Forehead Lines: How to Soften Them With Skincare

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You can soften the look of forehead lines with skincare, but you cannot erase them completely. The most effective approach combines deep hydration (which plumps fine lines), peptides and vitamin A at night for smoother-looking skin over time, and daily SPF50+ to prevent further sun-related damage. Deep, fixed lines from years of expression usually need an in-clinic conversation with a dermatologist.

Here is what causes forehead lines, what skincare can realistically do, and a simple routine to follow.

What causes forehead lines?

Horizontal forehead lines form mainly because of the muscle that raises your eyebrows. Every time you look surprised, concentrate or squint into bright sun, the skin folds in the same place. Over time those folds become etched in. Other factors add up:

• Sun exposure. UV is one of the biggest contributors to visible skin ageing, and in Australia the forehead cops a lot of it.
• Dehydration. Dry or dehydrated skin makes fine lines look deeper, especially in air conditioning.
• Natural ageing. Skin gradually loses collagen and elasticity.
• Habits. Squinting without sunglasses, frowning at screens and sleeping positions all play a part.

Dynamic vs static lines

It helps to know which kind you have:

• Dynamic lines only show when you move your face. Hydration, sunscreen and consistent skincare can help keep them from settling in.
• Static lines remain when your face is relaxed. Skincare can soften how they look, but if they bother you, a dermatologist can talk you through in-clinic options.

The skincare that helps

1. Hydrate to plump

The fastest visible change usually comes from hydration. Well-hydrated skin reflects light more evenly and fine lines look less obvious.

The Medicube Hyaluronic Multi Peptide Serum combines high-purity hyaluronic acid with peptides and PDRN for watery plumping. Medicube reports a 39.9% improvement in skin moisture within seconds and hydration that lasts up to 144 hours in its own testing. It has a non-sticky texture that sits well under sunscreen.

2. Add peptides for firmness

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are popular in firming skincare. They are generally gentle, which makes them easy to use morning and night alongside other products.

The COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum contains six types of peptides with niacinamide and panthenol. COSRX designed it to firm and smooth skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and prep skin so the products that follow absorb better. It suits all skin types, especially ageing and dull skin.

3. Use vitamin A at night

Retinoids (retinol and retinal) are among the most studied ingredients for the look of fine lines and texture. Use them at night, start two or three evenings a week and build up gradually. The Celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is a popular starting point: it pairs retinal with calming panthenol, and Celimax recommends it for night use only. Using vitamin A through summer? Read our guide to using retinol in summer once it is live.

4. Seal with a supportive moisturiser

A good cream locks in your hydrating layers and keeps skin supple. The medicube Collagen Jelly Cream is a bouncy jelly-gel cream with hydrolysed collagen, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B12. Medicube says it plumps the look of fine lines and improves elasticity, and its lightweight, non-sticky texture works for most skin types. The brand also suggests applying a generous layer at night as a sleeping mask.

5. Protect with SPF every day

Daily sunscreen is the most important anti-ageing step, full stop. Apply SPF50+ every morning and reapply when you are outdoors. The forehead is easy to miss along the hairline, so take it right up to your roots.

A sun stick makes forehead reapplication quick, even over makeup. The Mary & May Vegan Peptide Bakuchiol Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ combines sun protection with bakuchiol, peptides and tocopherol, and has a silky texture with sebum-absorbing powder, so it stays comfortable on a warm day.

A simple forehead-lines routine

Morning

1. Gentle cleanse
2. Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid or peptides)
3. Moisturiser
4. SPF50+, reapplied outdoors with a sun stick

Evening

1. Double cleanse
2. Retinoid on two to three nights a week (peptide serum on other nights)
3. Moisturiser

Everyday habits that help

• Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Less squinting, less UV.
• Notice your expressions. Many of us raise our brows while reading screens. Increasing text size can help.
• Stay consistent. Most skincare takes several weeks of regular use before you notice a difference.
• Do not neglect your neck. See our guide to caring for neck lines.

Curious about peptide serums nicknamed "botox in a bottle"? Our explainer on what peptide serums can and can't do sets realistic expectations. You can also browse our Korean serums and retinal skincare collections.

FAQ

Can skincare get rid of forehead lines?

Skincare can soften their appearance, especially fine and dynamic lines, but it cannot stop the muscle movement that creates them. For deep static lines, speak with a dermatologist about in-clinic options.

At what age do forehead lines start?

It varies a lot with genetics, sun exposure and expression habits. Some people notice them in their twenties, others much later. Daily sunscreen is the best preventative habit at any age.

Are peptides or retinol better for forehead lines?

They do different jobs and work well together. Many people use peptides in the morning and a retinoid a few nights a week.

How long until I see results?

Hydration can make lines look softer almost straight away. Changes from retinoids and peptides usually take weeks to months of consistent use.