Botox To Prevent Wrinkles?

Shannon, I am glad you made a smart temporary decision. You can also disagree with me on whether Botox prevents or not wrinkles. In 2002 Allergan obtained FDA approval to use Botox for the "temporary" improvement of the appearance of severe to moderate frown lines, in other words, its cosmetic application. Botox brought a lot of money as a product to be used in the anti-aging era where demand was growing.

There is nothing on the link below that shows preventive applications of this drug for the treatment of wrinkles. http://www.rxlist.com/botox-drug.htm. The commercial use of Botox in cosmetics was an strategic move to create a new revenue stream and demand from the public, at a time when the anti-aging movement was growing.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has Botox use for the "temporary removal of facial wrinkles". The word "temporary" does not imply prevention by definition. Botox is used for the temporary erasing of wrinkles, shooting Botox injections in an area of the skin where there are no wrinkles will be a waste of money. The wrinkle has to be present for Botox to work (temporarily) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/botox.html

The American Academy of Neurology published a warning about the use of Botox for wrinkles. http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/full/67/10/E17

Whatever show you saw is an example of great marketing that creates a demand for a product that has shown to be very profitable for some! In the meantime, we need to look at natural ways of aging well. There are no quick fixes to maintaining health and wellness.

Coach Virginia-

Thank you for all the valuable information! It has been very helpful and I am currently postponing the use of botox, though I'm sure I will return to this idea again. However, I have to disagree with you when you say botox does not prevent wrinkles.

While botox does not necessarily prevent wrinkles, according to a medical professional on the television show, "The Doctors," botox does create scar tissue under the current wrinkles preventing them from becoming deeper. At least that is what they said.

Thank you again!

Shannon, the postings should help you arrive to a decision and as you can see, your decision will be a well-informed one. I will add a couple of things more:

We have become a very impatient society and prefer to seek the "quick fixes". If you have a history of ongoing sun exposure, your skin will need several years to repair as its damage is not limited to its external layer alone. Minimizing the source of the damage plus appropriate nutrition, hydration and protection are going to be a better long term solution. Not every sunscreen is created equal, and the chemicals added to many will cause more damage than good.

Solar radiation stresses human skin, mainly by increasing free radical formation, and is associated with short and long term effects including sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. It affects both layers of the skin. It makes the top layer of skin, or epidermis appear rough and dull and thin in places, and also more prone to age spots and skin cancers.

In the dermis, sun exposure causes damage to the elastic fibers and a slow down in both collagen production and effective repair. The result is that the skin loses elasticity, visible wrinkles and sagging appear, and skin appears much older than it actually is.

Research shows that vitamin C is essential for collagen formation. In the body, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is essential for proper development of the skin. Antioxidants are more effective when more than one is present at the same time. For example, when beta-carotene is combined with vitamin E (another antioxidant), skin protection is enhanced. Other studies show that antioxidant protection increases as the diversity and quantity of antioxidants increases in the diet. Selenium, zinc and green tea also have beneficial properties that enhance skin health.

I am 49 years old and have no visible wrinkles despite that fact that I was considered a sun bunny in my younger years. Is it genetics? Possibly. But I follow what I preach too. Young women like you who maintain healthy habits and nurture their skin from the inside out will not need to put toxins like Botox which will accummulate in the body and trigger other molecular damage down the road.

Your question asked for "Botox to prevent wrinkles" The answer is still a NO. Botox does NOT prevent wrinkles! It is a quick fix...and if you really want prevention of wrinkles, you should consider more effective preventative options. Even if its genetics, you can still influence the genetic predisposition.

Lastly, I would also suggest using aloe vera pulp. You can buy it at a health food store and have it available to put it on your face right after a day in the sun. Aloe vera is a natural healing plant. If you can grow it, better!

I wish you well.

Hi Alison-

Thank you for the wide range of information. These all all great treatment options I will discuss further with a dermatologist.

I appreciate you taking the time to find this useful information for me!

Thanks!

Shannon,

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are a number of treatments that are available, if you are bothered by the visible signs of aging. These include injectable fillers and botulism toxin (boton), radiofrequency, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion and some topical creams, ointments and treatments that can restore skin. Of course, the AAD recommends that you see a dermatologist who will exam your skin, discuss your expectations, and recommend suitable treatment options.

