Frownies Blog

Our mission at Frownies is to “honor, embrace, [and] celebrate being … a woman!” And those are the principles that our company was founded upon over 100 years ago!  

Before many women were in the workforce, before woman owned businesses, even before women had the right to vote, Frownies has been owned and operated by strong, independent women since their invention in 1889. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, we at Frownies would like to highlight the accomplishments of the five generations of women who have led our family business. 

Margaret Krosen was the oldest of eight children to Irish immigrants. As a young woman, Margaret worked for a bank as an assistant to the bank manager. She eventually worked her way up to managing director of the bank-owned B&P Company which, at the time, sold barber supplies. However, the business was struggling, but Margaret bought the company from the bank and began to sell her own invention – the “Wrinkle Eradicator” that would eventually come to be known as Frownies Facial Patches. 

In her own home, Margaret rolled an adhesive onto weighted paper and used a special perforating tool to cut the paper into the small patch shapes that could be wetted and applied to form a cast to lift the skin and relax the muscle – and the technology has basically remained the same ever since. 

Margaret had one daughter, Alice, before her husband passed away. Alice became a well-known concert pianist, and she traveled the country with her mother Margaret– and later with her own daughter Peggy – playing shows including many appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York and most notably for President and First Lady Coolidge at the White House. 

Alice’s mother Margaret would bring her “Wrinkle Eradicators” with her to share with Broadway performers and make-up artists. Eventually, the little box of facial patches made it all the way to California where they became known as “Hollywood’s Best Kept Beauty Secret.” 

After Alice’s husband passed away, she and her infant daughter Peggy moved back in with her mother Margaret, and the three women ran the business out of their home. Frownies were mostly advertised by word of mouth, so the women responded to letters from all over the world ordering the facial patches. 

Peggy Wright (1923 - 2018) 

When Peggy became an adult and married her husband, she became a businesswoman in her own right. She assisted her husband’s business ventures and entertained his clients and their wives while continuing to make and sell Frownies Facial Patches.

Peggy and her husband eventually bought a building in Cleveland, Ohio. Half was used for her husband’s business and half was kept as Peggy’s office and Frownies warehouse. 

Peggy, like her grandmother Margaret, continued to run the family business well into her late 80s.

Kat Wright 

Kat, Peggy’s daughter-in-law, is the current CEO of Frownies. Kat has always been an entrepreneur at heart. She has written two books, opened a yoga studio, taught cooking classes, and run a healing practice as a naturopathic doctor – all while raising her five children. 

Kat began working alongside her mother-in-law, Peggy in the early 1990s and took a more full-time role with the company in the early 2000s. Kat brought her wealth of natural health knowledge to the company to expand the Frownies brand with a natural skincare line including serums, moisturizers, and lotions. Kat is always researching the most innovative natural skincare ingredients to continue to elevate the Frownies brand while staying true to the Original Wrinkle Patch. 

The fifth generation of Frownies women have brought the Frownies Facial Patches into the modern era. Like their great-great-grandmother Margaret, Kat’s three daughters are entrepreneurial and have started their own businesses in health, wellness, fitness, fashion, and make-up. 

Recently, Kat’s oldest daughter, Helen Morrison, has become the face of Frownies across social media platforms. But Helen and her two younger sisters have been involved in the family business since an early age. Reminiscent of their grandmother Peggy’s childhood, some of their first memories are helping in the warehouse folding and packaging Frownies Facial Patches alongside their grandmother and mother. 

We at Frownies are proud to be known as a fifth-generation female owned and operated brand. We strive to maintain the personal customer service that the Frownies customers have always appreciated since 1889. 

Check out this recent comment from one of our customers on Instagram:

By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT 

Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young boys.

Spring is just around the corner! You are excited to pull out your shorts and bathing suits to head to a sunny, warm vacation spot. And then you see it in the mirror… cellulite. 

 But before you opt for long pants on the beach, let’s look at the TRUTH about cellulite:

1. Almost Every Woman Has It

You may be surprised to find out, but you’re not the only one with cellulite. In fact, according to the Journal of Cosmetic Science (May-June 2011), 80 - 90 percent of women have cellulite. And while cellulite is more commonly seen in women, men can get cellulite too. 

