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Hands down, Botox creeps me out. The thought of needles is bad enough, but needles in your face? Injecting toxins? No thank you.

However, nearing forty, I understand the desperation and fear that comes with aging. And, in many times in some minds, desperate times call for desperate measures. I get it: no one wants to look older than they are. Many have gone to extreme measures, such as Botox, to appear younger.

I don’t believe that this has to be the answer though. There are natural alternatives to Botox.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment that attempts to reduce the visible signs of aging. A doctor (I hope, anyway) injects Botulinum toxin type A by syringe into the areas around the eyes and between the eyebrows to minimize frown lines and crows feet. Yes, TOXIN type A…hence why I stay far away. Any procedure with the word toxin in it can’t be good.

The Botox works to temporarily paralyze the muscles of the face where it’s injected by intercepting the messages the brain sends to those muscles. This stops the muscles from reacting to messages from the brain and keeps that area wrinkle free for a period of time. So, stop wrinkling…by stopping your facial muscles from working correctly?? Huh?? Does that make sense? On top of that, this is only a temporary fix, as repeat treatments are needed every 3-6 months. The expenses add up!

Alternatives?

If you are like me and are hesitant to get injections in your face (especially with a live toxin like botulism) it’s time to seek out natural alternatives to Botox that can provide similar results. So, here are a few ingredient options to look for in your skin care products that can help firm, tighten and tone your skin without the injections or toxin.
Note: It will take longer to see results, but many find that trade off to be worth it.

Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in human tissue. When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid creates a breathable, protective layer on the skin that retains moisture, boosting the elasticity and hydration levels of the skin. This creates a firmer, plump appearance to the skin. It is quite unique in that it can hold more than 1000 ml of water per gram of hyaluronic acid, helping skin to retain water, yet it adjusts to the skin’s moisture needs depending upon the climate and humidity levels.

Retinol – Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which is the only vitamin that has been proven to reprogram a damaged skin cell. This means that retinol can be used to normalize skin function and correct age spots. Retinol is also an antioxidant, which counteracts the damage done by free radicals. Retinol stimulates the dermis, the layer of skin where collagen and elastin are stored. It increases blood flow which helps boost collagen production and slows down the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin that happens naturally as we age. This results in smoother, firmer skin with better skin tone.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – AHAs are types of carboxylic acids that are used for an exfoliating effect on the outer layer of the skin. Examples of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. AHAs remove dead skin cells and moisturize the newly exposed layer of skin. AHAs also increase the thickness of underlying skin layers, which in turn firm the skin.

Look for products that contain any or all of these ingredients to get that firm skin appearance that comes from Botox injections. The results won’t be immediate, but over time you will see a difference in reducing your fine lines and wrinkles, and firming and toning your skin.

And while you’re here, grab a copy of my Ultimate Anti-Aging Skin Care Guide!

xoxo
Leslie