The AAD says that the best prevention is to avoid sun exposure and apply a broad specturm, high SPF sunscreen often (every 2-3 hours!!). I also concur with Coach Virginia's information--keep well hydrated, both inside and out!

Regarding your question specifically about botox as a prevention tool, it may not be your best option, as the effects only last 3-4 months, which is why it is necessary to receive repeat injections.

I would make sure your dermatologist is board-certified in dermatology; you can verify your doctor is currently certified and meets the requirements for any "sub-specialties" at the Medical Board of Sub-Specialities site.

Another good resource is MedlinePlus: Skin Aging.

And, Kristin is right: you are beautiful, and you may not have "ugly forehead wrinkles as you age"...if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Kristin-

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll end up seeing a dermatologist and will have to ask about the skin line you suggested. If it works anywhere near as well as it has for you, it's probably a better solution than botox!

My goal is not to look young (since I still am) or artificial, it's just to prevent deep, ugly forehead wrinkles as I age!

Shannon, first of all, you are so beautiful. And so young!! I used to feel really concerned about the "laugh" wrinkles around my eyes. I think I was in my early 30's when I started noticing wrinkles developing around my eyes and I too looked into options. I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor all through college and spent tons of time in the sun without sunscreen. (People didn't really wear it back in the 80's.) I've had several pre-cancerous spots removed from my arms and chest over the years and now take it for granted that as I get older I'll most likely have to deal with skin cancer. Melanoma runs rampant in my family, but most of us were just too ignorant in the 70's and 80's to know to wear sunscreen.

I have a friend who is an ardent supporter of botox. She's in her mid-30's and she has been using botox regularly for a few years. She's often told me over the years that I should try it, but I never have. The reason is because the thing I've noticed about her skin is that over time it has developed this hardened texture to it. It's like it lost its softness and plus I think the shape of her face is different now. It's hard to describe, but she actually looks a lot older than I think she would have if she'd not done botox. In any case, like Coach Virginia stated, botox is a toxin, and the thought of injecting something poisonous like that into my body totally gives me the heebie-jeebies.

In any case, back when I was in my early 30's (I'm 43 now), I had a talk with my dermatologist about my concerns about my "laugh" wrinkles around my eyes and she gave me two pieces of advice that I've followed: 1) don't ever have a facelift or any other plastic surgery and 2) don't ever get botox. She recommended a great and very high quality line of skin creams/lotions/cleansers/sunscreen that I've used religiously every day since then. It's called NeoStrata (www.neostrata.com) and I used to buy it from my dermatologist, but now I just call their 800 number and order my products directly. Typically you have to buy them from a doctor. I love the way my skin feels and I also feel like the lines around my eyes haven't worsened over the last ten years or so.

I think that the ways that we develop wrinkles has a lot to do with genetics and the facial structure that we inherited. A lot of it we just can't fight. As I've gotten older, I've come to feel a lot more forgiving as well as a lot more appreciative of the way my body ages. I feel really young for my age, and I think it naturally shines through when you feel good about yourself on the inside.

I have a very dear friend who is my mom's age and I remember once she said that when she reached a certain age, she simply stopped looking in the mirror with her glasses on. I just love that.

Hi Anonymous,

Thank you for your suggestions. It sounds like you take great care of your skin and would look wonderful even without botox. However, like you said, I'm thinking small amounts in moderation can be good.

Thank you for your comment!

I have to say that I think that botox is a life saver! At 37, I have the smooth skin of a 20 year old. I use it rarely but skillfully and have done since I was 30 years old. I think that it shouldn't be overused and that a lot of it can make one look strange, but a little once in a while keeps the skin looking great. I also keep out of the sun, get regular facials and wear SPF 50 on my face every day of the year. Occasional laser removal of any freckles is great too as the laser boosts the collagen of the skin also.
It is VERY dilute and I have never seen any side effects. Very tiny amounts are used.
I'd say, visit a dermatologist and get their opinion.
I couldn't recommend it more.

Coach Virginia-

Thank you for all your natural suggestions, but I already live by most of them and so far, they don't seem to be working too well.

I don't smoke, I wear sunscreen (at least on my face) everyday and always reapply in the summer. I also drink lots of water, eat salmon, and consume fruits and veggies everyday, including the ones you suggested.

If you have other natural suggestions I would love to hear them since I would prefer this approach best. However, I am still open to the botox injections since it would only be in the few lines on my forehead.

Thanks so much! Please keep the suggestions coming!!