As we age, certain things are inevitable – wrinkles being high on that list.
And while some wrinkles are to be celebrated as a sign of a joyful life full of laughter (AKA smile lines that sit happily under your eyes), there are another set of emotion-related wrinkles that we can work to avoid.
Introducing: stress wrinkles, also known as worry or frown lines.
RELATED: Skin care ingredient ‘cica’ is popping up everywhere
RELATED: 5 of the best sheet masks for glowing, supple skin
The by-product of furrowed brows and clenched jaws, these stress-induced lines are most commonly managed with effective injectable treatments like Botox.
However, if injectables aren’t your cup of tea, and living an entirely stress-free life full of zero tension is a little, well, unachievable, there are a few other solutions for softening frown lines and limiting the tension in your jaw and forehead.
1. Meditate
Meditation can come in a million and one different forms. So if sitting in a dark room alone with your thoughts is anything but relaxing, you might find your meditative state in activities like walking, swimming or yoga. The key is to slow down your racing mind, relax your shoulders and let any pent up anger or tension go.
Image credit: @goop
2. Breathe as though you’re blowing up a balloon
We’re talking deep, intentional and present inhales and exhales. When it comes to stress related anxiety, it’s important to gain control over your breath. Try filling your chest for three seconds and exhaling for four.
3. Look at your face
Sit in front of a mirror and study your ‘resting’ face. Some of us naturally furrow our brow without even realising. Consciously unclench your jaw and keep your forehead soft, taking in exactly what this feels like. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to identify when you are clenching and break the habit.
Image credit: @shaninashaik
4. Boost your collagen
Increasing your body’s amount of collagen will help to plump out and soften existing lines.
bh recommends: Kynd Collagen+
Of course, these wellness practices will also provide better results when paired with an effective skin care routine. Here are some superstars we’re currently loving: CEMOY Timekeeper Eye Serum, Elucent Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser SPF 50+, CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Mask
Do you have any tips to prevent worry lines?
Main image credit: @natalieportman
Sending love and big hugs your way xx
5 days a week but only during the school terms. Im looking forward to going back on Monday.
So it’s a special needs school?
Oh yep, it has been school holidays!
I work as a Carer on the Special Needs School Bus so i work a split shift doing the morning and afternoon runs. We pick the kids up at their homes and then get them to school safely and then home again.
If you have a Fitbit (and probably other fitness trackers too) there are meditation exercises on the app, and a two minute breathing exercise on the Fitbit itself.
So sorry to hear this, hugs winging their way to you. Take care of yourself.
Gosh my resting face is what I need to change.
Sending love and hugs Hayley.
I too lost mum 6 years ago and still miss her.my prayers Hayley 644.
That’s amazing!
Sorry to hear. Take care. Thinking of you.
stress is legit the poison for so many things that we deal with everyday. Its a killer for so much in our body and around our body, we just need to tone it down. Its difficult to do with such a crazy busy world now adays…
Not always easy to do but to not judge my appearance and accept me for how I am and appreciate the good that’s in my life.
Meditation is so not my thing. I know it’s valuable, but all I can think about is all the other things I could be doing instead. I do enjoy walking my dog though. It’s the only time I get to switch off my brain for a bit, but still feel productive. Being a busy mother of five, until my kids get older (quieter) meditation to go is a must.
I am terrible at meditation but find music helpful.
Deep breathing and meditation works wonders and I have recently introduced collagen!!
I’ve recently started meditating and I’ve actually found it addicting! I’ve still got a lot of practice but it definitely helps me with stress
I love yoga for de stressing and relaxing.
Some great tips here I personally enjoy the relaxation part of my yoga sessions.
Deep breathing really is relaxing, helps to stress less but I don’t do it often.
So sorry to know this Hayley, sending you love and hugs.
I think having kids helps with wrinkles.
I find myself frowning a lot when I’m concentrating at work which is left me with a nice deep line between my eyebrows. I was considering Botox but I’ve decided to embrace any new wrinkles I get
Reading always helps. Escaping into another fictional world.
Thinking of you. Sending hugs and thoughts of strength.
Look at your face at rest is a good clue. I know I purse my lips which can’t be good
This look like it is worth trying. We all have stress in our lives and we all deal with our stress differently.
good idea
I never have time to do that 🙁
Fingers crossed for you.
Yes you are right! I’ve seen it.
That is so good for you.
I find it so hard.
Unfortunately.
I am sure you look wiser!
It helped me with labour and contractions during child birth so I second that!
That is the best part of a yoga class!
Oh yes for sure!
I haven’t yet but I definitely feel like I could!
That is a really good idea! I should get a bedside lamp so I can read before bed.
A couple of times I fell asleep too!!
hehe funny!
Same here. Time is hard to come by
meditation would be really good to definitely zone out and concentrate on breathing
Okay, thanks
Breathe MGR, breathe! And get rid of that resting stress face.
I’ve got some great frown lines.
I like the quote by Phyllis Diller, “If you don’t have wrinkles, you haven’t laughed enough.”
I just try not to get too stressed by life and it’s situations. Getting enough sleep is important too.
Annabella8400 below marked as SPAM.
Love MindSpace app for meditating!