Erase the Eleven: Face Yoga Routines for Frown Lines and Forehead Wrinkles

Those pesky lines between your eyebrows, often called the "eleven" and horizontal forehead wrinkles, can be a stubborn sign of stress, deep thought, or simply aging. A natural, zero-cost alternative is gaining popularity: Face Yoga.

Just like you train your body muscles, you can train and relax your facial muscles to smooth out those worry lines. Ready to put your best face forward? Here are effective Face Yoga routines targeting frown lines and forehead wrinkles.

What Causes the "Eleven" and Forehead Wrinkles?

Before we start, it helps to know the enemy!

• Frown Lines (The Eleven): These vertical lines are caused by the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles. Repeatedly squinting, frowning, or concentrating causes these muscles to contract, eventually etching the lines into the skin.

• Forehead Wrinkles: These horizontal lines are primarily caused by the frontalis muscle, which we use when raising our eyebrows. This movement is often repeated unconsciously (like when expressing surprise or trying to see better), leading to creases.

Part 1: Targeting the "Eleven" Frown Lines

These exercises focus on releasing tension in the muscles between and above the eyebrows.

1. The Frown Smoother (Pressure Point Release)

This technique helps to relax the overactive muscles causing the vertical lines.

• How to do it:

1. Make a C-shape with both hands. Place your index fingers just above the eyebrows and your thumbs slightly below the eyebrows.

2. Gently pinch and hold the skin and underlying muscle between your index fingers and thumbs at the start of your brow (above your tear ducts).

3. Hold this pressure for 10 seconds, feeling the tension release.

4. Repeat this gentle squeeze and hold 3 times.

2. The Brow Iron

This move mechanically stretches and smooths the area.

• How to do it:

1. Place your index and middle fingers of both hands together, forming a flat line.

2. Place your fingers vertically between your eyebrows, centered on the "eleven."

3. Gently press firmly and then slowly glide your fingers horizontally out toward your temples. This smooths out the furrow.

4. Repeat the outward glide 10-15 times.

Part 2: Smoothing Forehead Wrinkles

These routines work to strengthen other muscles and relax the overused frontalis muscle.

3. The Frontalis Freeze-Out

This exercise helps train you to raise your eyebrows using your finger resistance instead of your forehead muscles.

• How to do it:

1. Place your palms flat over your entire forehead, just above your eyebrows.

2. Gently apply light, steady pressure with your palms to hold the forehead skin taut and still.

3. While keeping your palms pressed down, slowly try to raise your eyebrows as if you were surprised. You should feel resistance in your hands.

4. Hold the raised eyebrow position against the resistance for 5 seconds.

5. Relax and repeat 10 times.

4. The Eyebrow Lift

This move stretches the forehead and strengthens the muscles around the eyes, which can take over some of the work from the frontalis.

• How to do it:

1. Place your index fingers horizontally just above your eyebrows.

2. Gently pull the skin downward toward your eyes.

3. While applying this downward pressure, try to push your eyebrows up against your resistance.

4. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax and repeat 10-12 times.

Pro Tips for Maximum Results & Added Support

Consistency is key! Aim to practice your routine for 10 minutes a day.