic Acid

First and foremost, alpha lipoic acid is an extremely potent antioxidant, and not just when it comes to the skin. This ingredient has been used to treat everything from diabetes and Alzheimer’s to heart disease and cancer, all because of the way in which it effectively neutralizes free radicals.

When it comes to the effects that alpha lipoic acid has on the skin…

Many compare it to the likes of vitamins C and E, with the main difference being that alpha lipoic acid is much stronger. It is able to prevent the chemical reactions in the body that lead to the formation of wrinkles, while its soothing anti-inflammatory properties help to keep the skin looking smooth and even.

Can’t find a good skin care product that contains alpha lipoic acid?

It could be that the ingredient is being listed under one of its other names, which include:

  • ALA
  • Thioctic acid
  • Lipoic acid

Just make sure that the product you choose does not contain alpha lipoic acid in a concentration higher than 5%.

Why?

Because 5% is just about all your skin can handle – any more than this and you will likely experience a stinging or burning sensation every time you use the ingredient.

Algae Extract

There aren’t many botanical extracts featured on this list, and that is because, although botanical extracts are exceptionally powerful, they usually take a little longer to work, stimulating significant changes in the skin over a few months.

This is what sets algae extract apart from the rest…

Algae, of which there are so many varieties, grows in water, and has done so for billions of years now. Over that time, algae has developed in unique ways, slowly evolving to be able to protect themselves from an array of environmental damage, including UV radiation, pollution and more.

In addition to all of that, the fibers within the algae plant are filled with water, making the extract itself extremely moisture-rich too. This makes algae extract incredibly hydrating, with these hydrating effects taking place as soon as the extract touches your skin.

As you can imagine, providing all of this extra moisture to your skin cells immediately plumps them up, therefore making any lines or wrinkles less visible, similar to the instant effect that hyaluronic acid has.

When it comes to the long-term benefits of algae, its protective qualities can make a huge difference to the skin, since environmental damage is one of the key factors that plays into skin aging.

To treat your skin to a weekly dose of algae extract, give the OROGOLD 24K Collagen Pre-Mask a try. This unique formula, which is infused with algae extract, begins as a gel, before melting into an oil and then transforming into a milky foam, not only treating your skin to the anti-wrinkle benefits of algae, but also preparing it to receive maximum benefits from any face mask you use next.

Mica

Haven’t heard of mica before?

Don’t worry, not many have! After all, this isn’t an ingredient that you will often see being mentioned in relation to anti-aging skin care.

The term mica actually refers to a group of silicate minerals, which are ground up into a fine powder. Since these minerals have a natural shimmer to them, the powder does too, which is why mica is sometimes called nature’s glitter.

However, rather than an obvious glitter effect, mica gives the skin a bright but subtle shimmer when applied topically. It has quite an illuminating effect, giving the skin an instant glow. This immediately makes any fine lines and wrinkles much less noticeable, thanks to the way in which the skin will now reflect light away.

LED Light Therapy

Ok, so LED light therapy isn’t technically an ingredient, it’s actually a treatment, but this has been proven to be one of the best ways to eliminate frown lines, as well as any other fine lines and wrinkles you may be dealing with.

How does it work?

You need an LED light therapy device, and there are now so many at-home versions available, such as the Jelessi Torche V2+, which you can purchase through OROGOLD. These devices emit LED lights in different colors, which signify different wavelengths of light. These penetrate into the skin at varying depths, each wavelength triggering its own set of changes.

Infographic showing LED light therapy wavelengths

When it comes to minimizing forehead lines, you need a device that makes use of red LEDs, since this is the wavelength that targets the epidermis, along with the cells responsible for collagen production. By stimulating these cells, production increases, therefore giving your skin a smoother and firmer look and feel.

Of course, collagen production does not happen overnight. It usually takes around 90 days for your skin to produce new collagen fibers. However, each time you use the device, it will boost your circulation, which will immediately give your skin a fuller and brighter look, making those frown lines much less visible.

Wondering what the other LED light colors do for the skin?

It’s always good to look into this, since many devices offer multiple modes:

  • Blue LED – great for treating acne, since this wavelength is able to destroy any acne-causing bacteria on and in the skin
  • Purple LED – this combines blue and red, making it a wavelength capable of boosting circulation, minimizing inflammation, treating acne and eliminating toxins from the skin
  • Yellow – helps to regulate sensitive skin by stimulating the lymphatic system and encouraging the drainage of toxins. Yellow LED also has a tightening and firming effect on the skin
  • Green – effective at reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, thanks to the way in which it inhibits the production of excess melanin

Investing in a quality at-home LED skin care device may seem like a lot, but you do need to use it regularly for optimum results, and prices for these treatments at a clinic will soon add up.

Invasive treatments are not your only option when it comes to getting rid of those frown lines. Before turning to those, give the ingredients and techniques on this list a try first – the results may just surprise you!