In addition, women of all shapes and sizes have cellulite. The appearance of cellulite does not seem to depend on body fat percentages; although, it may be linked to hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause, drastic weight fluctuations as seen in yo-yo dieting, and genetics.

2. Science Isn’t Really Sure What Causes It

Cellulite is a variation in the appearance of the normal layer of subcutaneous fat that we all have beneath the surface of our skin. For reasons currently unknown by science, connective tissue bands form from the skin through underlying fat layers creating pockets of fat. Since the skin is tethered by the connective tissue, it no longer lays flat over the fat layer, creating a dimpled or puckered appearance. But no one is really sure why the connective tissue bands form in the first place. 

3. You Can Get It Anywhere On Your Body

Most commonly, cellulite is seen on the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen, but you may see cellulite on your breasts or arms as well. 

4. There Are No Cures For It

There are an endless number of treatment options for cellulite, ranging from invasive surgical procedures to topical creams. Unfortunately, the research doesn’t support these options as cures for cellulite. 

5. A Healthy Lifestyle May Improve It

The best way to reduce the appearance of cellulite is to live an overall healthy lifestyle. hydration is key when dealing with cellulite, so hydrate from the inside and out. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin. 

In addition, maintaining a healthy weight, along with proper nutrition and exercise, may help minimize the appearance of cellulite.

6. You Don’t Need to Worry About It! 

Luckily, cellulite is not harmful to your health, so no need to stress about it. 

Remember, cellulite is normal! So, wear your shorts and bathing suits this spring! You are beautiful!

If you are in need of an ultra-hydrating body moisturizer to minimize the appearance of cellulite, try our Frownies Cellulite Cream.

Ingredient Highlights:

Plankton Extract - Plankton extract is a unique skincare ingredient. Due to it’s similar chemical makeup, it is easily absorbed into the skin and provides an almost immediate smoothing to the skin’s surface through its hydrating effects. Plankton is also high in essential vitamins and minerals which aids in the production of collagen and elastin which improve the skin’s overall tone and texture. 

Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane (MSM) - Known as “Nature’s Beauty Mineral,” MSM is a natural source of organic sulfur. Due to its high sulfur content, MSM is a potent detoxifier and can assist in removing toxic buildup from the subcutaneous fat and improve the appearance of cellulite. Most importantly, MSM increases the permeability of the skin to allow for nutrients and moisture to be more easily absorbed. 

Caffeine - As seen in many eye creams, caffeine can dilate the blood vessels in the surface of the skin to increase surface level circulation and reduce water retention to temporarily tighten and smooth skin. 

Safflower Seed Oil - Safflower seed oil is known to be an extremely effective emollient. It soothes, softens, and moisturizes to improve the skin’s tone and texture. It is an ideal skincare ingredient with a comedogenic rating of zero, meaning it does not clog pores. 

Blend of Essential Oils - Frownies Cellulite Cream is packed with therapeutic grade essential oils. For example, ginger essential oil is known to improve skin texture, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Essential oils such as grapefruit and geranium are thought to assist in stimulating the lymphatic and circulatory systems to remove toxins and increase blood flow to the affected areas. 

Frownies Cellulite Cream boasts plant-based ingredients to plump and firm skin and lock-in moisture. In fact, we recommend Frownies Cellulite Cream for any area where you need serious hydration — including your knees, elbows, and especially your feet!

By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT 

Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young boys.

 We are well into February – the month of LOVE – and while we usually think of loving our partner or our friends and family during this time of year, we at Frownies want to highlight loving YOURSELF first! 

“Self-love means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with kindness and respect, and nurture your growth and wellbeing,” according to PsychCentral. 

Research has shown that there are endless health benefits to loving yourself – including many for your skin! Here are a few ways that positive feelings towards yourself improve your outward appearance.

