Mommy what’s that funny band-aid on your head? Six year old daughter.
Look Mommy! I have a sticker on my forehead too, just like you! Four year old daughter with organic fruit sticker she peeled off an apple (not that she actually ate the apple) and stuck to her forehead.
And last but not least?
What the &$(& is that #@*^ on your face? Darling husband.
These are the ”inquiries” my Frownies experiment has generated over the past couple of weeks from my family. Gotta love them.
So overall, at the end of week two, I am still not sure the Frownies Experiment will be successful at eliminating my forehead line. For the record, here is the offending line.
Not very deep yet, thankfully, but certainly visible and unwelcome. Especially after a day wearing makeup, and yes, I have tried different kinds to see if one certain brand/formula makes it look better than others; the answer is no. I like to take a proactive approach to most things in my life, including healthcare and especially aging. If I can stop this line in its tracks before it gets worse, or actually make it go away safely and naturally, then I am all for it.
Lessons learned in week two:
OK so week one the first lesson I learned is that Frownies are very easy to apply but not so easy (or comfortable) to remove. I experimented with wetting them to loosen the adhesive, but still felt some discomfort and had redness after removing it. I experimented with jojoba oil, which loosened the edges easily, but could not saturate the whole Frownie.
So the only method I used that successfully and most comfortably removed the Frownie was to take very warm water (which you are not usually supposed to use on your face; tepid is best), soak a sponge or washcloth, and hold it onto the Frownie until it is completely saturated (kind of like applying a temporary tattoo). It will then slide right off and not leave red or irritated skin. The adhesive does leave my skin quite dry though, so I apply my serums and moisturizers immediately after removing the Frownie.
Lesson 2 has to do with the actual application technique. The Frownies website tells you to apply them with the perforation parallel (horizontal like the line on my forehead) to the line like this.
This was not effective for me. I actually achieved more dramatic results that lasted longer throughout the day by applying the Frownie with the perforation perpendicular to the line (perforation vertical, on top of the horizontal line on my forehead). And believe it not, there is a mathematical theory behind this.
And what is that Frownie theory?
You may not know this, but I have a degree in Architectural Studies; meaning that I took many math, science, and structural engineering classes. In one of the basic engineering classes, we learned about building trusses and why they are one of the sturdiest and most effective structural supports. Trusses are 3-D structures that hold up expanses like roofs, floors, and even some bridges, and are made of a series of triangles.
The reason why trusses are so effective is because the triangle design creates both a very rigid structure and one that transfers the load from a single point to a considerably wider area along the diagonals. So by placing the perforated line of the Frownie perpendicular to the horizontal line on my forehead; this creates a diagonal, which adds tension to the areas above and below the line on my forehead, helping to flatten it out. So the Frownie, in a sense becomes a truss to the horizontal expanse that is my line (indicated in red).
If my engineering professor could only see me now. Here is how the line looks after applying and removing the Frownie as per the method described above. These pictures have not been airbrushed or Photoshopped in any way…
Not bad, right? Pretty impressive, in fact. Unfortunately, the line will be back in a few hours; but maybe after more time passes I will have longer lasting results. So onward to week three!
Frownies are great, but prevention is better!
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14 thoughts on “Frownies Experiment Update: Week Two”
l have been using frownies for four years now, and they have stopped me from getting any deep frowns and l am the worst frowner in the world.
You have to stick with it for a couple of weeks every night and then you start to notice how and when you are frowning adn you learn how to control it. I don’t have lines but l have frown “bumps” instead, which can only be treated by botox.
However, if you just have a fine line or two make sure you exfoliate once a week do regular lotion masks (check out Chizu Saeki – the Japanese skin care revolution)and try to stop frowning when you speak.
I used to frown a lot when l was talking, and now l don’t thanks to using these little patches. Rip them off! Man up. It’s hardly a band aid now is it? I splash my face in the morning, rip it off and then splash again making sure the adhesive is off.
HOpe that is of help to you.
Take care
Man up?! You’re funny. When you rip any strong adhesive off of the skin you are removing several layers of the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis). These cells play a crucial part in the skin’s ability to protect itself, and the body from bacteria, viruses, environmental pollutants, UV rays and other yucky stuff. When you remove them, the skin is more susceptible to attack. This is why people who get microdermabrasion or peels have to be especially conscientious about sun protection for several days following the procedure. It is also why some people get little break outs or even cold sores after waxing. Since the adhesive in Frownies is water soluble, it is much better for the skin to make sure it is completely moistened before removal. This helps keep the skin’s protective barrier intact. Thanks for your comment!
I have some small lines on my forehead and smile lines as well. I want to try these but not sure if they are going to work. How long before I see a change if I wear them every night?
Hi Heather! It’s different for everyone…how soon you see results depends on lots of other factors. I saw results rather quickly, but I know others who saw them after a month or so. Good luck and keep us posted!
How safe do you believe this are? I adore my frownies (I think they have really helped my forehead wrinkles) but we are starting a family soon, and I’m worried about glues absorbing through my skin
Great question! To my knowledge the adhesive is a vegetable derived gum–I think it’s made from corn–rather than a synthetic glue. Hope this helps!
Hello,
Great post explaining mechanics with your engineering background! I am curious about one thing. The official Frownies videos mention raising the skin of the forehead (to move muscles upward). Are you doing the same thing?
Here is the video but I saw another one which I can’t find where you can see her physically pull the skin of forehead upwards while applying. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dae6NIR540w See from 1:00 to 1:20
Hi Priya! I definitely recommend pulling the skin gently taut before applying. Great question! –Rachael
Hi Racheal
Am really interested in your application of the Frownies – good tip! This makes sense for me for lines between my eyebrows – but how would you recommend applying them for longer horizontal lines across the forehead? – I have lines over my eyebrows too as I use them so much when talking!! Thanks!
Hey Madeleine, thanks for reading! First of all I love that you use your eyebrows so much when talking–it means you are thoughtful and animated 🙂 I’d cut the Frownies in half and use this method with the half sized Frownies along whichever lines you’re trying to work on. Remember to pull the skin taut before you apply them, and remove them with care. Good luck! –Rachael
so if I want to use them for 11 lines, then I would apply them the opposite way you do? Do you not use a nighttime moisturizer or serum or anything on that area at all at night then????
Hi Andrea–yes you’d apply them opposite the way I did since 11s are perpendicular to the horizontal line I was treating. No you really can’t use anything underneath, as it will likely interfere with the adhesion of the Frownie. Some water or aloe-based serums might be OK, provided you let them dry/absorb before application of the Frownies. –Rachael
When I pull the Frownies off in the morning , I am left with marks where the Frownie sticker was previously like on the very end. I usually put two on my forehead with a gap in the middle. Any suggestions?
Be sure you’re caring for the skin in the area where you remove the Frownie sticker with the right serum and moisturizer for your skin. Of course the Frownie would leave a mark from being on all night, but that should fade after you do your morning skincare regimen.