Deborah Tosline wrote and published “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skin care is based on a scientific background, love of research and over 30 years of DIY skincare experience.

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I hope that you are doing well under these increasingly uncertain times. Please try to stay safe against the many obstacles that abound.

There is something to maintaining normalcy in chaos, so let’s take a frivolous trip into Do-It-Yourself skin care.

Over the past two-ish years I’ve worked to naturally smooth my forehead. It began when I decided to grow my hair “bangs” out at the age of 59. What a surprise to see my forehead every time I looked in the mirror after a lifetime of thick hair coverage.  Previously hidden were well-worn forehead lines from decades of continuous expression. I was unwilling to invest the time, money and chemicals required to artificially treat and maintain a smooth forehead and decided to use natural methods instead. 

I developed a natural forehead smoothing strategy, consistently follow the strategy and tweak it over time as it evolves based on experience and observations. Note that I am not conducting a scientific study based on evidence and measurements but instead I present anecdotal results based on personal observations over the past two-ish years. 

Strategy:

·      Relax and release forehead and scalp muscles 

·      Strengthen the forehead and scalp muscles

·      Smooth the forehead skin, fascia and muscles

·      Remodel forehead skin

·      Remodel facial bone

For background, read the first forehead smoothing article that I wrote in March 2018 here.

The subsequent article was published in March 2019, view it here. 

My initial strategy was partly based on Sanford Bennett’s (1841-1926) recommendations for soft tissue massage; Mr. Bennett remodeled his entire body. My current strategy includes skin and soft tissue remodeling using a variety of practices and tools, bone remodeling exercises, mindfulness methods to release forehead tension throughout the day, and use of facial pads to smooth the skin, fascia and muscles. 

Before I get into the discussion, let’s review static and dynamic facial lines. Static facial lines are those that are present on facial skin when no expression is made. Static lines are scars in the skin that form over time based on repetitive facial expressions, overall health and the health of the facial skin, fascia, muscle, and bone. Dynamic facial lines occur while making a facial expression and disappear when the expression is no longer made. Over time, dynamic lines may become static lines.

After focusing on DIY forehead remodeling practices over the past two years, today at age 61, I can see and feel that the appearance of my static forehead lines has diminished and that my forehead skin is smoother and firmer/tighter.

Check out the anecdotal results in my informal photographs taken over time. These personal photos may not be professional but they provide examples of my progress and a basis for discussion. I know that my forehead skin feels tighter because I’ve regularly massaged my forehead by pinching the skin and rolling it between my thumb and pointer finger for over 20 years. Today, I can hardly grab my forehead skin to roll it for a massage as a result of the forehead remodeling work. It’s not perfect; I do not seek perfection, just a little graceful aging.

The results of my forehead remodeling efforts are significant enough to prompt me to begin a new effort to tighten and strengthen the skin, fascia, muscles and bone of my chin/neck.

Facial remodeling may, over time, improve the health of atrophied soft tissue and bone and promote healthy collagen and elastin production. Scientific evidence shows that when facial skin is moderately agitated, circulation and biochemical activities increase to support skin processes. 

I continue to think that the mindfulness portion of the forehead remodel requires the most effort. Many folks do not lift their eyebrows or furrow their brow when they talk or think and for folks who do, it is learned behavior. A lifetime habit unknowingly becomes an unconscious muscle response that leaves the forehead muscle in constant contraction and not in a good muscle building way. Releasing this muscle tension, improves the health of the forehead muscle and I found it to relieve tension in general. Relaxing the forehead is simple but not easy. It is meditative, so bonus, forehead smoothing with enlightenment potential!

Based on my observations, I think that constant contraction of the forehead muscle makes the muscle lax and also results in scars in the fascia and muscle that translate into the overlying skin. My evidence is based on scraping a massage tool like a Gua Sha over my forehead, the tool drops into the indentations in the tissue beneath the superficial facial line. As I smooth the tissue beneath the skin over time using massage and trigger point therapy, the facial line diminishes as well.

Consistent facial massage increases skin circulation. It also allows you to feel and memorize the condition of your skin and soft tissue and an opportunity to notice changes. Through massage, I noticed that forehead remodeling resulted in tighter skin. These results indicate to me that we have a noticeable level of control over facial skin and soft tissue health using natural DIY methods over time. 

Bone Remodeling - Deborah Crawley is a leader in facial muscle and bone heath and she has been advanced beyond her time for decades. Ms. Crawley published Flex Effect (not affiliated) in which she presents evidence to show that facial bones atrophy over time. This atrophy changes the facial profile and impacts skin, fascia and muscles. Ms. Crawley provides exercises to maintain facial skeletal health. During my forehead remodeling, I noticed that the focused effort of using massage tools on the forehead furrow line between the eyebrows made the underlying bone feel more pronounced. It is not noticeable. This is evidence to me that facial bone remodeling is possible. 

