Angry

While you might feel perfectly fine or okay on the inside, your facial expressions on the outside might tell a different story. This is especially true when they are accompanied by lines, wrinkles, and folds. Certain types of facial lines and wrinkles can alter your expressions and make you look angry or upset even when your face is at rest.

The Angry 11s

Frown lines or the two vertical lines that form between the eyebrows are the main culprit for looking angry. These lines, which are also referred to as angry 11s, can make you look mad or annoyed even when you’re not. Frown lines usually appear when you frown, squint, think, or move your forehead muscles.

Constantly making such expressions overuses the facial muscles and eventually leaves a wrinkle or a crease. This is the reason why you may have frown lines or forehead wrinkles etched in your skin even when you’re not moving your face. They then give off an impression of anger or frustration.

Apart from repetitive movements, other factors can also contribute to the formation of frown lines. These include:

• Sun exposure – UV rays can cause you to squint your eyes that might eventually lead to lines and wrinkles. Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure also contributes to premature skin aging.
• Smoking – This habit impairs blood flow, which therefore reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the skin. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin, as well as accelerates the formation of wrinkles and the aging process.
• Stress – This triggers the release of cortisol or stress hormones, which are known to break down collagen and elastin. It can then lead to lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffy eyes.
• Natural aging process – Wrinkles are bound to appear due to aging or as the skin naturally loses its elasticity. Collagen and elastin production also declines with age, making the skin more prone to lines and creases.

The Angry Resting Face

Yes, the angry resting face is real. You or someone you know may have this face if:

• You’re constantly getting ask if something is wrong even when you feel okay
• People ask if you’re mad or angry even when you’re not
• Someone has commented you look tired or angry even if you feel perfectly fine

The angry 11s are the main culprit, but they can also be accompanied by other lines on the face. Along with the frown lines, these wrinkles can give your face an angry, tired, or annoyed appearance:

• Horizontal lines on the forehead
• Lines or drooping effect on the corners of the mouth
• Crow’s feet or wrinkles on the corner of the eyes

How can we help?

No creams or topical products can completely eliminate your angry 11s and other wrinkles. Cosmetic procedures are often recommended to relax the muscles responsible for those facial expressions. Neuromodulators are commonly used to improve the appearance of those lines and smooth the skin’s surface.

Your individualized treatment plan, depending on various factors such as your acceptable social downtime, your expected time frame and budget, will be explained in detail during your consultation with our Harvard trained Medical Director, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez