Frowning is a natural expression of displeasure or frustration, but did you know that it can have lasting effects on your face?
Though it may be impossible to avoid frowning entirely, frequent frowning can lead to some noticeable changes in your facial appearance. Here are four things frowning does to your face:
1. Causes wrinkles
Repeated frowning can lead to the formation of wrinkles, particularly around the forehead and between the eyebrows. These lines, often called frown lines or glabellar lines, are the result of repeated muscle contractions.
Over time, these expressions can cause permanent creases in the skin, making you look older.
2. Tightens facial muscles
Frowning involves the contraction of certain facial muscles, particularly those around the forehead and eyes.
This constant tightening can make your facial muscles tense, potentially leading to discomfort, headaches, and even jaw pain. If frowning becomes a frequent habit, it can give your face a tired or stressed look.
Tightens facial muscles
3. Affects your mood
Interestingly, the act of frowning can influence your emotional state. Studies have shown that facial expressions can impact how you feel.
Constant frowning can trick your brain into thinking you’re unhappy, contributing to a cycle of negative emotions. In contrast, smiling, even when forced, can have the opposite effect, improving your mood.
4. Gives a tired or unapproachable appearance
Frowning often gives off a negative or unapproachable vibe. It can make you appear tired, stressed, or upset, even if you aren’t feeling that way. This expression can affect how others perceive you, potentially creating barriers in social interactions and relationships.
Black man frowning (image used for illustration) [iStock]
While frowning is a normal expression, frequent frowning can have long-term effects on your face, from wrinkles to a more tense appearance.
Being mindful of your facial expressions and taking steps to relax your face can help reduce these effects and maintain a more youthful and approachable look.