The worst thing that one can do for their facial skin is to do nothing. 

The body is smart. As the brain scans the body for maintenance needs, if there are no problems, no need for cell regeneration, the body turns its focus to other maintenance needs. Something as simple as a massage can increase circulation and promote cellular activity. Advanced skin care often results in micro-injuries. These teeny tiny injuries trigger a biochemical healing cascade to repair and regenerate.

It is vital to regularly work with your facial skin and bone via facial exercises, facial massage, trigger point therapy, bone remodeling and/or advanced skin care practices to encourage cell turnover and promote collagen and elastin production for healthy skin.

When using facial remodeling techniques, to experience a good cellular and skin/soft tissue response a foundation of good personal health is required.

These are the tools and procedures that I currently use for the forehead remodel:

Massage Tools - Index Knobber II, Gua Sha and the FaceBlaster are terrific tools to use to release fascia and muscle tension, massage soft tissue and help to “feel” conditions beneath the skin. I continue to use these tools to relax and smooth facial fascia and muscles.

Sanford Bennett’s wrinkle rubout – this helpful practice is great for releasing tension and remodeling the fascia. The method is easy and costs nothing but a little bit of time.

Facial Trigger Point Therapy – this is key to releasing forehead tension. Lay on the floor and press the face into a small ball; use the ball to find sore spots on the face, head, neck and jaw and gently release tension by pressing into the ball. 

Frownies – use these nightly to prohibit muscle contraction during sleep to train the forehead muscles to relax. Wear while teleworking if you can.

Silk scarf – tie a silk scarf firmly to the forehead during the day to retrain fascia and muscles to relax and temporarily smooth the forehead. Silk imparts proteins to the skin, cotton may be drying to the skin. I avoid non-natural fabrics.

Tripolar STOP radiofrequency device – I wish that I had more time to use this! I may leave it out and try to use 10 minutes/day but I don’t like clutter, frivolous dilemma.

Derminator mechanical microneedling device - for me, this is the best tool to remodel and rejuvenate the skin. The single needle cartridge is used within a facial line to promote collagen production. A 12-needle cartridge covers larger areas. I’ve done 4 to 6 deep micro-needling facials per year over the past decade, this is my go-to skin remodeling technique.

Facial Massage – this is an easy practice to increase blood and lymph circulation and to release muscle tension and to promote smooth muscles. 

Flex Effect –resistance facial exercises increase circulation 10 times bringing oxygen and nutrients into facial muscles and skin. The program also includes bone rejuvenation techniques to reduce bone loss and friction massage techniques to remodel the skin. This is a powerful practice.

Vitamins A and C – I no longer have a reliable source for Retin A and need to convert to a DIY retinol treatment until I can identify a new Retin A source. If you have a good source please let me know in the comments. I continue to apply a DIY vitamin C serum most mornings. Topical application of vitamins A and C support collagen production and are basic requirements for skin rejuvenation.

Aloe Vera – I adore Aloe Vera and continue to grow a crowded pot of plants. I use it during and after micro-needling treatments, most days, and this year I made an aloe vera DIY cream. I have a new and improved storage method, now I store multiple cut leaves in a 1-quart mason jar (could use a vase or glass). This storage method collects leaf resin and the leaf arrangement looks pretty. To use, I cut a two-inch piece, cut off the thorny edges, open it up and smear the gel over my eyes and entire face and neck. After it dries, I apply a cream or oil like raw organic Avocado Oil. Aloe Vera gel is healing and promotes collagen and elastin production. You may find fresh Aloe Vera leaves in the produce section or bottled products on the shelves of your local grocery or health food store.

Silicone mask – I adore this reusable silicone face mask. After applying a facial mask of your choice (I apply fresh Aloe Vera gel) place the silicone mask over it to keep the Aloe Vera and skin moist. It also temporarily smoothes the skin.

Near Infrared and Red lights – I’ve used these lights for over a decade. I built a Near Infrared light spa about 3 years ago and I use it weekly.

Mindfulness. For me, the key to smoothing the forehead is to relax and retrain the forehead fascia and muscles. To do this, I have to be conscious of my forehead tension at all times. Of course, I cannot do that yet, but I work towards it. Making expressions while talking is acceptable, holding those expressions while I work or do other things is unnecessary. This practice ended up being meditative for me. Releasing forehead tension provides a calm feeling.

After two years, I deem my forehead remodeling efforts a success for me. I will continue with my strategy to maintain and try to develop a new routine to include chin and neck remodeling practices, just a bit here and there.

If you need more information, go to the library, search the Internet, read my past Blog articles, or get my book “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” 

Take good care of yourselves!

XO Deborah

This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.