6 Natural Alternatives To Botox
Have you felt the pressure to conform to society’s standard of aging with fillers or Botox? Botox is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments, because it’s widely available and produces instant results. Botox is a brand name for the botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin derived from clostridium botulinum bacteria. It is used to reduce wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. However, not everyone wants to get injected for the sake of beauty. If you prefer to age gracefully with non invasive cosmetic treatments, then this post is for you.
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Six Natural Alternatives To Botox Injections
When something is popular, there is an assumption that it is safe. Botox may be a commodity among a large sect of influencers, but it’s not the only option to achieve a more youthful appearance. With so much information at our fingertips, there’s no reason a little due diligence can’t be applied before making a decision.
My decision to not use Botox was not an immediate one, but came about as I started researching the effects of Botox. I not only discovered that Botox was not for me, but there were natural alternatives to Botox that performed just as well.
Is Botox Bad For You?
Injecting a known toxin into your body is a high stakes gamble. While using Botox once might not cause a reaction, the continual use can be problematic. Side effects can range from common reactions such as pain, swelling, flu-like symptoms, headaches, to more serious side effects such as, muscle paralysis, drooping eyelids, breathing problems, frozen, expressionless appearance, or asymmetrical facial expressions.
Most of the issues with Botox are a result of years of use or from improper administration. If you choose to use Botox, board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are usually the most experienced and qualified providers of Botox injections.
Related Content: Clean Makeup Brands
What Are The Long Term Effects Of Botox?
Muscle atrophy
Botox works by blocking the nerve impulses that cause muscles to activate and fine lines to develop. This process, repeated over time, can cause muscles to slowly atrophy. One of the signs of loss of muscle tone is a lack of fullness in the face or a gaunt look.
Muscles can slowly lose their tone within months of repeated injections and atrophy can set in with years of repeated injections.
Changes in facial expression
Botox because it’s essentially paralyzing facial muscles can lead to the inability to move certain muscles. This lack of expression can create a “frozen face”.
Changes in facial expression are usually seen after years of repeated use or 10 or more sessions.
Serious complications
Botox that’s not injected properly by a trained professional can lead to serious complications such as – difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, neck weakness, blurred vision, general muscle weakness, and difficulty speaking or chewing.
These effects are more common with high doses and after years of use but can develop around the 10th session.
Slows lymphatic drainage
Muscle contraction is needed to move lymphatic fluid but because Botox relaxes facial muscles it also slows lymphatic drainage. This can lead to puffiness or extra fluid under the eyes.
Lymphatic flow usually returns to normal after Botox wears off, however, there aren’t enough long term studies to determine if there are any lasting repercussions to the lymphatic system. The concern is that if facial muscles never fully recover their movement, then lymphatic drainage could be chronically impaired.
What Are The Best Natural Botox Alternatives
1. Red light therapy
How it works
Red light therapy exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light, which penetrate the skin and are absorbed by mitochondria in the cells. This boosts cellular energy production, enhances blood flow, and stimulates repair and regeneration processes.
Benefits of red light therapy:
- Improves skin tone and texture
- A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Quicker healing of scars and blemishes
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Stimulates collagen production
How I use red light therapy
I sit in front of my red light panel for 15 to 20 minutes every morning. My skin has less redness and appears more rejuvenated since I incorporated red light therapy into my daily routine. I have two red light devices that I like: Red Therapy Co’s RedRush 840 panel and my Lumebox (better for travel and using for targeted spots).
Any sort of blemish, pimple, or scab that I have, heals so much quicker when I use red light therapy.
Red light is essentially causing a biochemical effect in the cells, which causes them to make more energy. More energy means the ability to repair and rejuvenate, which means more youthful skin.
How it compares to Botox
Red light therapy is not a quick fix for fine lines and wrinkles, but it is a great solution for making the skin look better overall and slowing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Related Content: Red Light Therapy (My Before And After)
2. Face taping
How it works
Face taping is as it sounds. Adhesive tape or face patches that are applied to wrinkle-prone areas and left on overnight in an effort to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles over time by limiting facial movements during the night. Varying levels of tape strength can be used depending on the level of fine lines and wrinkles.
Instant lifting taping is another technique used by makeup artists and actors who need to change their appearance. The tape can be worn under makeup, hidden by a wig, or behind the ears for an instant face lift.
Benefits of Face Taping:
- Slows wrinkle formation
- Improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes smoother looking skin
- Lifts the skin
How I use Face Taping
I use face taping on my forehead at night. However, you can use it on any part of your face that’s needing some TLC. It’s so satisfying to peel off the tape in the morning and see smoother skin. I discovered face taping last year and have been hooked ever since. I like that it’s not invasive, it takes very little effort, it’s inexpensive, and it’s effective.
My favorite face tape to use is Radiance Rebel’s Face Tape. She offers three different varieties depending on your skin. They are all made with Japanese Cotton. Use code: GGG for 10% off. She has a guide that walks you through how to face tape.
