How To Treat 11 Lines: 4 Proven Methods

If you're not quite sure what 11 lines are, open your front camera or look in a mirror while furrowing your brow. “11 lines” are the vertical lines that appear just below the forehead between the eyebrows, and with skin aging, these lines stick around even when you're not intentionally trying to make them appear. 

11 lines are one of many signs of skin aging that appear around the forehead area, and like other signs of skin aging, they can be addressed with the right products and treatments. Let's talk about these forehead wrinkles, including what exactly causes them to form as well as our expert tips for visibly smoothing them.

What Are 11 Lines?

11 lines (also known medically as glabellar lines) are those vertical creases that form between your eyebrows. They get their name because they typically appear as two parallel lines resembling the number "11." These lines are among the first visible signs of aging that many people notice, often beginning to appear in their late 20s or early 30s.

There are two types of wrinkles to understand:

• Dynamic wrinkles: These appear only when you make facial expressions (like frowning)

• Static wrinkles: These remain visible even when your face is completely relaxed

Initially, 11 lines start as dynamic wrinkles, appearing only when you make certain expressions. However, with repeated movement over time, these lines can become etched into your skin as static wrinkles that remain visible even when your face is at rest.

The 11 lines develop specifically because of the action of two muscle groups:

• The procerus muscle, which runs from the bridge of the nose to the center of the forehead

• The corrugator supercilii muscles, which pull the eyebrows inward and down when frowning

When these muscles contract during expressions of concentration, frustration, or focus, they create the characteristic vertical furrowing between the brows.

11 lines, also known as glabellar lines, are the vertical lines that form between the eyebrows. These lines develop because of repeated facial expressions, skin aging, and environmental influences.

Facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, or concentrating cause the muscles between the eyebrows to contract, leading to the formation of these lines over time. Each time you make these expressions, the skin folds in the same place because of the specific muscle contraction taking place, eventually creating permanent fine lines where the skin creases.

Additionally, as we age, the skin naturally loses its elasticity and collagen, which are responsible for its flexibility and structure. The loss of structural support in the skin means that it doesn't bounce back as easily, allowing lines to become more pronounced. This makes skin more susceptible to the formation of lines and wrinkles, especially in areas where a lot of muscle movement takes place, such as the forehead (11 lines) and the edges of the eyes (crow's feet).

Finally, environmental factors like sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet can accelerate skin aging. Both UV rays from the sun as well as the chemicals in cigarettes break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, often leading to the early development of wrinkles as a sign of declining skin health.

How To Get Rid Of 11 Lines Naturally

Before turning to more intensive treatments, many people prefer to start with natural remedies for 11 lines. These approaches can be particularly effective for mild to moderate lines and are excellent preventative measures:

Daily Skincare Habits

• Proper hydration: Drink plenty of water and consider supplements with omega-3 fatty acids to support skin hydration from within

• Sun protection: Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily, even on cloudy days, and wear sunglasses to prevent squinting

• Moisturize regularly: Apply moisturizer to your entire face (including between your eyebrows) at least 3x daily

• Exfoliate 2x weekly: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and promote renewal

Effective Home Remedies

• Egg white mask: Put raw egg whites on your frown lines, let it dry for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water. It can make your skin feel tighter for a little while."

• Nourishing face mask: Mix yogurt with honey, lemon juice, and the liquid from a vitamin E capsule(as this is beneficial for skin health); apply for 10 minutes

• Natural oils: Massage coconut oil or sweet almond oil into your frown lines before bedtime

• Flaxseed: Incorporate flaxseed into your diet for its omega-3 benefits (can be added to salads, smoothies, or yogurt)

Facial Massage Techniques

Facial massage is exceptionally effective for treating 11 lines naturally. Try this simple 1-minute routine:

1. Begin by gently tapping between your eyebrows for 20-30 seconds to release tension in the procerus muscle

2. Use your thumb to perform light flicking motions in the area for another 20 seconds to boost circulation

3. Place your index finger between your eyebrows and make small circular motions for 20 seconds while taking deep breaths

4. Finish by gently smoothing the area upward and outward

Performing this massage daily can help relax the muscles that cause 11 lines and improve blood circulation to the area.

