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4 Natural Botox Alternatives That Actually Work

botox

Botox is one of the most common medical procedures in the world right now. But if injecting poison into your face isn’t appealing, there are natural botox alternatives that are a lot healthier. 

The amount of medical cosmetic procedures available right now worldwide is pretty incredible, but Botox remains one of the most popular and cost effective on the market today.

Botox works so well because it minimizes the muscle and nerve activity wherever it is injected. Usually it is used on the face with most people focusing on the forehead and around the eyes.  The botox injections prevent these parts of the face from experiencing movement for a period of about 3 months – and without movement there are no wrinkles, which makes botox so effective and powerful with no down time.

While Botox is widely considered safe when performed by a certified doctor, there are side effects that need to be considered and that you might not even realize exist.

Botox is actually just a trade name for what is known as botulinum toxin A, which is a form of food poisoning that occurs when a neurotoxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum is ingested. It is true that this is what makes botox potentially dangerous with one of the most serious symptoms being paralysis. In some cases it has proven to be fatal.  Some people may also experience bruising or flu-like symptoms, and if Botox is not administered correctly you can actually end up with a crooked smile, droopy eyelids, and even excessive tearing in your eyes.

The good news is that there are natural botox alternatives and that many of them really do work.

As a skincare expert, I have found some of these natural botox alternatives to be equally as effective, less costly and far less risky than botox:

1. Apply Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or AHAs)

One natural solution to fine lines and signs of ageing is using AHA’s. You can apply AHA’s to the skin to remove dead skin cells while smoothing and firming skin too. Look for citric, lactic, malic or other types of AHAs in an alpha hydroxy cream, or other topical product. Apply daily to remove the dead top layer of your skin and increase the thickness of deeper skin layers.

Always consult your skincare professional before using new product.

2. Try Facial Acupuncture or Acupressure

This powerful alternative has roots in Eastern traditional medicine and it specifically stimulates certain points in the body that allow for the proper flow of energy, or qi. It’s important to always consult a specially trained acupuncturist or acupressure specialist.

3: Try Microneedling

This treatment stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and growth factors, and has been proven to show significant improvement in skin texture, firmness and elasticity. It works by using a device called a dermal roller which is covered in fine, thin stainless steel needles, which are rolled over the skin.

The needles used during this procedure are short and only target the upper layer of the epidermis. The top layer of skin is punctured leaving microscopic channels that maximize the penetration of nutrients, stimulate cell repair and the proliferation of new cell growth. This allows for cell regeneration and the uptake of nutrients by skin cells deep beneath the surface.

The key to needling, however, is the healing response that this process stimulates, which releases several key growth factors for optimal cell turnover.

4. Use Peptides

Peptides are naturally occurring proteins that actually help your skin produce collagen. Collagen is known as the anti-wrinkle protein and a certain peptide called Argireline is very powerful when applied topically. You can find a range of peptides in many skincare brands.

While tips like these really can provide impressive results, the very best way to avoid dealing with wrinkles and lines is to stay protected when out of the sun, eat a healthy diet full of superfoods and get regular professional skincare treatments.

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Kerry Benjamin is an esthetician and skincare expert based in Los Angeles who is renowned for transforming troubled skin.
Kerry’s advanced techniques allow her to develop individually tailored skincare regimens for her clients. She is also known for her signature treatment called StackedSkincare™, which she performs exclusively at her private oasis, Spa Benjamin, in Santa Monica, California. For information on skincare and other tips visit www.kerrybenjamin.com .

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Image: ekai