When you think of someone looking plastic, one of the first things that may come to mind is Botox. Botox is among the most popular cosmetic procedures especially due to its minimally-invasive nature compared to the other most popular procedures, which all happen to be surgeries. Botox prevents the development of wrinkles by paralyzing certain facial muscles. Botox has become a beloved procedure by many because the results are very fast and effective. Results can be seen as quickly as 3-5 days, and full results take about 2 weeks.
However, Botox is not merely known as an entirely good thing. There are also a few concerns about Botox, such as the cost and dangers. Botox can be very pricy, and it only lasts between a few weeks to a few months, so Botox patients can expect to spend quite a bit of money. Botox is made from the neurotoxic protein known as botulinum toxin, or BTX. Botulinum is one of the most acutely lethal toxins known, and any complications involving Botox can result in things as severe as botulism, which is a potentially fatal illness caused by botulinum. Considering the costs and risks, it makes sense that you might want to consider one of the more natural cosmetic remedies as an alternative to Botox. So, we made a list for you here:
Alternatives To Botox:
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, as well as selenium, help improve the quality and overall health of your skin. Antioxidants help to reverse and prevent future discoloration and wrinkling of your skin because of aging. They do so by improving the skin’s natural repair systems and then directly preventing future damage that may affect the repair systems’ effectiveness. Other antioxidants, such as retinoic acid, help restore elastic fibers in your skin, keeping your skin tauter and lessening the presence of wrinkles. Antioxidant creams cost between $20-$200.
2. AHAs
Alpha hydroxyl acids are groups of compounds that many wrinkle and acne-reducing products are based on, including chemical peels given by dermatologists. Some of the most popular forms of these acids are lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid. These acids essentially exfoliate the entire top layer of skin, which results in a new layer of skin that is much more even and smooth than before. Various anti-wrinkle serums use different formulas that contain a certain percent of an AHA, and these formulas often treat both skin lines and blemishes. AHAs cost anywhere between $25-$150.
3. Peptides
There are many different forms of peptides that help your skin, but they all function in the same manner. Peptides builds collagen, which ultimately lessens wrinkles and decreases lines in your skin. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it is a part of the connective tissue in the skin that helps firmness, suppleness, and constant renewal of skin cells making it absolutely crucial for healthy skin. Since wrinkles occur due to a loss of the collagen layer, different anti-aging serums containing various peptide combinations help tighten the skin in wrinkling areas. Peptide serums cost anywhere between $50-$275.
4. Retinol/Retinoid
Retinol, or the prescription-form being retinoid, is one of the most studied and recommended anti-wrinkle products that you can purchase. Retinol helps push skin cells up which makes them turn over in a healthier way preventing lines and wrinkles. Also, like peptides, retinol helps produce more collagen, which also helps flatten wrinkles and lines. Retinoid works very quickly, and it also treats other facial blemishes such as acne. Mild retinol creams will help hydrate and smooth out the skin, while more intense retinol formulas might cause redness or flaking. Regardless, retinol-based creams are among the most effective alternatives and they cost anywhere between $30-$300.
5. Vitamin B3/Niacinamide
Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, helps to better quite a few facial conditions, such as wrinkles and acne. Vitamin B3 effectively lessens wrinkling by reinforcing the skin barrier and preventing any swelling action of the skin cells. The inflammation of skin cells often leads to deeper, more pronounced lines and wrinkles, so niacinamide helps prevent wrinkling by negating inflammation. Niacinamide is known to work well in combination with sunscreen ingredients by improving the texture and pigment of your skin. Niacinamide formulas cost between $15-$115.
Finding the youth in your skin again might seem like a daunting task, but do not panic and rush to a plastic surgeon for Botox. There are many alternatives to Botox that can work just as well for you. While they are all different, and work differently for everyone, they all help. Of course, however, the key to maintaining a healthy appearance to your skin is to stay healthy! It is important to avoid over-tanning as well as overdoing anything that might be unhealthy for your skin before it is too late. It is also crucial to always stay hydrated as that keeps your skin system working well. Otherwise, if your skin is starting to age and you want to try one of these alternatives, the most important thing between each alternative (as well as Botox) is consistency! None of these options will work overnight and keep your skin looking youthful forever, so you must stay consistent with your health!
Written by: Russell McBurnie