Treating 11 Lines Without Botox

The vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows—commonly called “11 lines” or glabellar lines—can make you look tired, tense, or older than you feel. While Botox is often the go-to solution, many women seek alternatives that are natural, non-invasive, and supportive of long-term skin health.

This is especially true during perimenopause, when hormone fluctuations accelerate collagen loss and deepen expression lines. Fortunately, you can soften 11 lines without Botox by combining targeted skincare, facial massage, and gentle at-home tools.

Treating 11 lines at home doesn’t have to involve needles or expensive procedures. With consistent use of facial massage techniques, hydrating serums rich in ingredients like squalane, rosehip, and jojoba oil, and simple tools such as facial patches and at-home LED light or microcurrent devices, you can effectively soften and reduce the appearance of these stubborn frown lines. These natural, non-invasive methods support skin health, relax tension, and stimulate collagen production, making them perfect options for perimenopausal skin that’s prone to deepening expression lines.

What Causes 11 Lines?

11 lines form when the muscles between your eyebrows (the corrugator and procerus) contract repeatedly—whether from frowning, squinting, or concentrating. Over time, these expressions leave a lasting imprint, especially as the skin loses elasticity.

During perimenopause, estrogen levels drop. This affects collagen production, skin thickness, and hydration, making these lines more visible. Add in stress, poor sleep, or UV exposure, and 11 lines can deepen quickly.

Simple Facial Massage to Soften 11 Lines

Facial massage relaxes the underlying muscles and encourages blood flow to the area, promoting smoother, more supple skin. Here’s a simple daily ritual you can do in just a few minutes:

Apply a few drops of facial oil or serum to your fingertips—something with squalane, rosehip, or jojoba works well.

Using your index and middle fingers, press gently between your brows and hold for a few seconds. Then, stroke upward from the top of your nose between your brows toward your forehead, repeating 5–10 times.

Next, gently pinch the skin between your eyebrows to stimulate circulation, then smooth the area out again. Finish with light tapping across the brow bone to relax the forehead.

Doing this consistently can help retrain the muscles and reduce the intensity of frowning habits.

Best Products for Treating 11 Lines Naturally

Choosing the right topical products is key to treating glabellar lines without injectables. Look for ingredients that support collagen production, hydration, and cellular renewal. Here are a few top picks:

Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Facial Oil

This luxurious oil is formulated with a blend of rosehip seed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn oils to deeply nourish and restore dry, aging skin. Rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, it helps soften fine lines, calm inflammation, and improve elasticity—ideal for facial massage rituals or layering under patches.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

A cult-favorite, this lightweight facial oil combines sugarcane-derived squalane with vitamin C and rose oil to brighten dull skin and deeply hydrate. It helps reinforce the skin barrier while promoting collagen and elasticity, making it an excellent daily serum for softening 11 lines and boosting glow.

Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster

This lightweight gel-cream delivers a high-performance blend of pro-collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to visibly firm and smooth the skin. Designed to plump fine lines and improve elasticity, it’s especially effective for softening expression lines like the 11s. The fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture makes it perfect for layering in both morning and evening routines—ideal for perimenopausal skin needing hydration and bounce without heaviness.

Facial Patches for 11 Lines: Do They Work?

One popular way to address frown lines naturally is with facial patches like Frownies, Wrinkles Schminkles, or silicone smoothing patches.

These work by physically holding the skin flat overnight, retraining the underlying muscles to relax. Think of them like a splint for your face—they help prevent unconscious furrowing while you sleep. With consistent use, many people notice smoother skin and a softening of 11 lines, especially when combined with hydration and massage.

For best results, apply a hydrating serum before the patch, allow it to absorb fully, and wear the patch for at least 3 hours (overnight is ideal).

Frownies Facial Patches for Forehead & Between Eyes
These iconic paper patches train the muscles to relax and visibly smooth 11 lines overnight.

At-Home Devices That Work

If you’re looking to boost your results at home, LED and microcurrent devices are worth considering. Red light therapy supports collagen production, while microcurrent gently tones the muscles beneath the skin. Both are excellent tools for softening 11 lines naturally.

Megelin LED Light Therapy Face Mask
This mask has 7-color LED technology, including red (630nm) and near-infrared (849nm) wavelengths. These are clinically recognized for stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity, making it effective for reducing fine lines and promoting a youthful appearance. The mask features a flexible silicone design that contours comfortably to the face, ensuring even light distribution during treatment sessions.

Microcurrent Devices:

NuFACE Trinity+ Facial Toning Device
The NuFACE Trinity is a professional-grade, at-home microcurrent device designed to visibly lift, tone, and firm the skin. Using gentle low-level electrical currents, it stimulates facial muscles to improve contour, reduce fine lines, and promote a youthful, radiant appearance. Clinically tested and widely trusted by skincare professionals, the NuFACE Trinity is an excellent choice for perimenopausal skin seeking non-invasive rejuvenation and support for expression lines like the 11s. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions and always apply a conductive gel or serum before use.

Support Skin from the Inside Out

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the area between the brows is connected to the Liver meridian, which governs the flow of energy and emotion. Stagnation in this area—often due to stress, frustration, or poor sleep—can manifest as deep furrows.

Support your skin by calming the nervous system and nourishing your body from within. Herbal adaptogens like reishi, schisandra, and ashwagandha can ease stress and improve skin resilience. A diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens (like flaxseed and fermented soy) also helps support hormonal balance and collagen health.

Final Thoughts

Treating 11 lines without Botox is absolutely possible—and it doesn’t require a 10-step routine or expensive treatments. With consistent massage, smart product choices, and simple lifestyle shifts, you can soften deep frown lines naturally while supporting your overall skin vitality.