Frown Lines: What Causes Them and What Your Options Are

Frown lines are the vertical lines between the eyebrows, sometimes called ”11s”. They come from a mix of repeated facial expression, sun damage and natural skin ageing, with genetics and habits playing a part. There’s plenty you can do yourself to protect your skin. Some skin treatments can improve texture and fine lines. Other options can only be discussed at a consultation with a registered health practitioner.

What causes frown lines

• Expression. Every time you frown, concentrate or squint, the muscles between your brows pull the skin together. When you’re younger, the skin springs back. Over years of repetition, a crease can start to remain even when your face is relaxed.
• Sun exposure. UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and springy. Sun-damaged skin creases more readily and recovers less well. Adelaide’s high UV levels make this a significant factor.
• Skin ageing. With age, skin makes less collagen, gets thinner and holds less moisture, so lines become more noticeable.
• Habits. Squinting at screens or in bright light, uncorrected vision, sleeping face-down and smoking can all add to frown lines.
• Genetics. Some people are simply more expressive or have skin that shows lines earlier.

For more on the skin science, see why facial lines form.

What you can do yourself

• Daily sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on your face every day. Reapply it when you’re outdoors, and add a hat. Cancer Council Australia recommends sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above.
• Sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard cuts down on squinting outdoors.
• Get your eyes checked. If you find yourself squinting at screens or text, an eye test may help.
• Skincare. A consistent routine with a mild cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen supports the skin barrier. Some over-the-counter ingredients, such as vitamin A derivatives (retinol), are used for fine lines. Introduce them slowly and ask a pharmacist or practitioner if you’re unsure. Some medical treatments your GP or dermatologist may discuss aren’t available over the counter.
• Sleep and lifestyle. Not smoking, getting enough sleep and noticing when you’re frowning from stress or concentration can all help over time.

These steps won’t erase existing lines, but they protect your skin and can slow further change.

Skin treatments that may help

The following treatments work on the skin’s surface and texture. They don’t change how your facial muscles move, so they tend to suit fine lines and overall skin quality better than deep creases. Results vary between people.

• Chemical peels. A peel solution removes the outer layers of skin to improve texture, tone and fine lines. Light peels have less recovery; deeper peels can do more but need longer to heal and carry more risk. They may not suit some skin types or people prone to pigmentation.
• Skin needling. Fine needles create controlled micro-channels in the skin to prompt collagen production. It’s often done as a course of several sessions, and your practitioner will advise. Redness and sensitivity afterwards are common. It isn’t suitable over active acne or skin infection.
• Laser and light treatments. Fractional laser resurfacing can improve texture and fine lines. Recovery varies with the type and intensity of treatment. Risks include pigment changes, particularly in darker skin types.

Every treatment carries risks. Recovery varies; your practitioner will explain what to expect.

Options only discussed at consultation

Some options for frown lines can only be discussed at a consultation with an appropriately qualified, registered health practitioner. They’ll look at whether your lines appear only when you frown or also when your face is at rest, check your medical history, and explain which options may suit you, along with the risks, costs and alternatives, including doing nothing. Our guide to the Lines & Wrinkles Consultation explains what to expect.

Risks and suitability

All cosmetic procedures carry risks, and no treatment can promise a particular result. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active skin conditions or take certain medicines may not be suitable for some treatments. Cosmetic consultations are for adults aged 18 and over.

Before you book

• Check the practitioner on the Ahpra public register. See our registration-check guide.
• Ask what type of registration they hold
• Ask about all options, including skin care and not having treatment
• Get costs in writing
• Take time to decide

Request a consultation

Tell us what you’d like to discuss and we’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours to arrange a no-obligation consultation. Requesting a consultation is free and there’s no obligation; any consultation fee is confirmed before you book.

Request a consultation

See also: what to expect at a lines and wrinkles consultation, lines or volume loss: which concern is it?.

Frequently asked questions

What causes frown lines?

Frown lines form between the eyebrows from repeated frowning and squinting, combined with sun damage and the natural loss of collagen and elasticity with age. Genetics, smoking and habits such as squinting at screens also contribute.

Can I prevent frown lines?

You can reduce the contributing factors. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, sunglasses, a hat, an up-to-date eye test, not smoking and a consistent skincare routine all help protect your skin over time.

Do skin treatments help frown lines?

Chemical peels, skin needling and some laser treatments can improve skin texture and fine lines. They work on the skin surface rather than on facial movement, so results vary and are often modest for deeper lines. A practitioner can tell you what's realistic.

What other options are there?

Some options can only be discussed at a consultation with a registered health practitioner, who will explain what may suit you, the risks, the costs and the alternatives, including doing nothing.