What is Botox, and Natural Alternatives
We want to have open conversations around topics and questions we receive from women on a regular basis. Our goal here is to simply provide helpful, decision-making information in a non-judgmental way. This platform will always be a place for women’s support in every capacity!
With that being said, we all want to look and feel our very best. Many women are drawn to the idea of having a more youthful, refreshed looking appearance and find themselves confronted with the idea of getting Botox or anti-wrinkle injections. Below, we are going to teach you more about what Botox (or Dysport) really does in the body to help you make the best decision for your health. We will also be revealing other more natural (highly effective) anti-wrinkle alternatives you won’t want to skip!
What is Botox?
Botox and anti-wrinkle injections (including Dysport) have a smoothing effect on the skin because the botulinum toxin inhibits neurotransmitter release that signals muscles to contract. Simply put, Botox paralyzes the muscles and can possibly damage the surrounding nerves. Wrinkles may be gone temporarily, lasting anywhere from 3-6 months depending on several factors. But, anti-wrinkle injections can lead to muscle atrophy, sagging, and worsened wrinkling skin in the long run due to impaired collagen, poor muscle strength, and blockage of movement. Many women have identified anti-wrinkle injections as a trigger for chronic illness or symptoms.
Before we get into the many ways to topically care for our skin, we must also remind you that how you care for your liver determines the aging process, and much of our well-being mentally, physically, and even emotionally as we age. The more burdened the liver is, the more likely someone is to develop premature signs of aging, wrinkles, facial scarring and other skin concerns typically associated with aging.
Here are 3 anti-aging liver tools to bring into your daily routine:
Silica is an essential beauty mineral that supports the formation of collagen and can be easily absorbed by the body unlike trendy collagen supplements. Food sources of silica include: cucumbers, melons, asparagus, and leafy greens. Beneficial silica containing herbs include: horsetail, rose hips, and nettle.
Pink Pitaya (fresh, frozen or powder form) is known as the fountain of youth fruit. Red/pink pitaya, which is also called dragon fruit, is a liver rejuvenator that deeply cleanses the organ. Not to be confused with white dragon fruit. They are not the same!
Asparagus has anti-aging properties that can help keep us young. They alkalize the entire body and work to repel toxins while also being a good food source for silica.
Instead of “freezing” muscles in our face, it can be most beneficial to look for ways to encourage flow and release tight facial fascia and muscle tension as a safe alternative. Here we have included some highly effective techniques that will help to relax muscle tension in the face. Used consistently and over time, you will notice improved results:
Facial Massage is the ultimate holistic way to promote younger looking skin. This form of massage is something you can have professionally done or easily do at home to build and maintain results. Wrinkles and sagging are often the result of tension and stuck fascia across the entire face, neck and shoulders. Releasing and relaxing these muscles has the power to transform your complexion and revive your overall well-being. Look for a holistic facialist in your area who specializes in gua sha, facial massage or lymphatic drainage.
Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique which improves the health of your skin by clearing blockages and encouraging movement of lymphatic fluid and blood so that the skin can function better while also harnessing the energetic benefits of your gua sha stone tool.
Use Living Libations Best Skin Ever to provide a gentle glide while using your gua sha at home!
Facial Cupping promotes circulation, which may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, decrease puffiness, and more. You can experiment with facial cupping at home, but it may be best to reach out to an experienced practitioner for your first session. Look for a local holistic facialist who specializes in facial cupping.
Facial Kinesiology tape is also a supportive tool that can be used after massage to maintain results, improve lines, and prevent new ones from forming. The tape mimics the skin’s texture creating support and more breathing space below the surface. This practice can promote circulation to the face muscles while gently lifting and welcoming lymphatic flow. You can find many experienced practitioners online with available mini-courses to correctly learn application methods. We recommend that you learn the proper application method for the lymphatic system and more about which tape to use from a professional. This course by Noy Skincare is very helpful. Frownies are another affordable option (the adhesive does have a corn base).
For your benefit – we have asked Katey (@facesbykatey), our featured Holistic Esthetician, to show our clients the correct taping method for 11 lines (also known as frown lines). Find the video link here!
Massaging and taping techniques are the most natural external alternatives to Botox. If you are interested in learning more advanced techniques, keep reading to learn more about skin technologies that can help reverse signs of aging. Keep in mind that these techniques are not perfect in terms of offering the most natural solution, but they are effective alternatives to unsafe injectables.
We would not suggest implementing these techniques on a regular basis, but we do recognize that many clients would like more instant results with facial scaring, wrinkles and sunspots.
Microneedling treatments can deliver incredible smoothing and plumping results, however microneedling creates micro punctures in the skin to induce a wound healing response that temporarily boosts collagen. This treatment can be very stressful for our adrenals and does involve a numbing agent that is applied topically before treatment. As you know, anything that goes onto the skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. Microneedling is not the most holistic option, but it is a notable alternative to anti-wrinkle injections and offers very effective results especially for improving acne scarring.
Red Light Therapy or LED Light therapy is favored by estheticians and skin enthusiasts because it accelerates skin healing. It utilizes light energy in different electro-magnetic spectrums to stimulate fibroblast growth factors. Red light therapy is a noninvasive way to stimulate collagen formation resulting in a more plump, smooth and glowing complexion.
Vital Red Light therapy devices use healing power of natural red and infrared light to rejuvenate your skin, body, mind, & much more. Use the code DRKIMBERLY15 to save 15% off your order.
Microcurrent helps to re-educate the muscles and firm the skin by toning, lifting, and sculpting the face. Electrical signals are said to promote healthy circulation, heal and regenerate the skin. It is especially helpful for improving puffiness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin. This treatment helps the face to look more lifted and defined. Results begin immediately after treatment and accumulate with regular sessions. Keep in mind that you are stimulating muscles, which also vibrates the nerves in your face. An example of this would be NuFace (please note this is not an endorsement). Different medical spas will offer stronger treatments.
Something else that anti-wrinkle injections will not address is skin texture. Dehydrated skin can cause and accentuate fine lines, so keeping the skin hydrated internally, as well as with serums and creams can help plump and reduce roughness that can age the skin’s appearance.
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We hope these tips will help you to improve your skincare routine, gain more confidence, and be armed with the knowledge to select treatments that are best suited for your wellness needs!