With a breadth of products on the market targeting wrinkles, it can be hard to know what actually works. Below are four proven methods that can help visibly reduce the appearance of these wrinkles, including both invasive and non-invasive options. 

From advanced skincare technologies to choosing the right ingredients, here are some of the most effective ways to address 11 lines:

Red Light Therapy is a powerful, non-invasive method for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including 11 lines. This effective treatment works by stimulating collagen production, which helps to visibly smooth out the skin and diminish the visibility of lines wherever treatment is applied.

For 11 lines specifically, we recommend the Eye Recovery Pro Mask. This advanced device harnesses the benefits of Red Light, Amber Light, Near-Infrared Light, and Deep Red Light Therapy to target the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles including 11s and crow's feet, while also depuffing the under eye area and brightening the appearance of dark circles.

Red Light Therapy is gentle enough to be added into your regular skincare routine after cleansing and before applying your other products. With FDA clearance and a treatment time of just 3 minutes, the Eye Recovery Pro Mask is an easy, safe, science-backed method to target 11 lines and give your skincare routine a professional-grade boost!

A neuromodulator is a substance that alters nerve activity by inhibiting or stimulating specific neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help send messages), thereby affecting muscle contractions and various physiological processes.

Botox® injections are a popular neuromodulator treatment option for smoothing out the appearance of 11 lines. By temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for these lines, Botox® can effectively reduce their visibility, resulting in a smoother, firmer look.

Dermal fillers are another in-clinic option for treating 11 lines. These injectable treatments work by adding volume beneath the skin (typically via the injection of a type of hyaluronic acid), filling in lines and wrinkles to create a smoother complexion. Fillers can provide immediate results and can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used.

While both Botox® and dermal fillers can be effective solutions, it's important to consider some of the potential drawbacks. The cost of these treatment options can be quite high, making them less accessible for those on a budget. Additionally, the effects of Botox® are temporary, requiring regular maintenance sessions to sustain the results—typically 3-6 months between treatments for most individuals. Dermal fillers also require periodic touch-ups to maintain their effects. Recovery time, although minimal, can also be a factor for those with busy schedules.

For individuals seeking a more convenient and cost-effective alternative, exploring other methods such as Red Light Therapy or topical treatments may provide similar benefits without the need for frequent in-clinic visits. Always consult with a licensed skincare professional such as a dermatologist or esthetician for advice on getting these types of treatments.

Topical treatments can be a valuable tool in addressing 11 lines, especially those with intentional anti-aging ingredients like retinoids and peptides. Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, help to promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production,  improving skin texture. Peptides, on the other hand, are short chains of amino acids that support the skin's natural repair process, promoting skin firmness and elasticity.

In addition to retinoids and peptides, incorporating products with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants into your skincare routine can provide notable benefits. Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains moisture, visually plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E, help protect the skin from environmental damage while also supporting overall skin health.

For a comprehensive approach to skincare, try the Glowing Skin Starter Set, which includes hydrating and nourishing ingredients for each step of your routine. This set is designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, avocado peptides, and probiotics, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce the appearance of 11 lines by achieving an overall healthier-looking, glowing complexion!

Facial Massage and exercises are excellent methods for reducing the appearance of 11 lines by relaxing the facial muscles and improving skin tone.

Regularly massaging your face can help to increase blood circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and release tension in the muscles, which can soften the appearance of existing lines and wrinkles while also helping with the prevention of future wrinkles.

One effective tool for incorporating Facial Massage into your routine is the 4-in-1 Skincare Wand. This innovative device combines Red Light Therapy, Therapeutic Warmth, Galvanic Current, and Facial Massage to provide a comprehensive skincare tool that helps to rejuvenate, restore, and refresh your skin.

In addition to massage, simple facial exercises can help strengthen and tone the muscles around the eyebrows, reducing the prominence of 11 lines. Exercises such as gently pressing your fingertips against your eyebrows and lifting them while resisting with your fingers can help build muscle strength and improve skin elasticity.

