forehead wrinkles, lines, and dry skin?

by sunitha
(Tempe ,Arizona, USA)

Hi I'm 36 and I have combination skin and the skin on my forehead is very dry and I have wrinkles on my forehead I would like some tips and remedies?

Hi Sunitha,

Thanks for your email regarding dry skin and wrinkles on the forehead.

The first tip I would highly suggest is to start performing facial exercises. Now is a great time because you're still young and don't have too much damage yet. I started when I was 39 and even though I didn't do it consistently - I do think it has made a big difference in how my skin looks now that I'm in my 50s.

And it can help slow the development of droopy jowls and neck....which really becomes noticeable in our late 40s, early 50s. Remember, looking older is not just about wrinkles. Sagging jowls and neck can really age your face.

It only takes 15 minutes about 2 or 3 times a week. Older women should do it at least 4-5 times a week. And, you can do them in bed!

In fact, the instructional CD recommends you do them lying down for the most effect.

I think it's the gravity pull which helps lift everything in the face and neck. And, the best part is many of the muscles in the face are connected to each other, so while you're working one muscle/area, your actually pulling a few others along with it and they get a work out too.

You can read more here:
facial exercises/video and free samples.

The other things to do are hydrate and moisturize the dry areas of your face. Before you do this, make sure you get rid of dry dead skin cells which can not only exaggerate those lines, but prevent deep penetration of any moisturizer you use.

You can get rid of dry dead cells and smooth the skin with a homemade scrubbing mask. There are a lot of different ways to make one, but my favorite and simplest is sugar- olive oil scrub.

Take a ¼ cup of olive oil and add just enough sugar to make a paste. Then lightly massage this paste all over your face, neck, and chest. It feels Wonderful! Then rinse well.

You can also apply a couple tablespoons of honey after you rinse and let that sit for a few minutes. Honey is a natural humectant and will help draw moisture to the skin. Rinse well and then apply your favorite moisturizer.

Since we're heading into the dry winter months and you live in Arizona, you might find this tip helpful to combat the naturally dry climate in your area.

Another tip to even out skin tone and help dissolve pore clogging dead cells, is to use a glycolic/lactic acid type serum a few times a month. You can read more about fruit acids and renewing serums here.

They're sort of like a very mild micropeel and can help polish your complexion and even-out dry/oily spots. Just make sure to follow the directions, don't overdo it and always use a good sunscreen.

Finally, I know this sounds so cliché, but don't forget to make sure you drink enough fluids – it really does make a difference in your complexion and eat some good fats daily…..like olive oil, flaxseed oil, or fish oil.

Whether you add the flaxseeds to your protein shake/yogurt, or pore some olive oil on your salads, or take fish oil supplements they can really make a difference.

These essential fatty acids become your skin's best friend as you start heading into your early 40's and especially when you get near menopause…………..dry skin conditions and wrinkles only get worse during menopause :-(

I hope I was able to provide some helpful tips for your skin concerns. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Linda