Self-love can:

• Improve your skin’s texture 

A positive attitude can actually help maintain healthy, radiant skin through the release of the happy hormones – oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. These hormones help to increase blood circulation to distribute more oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, including to your skin. The increased blood flow gives your skin a youthful glow. And the extra oxygen and nutrients allow your skin to repair and regenerate at a faster rate, so your skin is smoother and healthier. 

• Decreases acne and inflammation

The stress hormones such as cortisol and cytokines can wreak havoc on your skin. Cortisol triggers an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands in your skin which can lead to breakouts. Similarly, many skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can be triggered by increased stress. 

Luckily, happy people have lower levels of these stress hormones. Of course, we all encounter stressors every day; however, having healthy coping mechanisms and taking steps to decrease chronic stress can help maintain healthy looking skin.

• Slow signs of aging

Similar to the causes of acne and inflammation, aging is thought to be caused by increased levels of chronic stress hormones. Cortisol and cytokines inhibit collagen production and impair the skin’s protective barrier leaving it prone to environmental damage and loss of hydration. 

On the contrary, positive people scowl less resulting in fewer forehead wrinkles and sleep better resulting in less puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

• More likely to make healthy choices

When you feel good about yourself, you’re more likely to take care of yourself. This often looks like taking time to exercise, eating nourishing foods, and drinking plenty of water – all of which can benefit your skin! In terms of skincare, positive people also take pride in their appearance and may follow a healthy skincare and makeup routine. 

The best news of all – it’s all part of a positivity cycle! When you choose happiness, your skin looks better. And when you’re pleased with your outward appearance, it can also make you more confident! 

Not really loving yourself yet? Try repeating a daily affirmation. Research proves that thinking, writing, and even speaking a positive affirmation about yourself can change your attitude and outlook on life. 

Here are some skin-positive affirmations we loved from Utterly Positive: 

I am comfortable in my own skin and I radiate confidence.

I take good care of my skin to keep it beautiful and clean. 

I always see the bright side in things and that brightness shows in my face. 

I choose to eat healthy and it shows in my youthful skin. 

I drink enough water every day to keep my skin moisturized from the inside. 

Which are your favorite affirmations?

Remember, self-love affirmations don’t only have to be skin-deep! Try speaking positivity into any area of your life. You may be surprised by the results!

By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT 

Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young boys.

Occasionally, the #FrowniesFam asks, “What will my partner think when I wear Frownies Facial Patches to bed?” Recently, we posed this question to our customers on our Frownies Instagram page and here were some of the responses:

QUESTION: What did your partner think when you first wore Frownies?

Answer: “That I had bandaids all over my face.”

Answer: “He didn’t notice.”

Answer: “He was happy I wasn’t injecting neurotoxin in my body." 

Answer: “He jokes and calls it my Wonder Woman patch.”

Answer: “He said if doing it made me feel better, he was all for it!”

We loved the variety of these responses. You can tell how sweet and supportive these partners are! And that got us thinking, what are the keys to a healthy relationship? 

Research shows there are a few important aspects to healthy romantic relationships:

1. Be Silly

It’s ok if your partner is poking fun at your new look–as long as you’re laughing along with them! According to Psychology Today, “Being playful allows you to bring the positive emotions of joy and laughter into your interactions with other people." Laughing releases all the feel-good hormones including dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins – which can also make you feel closer and more in love with your partner. 

2. Be Vulnerable

Perhaps the most powerful and most important aspect of a healthy relationship is being vulnerable with your partner. World renowned speaker and author Brene Brown says, “[T]here can be no intimacy…without vulnerability. Vulnerability is the glue that holds intimate relationships together.” We often feel pressure to always put our best face forward, but for your partner to truly know you, you must be willing to let your guard down. So, it’s really to the benefit of your relationship to take off your make-up, put in your retainer, and wear your Frownies Facial Patches to bed! 

3. Love Yourself First

According to Scientific American, “taking responsibility for one’s own happiness has the potential to drastically improve the quality of our relationships.” So, if looking good and aging gracefully make YOU happy, it can actually increase your satisfaction with your partner as well! Win-Win!