Botox For 11 Lines In 30s

Many people in their 30s are now turning to what's called "preventative Botox" or "Baby Botox" to address early signs of aging before they become more pronounced. This treatment approach involves using smaller amounts of Botox to soften muscle movement without completely freezing facial expressions.

For 11 lines in your 30s, the treatment typically requires:

• 10-15 units for mild lines (those that appear only when making expressions)

• 15-25 units for moderate lines (beginning to show at rest)

• 25-30 units for severe lines (clearly visible at rest)

The benefits of starting Botox in your 30s include:

• Preventing dynamic wrinkles from becoming static (permanent)

• Requiring less product than waiting until lines are deeply etched

• Training facial muscles to relax, potentially extending time between treatments

• More natural-looking results with preventative approach

Most dermatologists agree that the early 30s can be an ideal time to begin Botox treatments for those concerned about 11 lines, as this is when collagen production naturally begins to slow, making skin more prone to wrinkling. 

Red Light Therapy, topical treatments, Facial Massage, and exercises are all proven methods of addressing forehead wrinkles, including 11 lines, and they can all fit into a regular skincare routine. In addition to these methods, maintain a consistent skincare regimen that uses nourishing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated. Don't forget the importance of sun protection, either; daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF is essential to prevent further signs of skin aging caused by UV ray damage.

11 lines aren't the only wrinkles Red Light Therapy can help with! Take our Skin Quiz here for personalized recommendations on which devices can help boost your skincare routine with professional-grade results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can you massage away 11 lines?

While massage alone can't completely eliminate deep 11 lines, consistent facial massage can significantly reduce their appearance by releasing muscle tension and improving circulation. The technique works by relaxing the procerus and corrugator muscles that cause these lines to form, while also stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the area. 

For best results, perform targeted massage for 1-2 minutes daily, focusing on gentle tapping, circular motions, and upward strokes between the eyebrows. When combined with other treatments like red light therapy for face benefits, massage becomes even more effective at softening these lines over time.

Q. How much does Botox for 11 lines cost?

Botox for 11 lines typically costs between $200-$300 per treatment. The price varies based on several factors: geographic location (higher in major cities), provider expertise (board-certified dermatologists generally charge more than nurse injectors), and the number of units needed. 

Most providers charge $10-$15 per unit in smaller cities and $15-$30 per unit in larger metropolitan areas. For 11 lines, patients typically need 10-30 units depending on the severity of the lines and desired results. Remember that treatments need to be repeated every 3-4 months to maintain results, making this an ongoing investment compared to one-time purchases like red light therapy at home devices.

Q. Do frownies actually work?

Yes, Frownies can be effective for reducing the appearance of 11 lines, especially when used consistently over time. These facial patches work by physically holding the skin flat and preventing muscle movement while you sleep, essentially "training" the facial muscles to relax. Multiple users report visible improvements in their before and after photos, particularly for expression lines like 11s. 

While some people find them slightly uncomfortable at first, most adjust quickly to wearing them. Frownies are most effective as a preventative measure or for mild to moderate lines, and work best when combined with other treatments like moisturizers, facial massage, and red light therapy benefits for skin.

Q. What are the 11 lines for?

11 lines serve a functional purpose in human expression, appearing when we concentrate, focus intensely, or express emotions like concern, confusion, anger, or frustration. These lines form when the procerus muscle (which runs from the nose bridge to forehead) and corrugator supercilii muscles contract during these emotional expressions. From an evolutionary perspective, these muscle movements help communicate our feelings to others through facial expressions. 

While these expressions are a natural part of human communication, the repeated muscle contractions over time can lead to permanent lines. Modern skincare innovations like red light benefits and facial massage can help minimize these lines while still allowing for natural expression.

Sources: 

1. Frown Lines - Oregon Medical Research
2. Neuromodulations - American Society of Dermatologic Surgery 
3. Hyaluronic Acid (Injection Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic 
4. Retinoid or retinol? 

Disclaimer: Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan.