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Frown lines are aging, but fortunately you can dramatically reduce their appearance or even eliminate them without visiting a doctor or submitting to Botox injections. Botox is an effective and safe way to reduce and eliminate wrinkles, but many people are concerned about injecting toxins into their skin. Others choose to look for less-expensive alternatives to Botox first. Stepping up your skin care regimen is an easy way to improve the look of your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of patience after you change your skin care regimen. It may take several months to see results.

Moisturize. Apply a moisturizer in the morning and a thicker cream at night. Drink plenty of water and juice and reduce your consumption of caffeine, which can act as a diuretic. Well-moisturized skin is plump and smooth. Skin that is dehydrated shows more frown lines and doesn’t have the luminescent look of younger skin. Moisturize your skin internally and externally.

Use a microdermabrasion kit. Microdermabrasion kits exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells, which reveals younger, smoother-looking skin. Follow the directions on the package, and watch for signs of irritation, such as redness or a feeling of tightness in the skin. These kits are available at drugstores and are very effective at exfoliating the skin. This brightens the face and reduces the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles.

Apply sun block. Sun block protects the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Sun damage leads to wrinkles and gives the skin a dehydrated appearance, emphasizing the look of existing wrinkles. If you choose a moisturizer with retinoid, or use a microdermabrason kit, it is doubly important to use sunscreen, as both of these increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. For convenience, choose a moisturizer with sunscreen for everyday use. During times of extended sun exposure, choose a separate sun block with ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone or zinc oxide for added protection.

Switch pillowcases. The hours you spend sleeping can affect the look of your skin as well. Satin pillowcases are smoother than cotton and reduce both the temporary and permanent lines you may develop if you sleep on your side or stomach.

Supplement with vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish, are wonderful for the skin, keeping it plump, which reduces the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles. If you normally eat less than two servings of fish each week, consider adding a fish oil supplement to your diet. A quality multivitamin can provide your body with needed vitamins and antioxidants that prevent damage from free radicals and increase the skin's production of collagen. Look for a multivitamin rich in the antioxidant nutrients vitamin C, E and A.

Tip

Treat your skin gently. When applying cream or washing, use the pads of your fingers and gentle pressure. Vigorous scrubbing can irritate skin and increase the appearance of wrinkles.