How it compares to Botox
Face taping can provide some immediate results like Botox without the potential side effects of Botox. The results are usually short-lived once you stop face taping, but it’s a great option for an event or if you’re serious about training your facial muscles to maintain a specific position. Personally, I have seen a major improvement in the appearance of my fine lines.
Related Content: What Is Face Taping + Tutorial
3. Skincare products and skincare routine
How they work
The right products with skin-loving ingredients used consistently, can regenerate your skin. The skin renews itself every 28–30 days, so results from skincare products can take time, but it’s worth the investment. Layering in targeted treatments like Vitamin C is one of the most powerful natural anti-aging ingredients and used on a weekly basis can amplify the results from your daily skincare routine. Implementing a skincare routine using quality skincare products, is the foundation for improving skin from the inside out.
Benefits of a good skincare routine:
- Clearer, calmer skin
- Even skin tone
- Less hyperpigmentation
- Radiant skin
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin’s natural barrier
- Reduces common skin problems such as acne, clogged pores
How I use skincare products
I always start with a cleanser, then a hydrosol or toner before applying a serum. A serum is the active product so you really want to apply it first before a moisturizer. After the serum, I apply an oil or a moisturizer depending on how dry my skin feels.
Sometimes I apply an oil, plus a face cream. On other occasions, I’ll just use a face cream and no oil. Then I’ll apply my eye cream. I do the same routine morning and night, except in the morning I don’t use oil.
How it compares to Botox
A good skincare routine is not a quick fix like Botox. However, taking care of your skin cannot be underestimated or overemphasized, because it delivers both immediate and long-term benefits. The availability of active ingredients along with the advancement of technology have made today’s skincare products a powerful ally in aging gracefully. Each night you wash your face instead of going to bed with your makeup on, the compound effect is at work in your skin!
Related Content: Best Natural Face Oils
4. Micro current and nano current devices
How they work
Micro current and nano current help lift and tone the skin for a contoured look.
Benefits of micro current and nano current devices:
- Improves circulation
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes lymphatic drainage
- Tones facial muscles
- Gives a sculpted appearance
- Increases product absorption
- Supports skin elasticity
How I use micro current
I started to use a skincare device with micro current two years ago. Then I found my favorite device called the Ziip Halo. The price point on this device is more expensive than other devices on the market, but the results are definitely more pronounced. The Ziip gives my skin a more contoured and lifted appearance within four minutes of using it. They also have an app that you can use to get more targeted treatments. I find that it can be easily incorporated into my daily routine.
How it compares to Botox
The microcurrent gives immediate results while the nanocurrent is what’s going to give you the lasting results. This takes around six weeks to accomplish.
The nanocurrent works at a cellular level and really targets repairing and rejuvenating from within. After six weeks, you’ll notice a more youthful, brighter, balanced, and rejuvenated look with minimized fine lines and what they like to call the halo effect.
5. Face yoga
How it works
Face yoga uses a combination of facial exercises and facial massage to help reduce wrinkles and lift the face. Since your face has muscles just like the rest of your body, it only makes sense that we work them to build them up. Your skin will appear more plump with built up facial muscles. Here is a YouTube Channel I follow that has helped me add face yoga to my daily routine.
Benefits of face yoga
- Improves firmness
- Gives a lifted appearance
- Boosts circulation for a glowing complexion
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Supports lymphatic drainage
- Reduces puffiness and dark eye circles
How I use face yoga
I started doing face yoga and have totally been into the whole thing. I find face yoga very relaxing. I’ve also noticed less puffiness and a more lifted appearance. This makes sense as it’s moving your lymphatic system.
How it compares to Botox
Face yoga requires consistency to see results at least six days a week for a couple of months. It’s a non-surgical way to really tone your face.
6. Chemical peels
How they work
Chemical peels support anti-aging by removing damaged skin cells. This is accomplished by applying acids or enzymes to the skin, which exfoliates and removes the outer layers of damaged skin.The ensuing healing response of the body is what produces the anti-aging benefits.
Benefits of chemical peels:
- Stimulates collagen production
- Fades hyperpigmentation
- Minimizes wrinkles
- Improves skin texture
- Brightens skin
How I use chemical peels
One of my favorite anti-aging peels is Alpyn Double Polishing Peel (use code GURLGONEGREEN20). While you can get a chemical peel at a dermatologist’s office, you can also get some amazing benefits from over-the-counter products.
This mask from Alpyn Beauty has been taking up some serious residence in my beauty routine since it came out! It leaves your skin smooth, hydrated and soft – all within 5 minutes.
I have used it before putting on makeup and I’ve used it at night to unwind. The peel helps to increase cell turnover with a combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that brighten and smooth skin. Plus, with the addition of bamboo powder and berry seeds, you get an almost microdermabrasion-like effect on the skin
How it compares to Botox
While the results from Botox are immediate, the results from chemical peels are gradual as the skin heals. Botox can improve dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear with facial expressions) but chemical peels can improve static wrinkles (visible when the face is at rest). Plus, chemical peels can improve the overall appearance of skin and reduce signs of aging.
Did I miss your favorite natural alternative to Botox? Share below in the comments!
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