If you are still self-conscious to wear your Frownies Facial Patches around your partner, here are a few other suggestions:

• Wear your Frownies Facial Patches at a different time of day. 

Many customers report wearing their patches during the day – especially as so many people are working from home. Or just throw on a hat or a headband and wear them to the gym, school drop-off, or to the grocery store!

• Get your partner to wear them too! 

Hey, men get wrinkles too. Stay smooth together by wearing Frownies Facial Patches to bed as a couple!

• Get into maintenance mode.

While we recommend wearing your Frownies Facial Patches for at least 30 nights in a row, eventually, you’ll be in what we call maintenance mode. You may only need to wear your patches to bed a few nights a week to maintain your face-smoothing results. 

We want to hear from you! Do you wear your Frownies Facial Patches around your partner?

By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT 

Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young boys.

In honor of Black History Month, Frownies interviewed April Carter, make-up artist and lifestyle vlogger based in Greenville, SC, for her unique perspective on skincare concerns that BIPOC consumers may face.  

First, “there is more that makes us the same than what makes us different,” April emphasizes. Regardless of race or color, all skin is skin. “The same skincare concerns that a person of color experiences are also the same skincare concerns that any nationality experiences–There just may be varying degrees or certain factors that make one more pronounced than the other.”

So, what are the real differences in skin among different races? While there may be slight differences in thickness and texture, the most obvious difference is color. The variations in color of our skin are due to differing amounts of melanin, the pigment of the eyes, hair, and skin. In fact, there are two types of melanin: eumelanin which is responsible for darker tones and pheomelanin which creates more red and pink tones.  All skin tones–from light to dark–contain these two types of melanin in varying ratios. 

Historically, however, all skin has not been treated equally. For example, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (April 2020) found that dermatology textbooks only included a mere four to 18 percent of images were of darker skin tones. In addition, studies in dermatology research lack representation of darker skin tones. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (July 2021) sampled 58 dermatology research studies and found that fewer than 25% of participants identified as a race other than white. 

These disparities can pose major challenges in healthcare as well as the skincare industry. Lack of education and awareness of the differences in presentation on varying skin tones can make diagnosis and treatment of health issues more difficult. And alarmingly this delay is not only a problem in more benign skincare concerns such as eczema or acne but also more serious health conditions that show signs and symptoms on the skin, such as melanoma skin cancer and Lyme’s disease, for example. 

Lack of representation in dermatology research and education has also led to a lack of understanding of how skin care products perform on darker skin tones. Darker skin may react differently to skin care products that were formulated and tested on lighter skin due to the increased concentration of melanin.

April confirms, “A skin care concern that is more pronounced on people of color is hyperpigmentation, dark patches and spots on the skin that cause uneven appearance. Learning how to correct this concern is often a plight for many women of color.” April continues, “For people of color, it’s about finding products that help to even out and balance without whitewashing the skin per se.” 

What should you look for in a skincare regimen? “The number one thing I believe all people of color should look for is oil.” April says. “Our skin loves and needs oil–it’s what keeps our skin supple and hydrated, it is what keeps those fine lines away, it can even help to even out our skin tone. When you look down our ancestral line at our homelands, whether that be from Africa or the islands, you find that a lot of the native people use the natural oils of that land. Olive oil, jojoba oil, palm oil, etc. – All these different types of oils in their natural state do wonders for the skin.” 

Regardless of your skin’s color, April believes “it’s important to not overcrowd the skin with chemicals and lab-made products.” She suggests instead opting for natural and organic products with eco-friendly packaging. Frownies Skin Serum contains organic oils from plants primarily from: Hemp oil, Oat oil high in vitamin E and Sea buckthorn Oil full or antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. 

April is a make-up artist and spent eight years with MAC Cosmetics and six years doing freelance work. She is a self-proclaimed skincare enthusiast after suffering years of poor skin texture and tone, acne, and post-acne skin issues. April is happy to report that she is now balanced, radiant, and acne-free. 

 If you’re interested in hearing more of April’s perspective, you can check out her YouTube channel and her Facebook Page. 

By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT 

Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young boys.