THE AGEING FACTOR

I never thought I would be one to even consider something like botox. After years of being a Beauty Editor and trying a plethora of products and treatments on the market along with every facial known to man I’ve always believed great skin can be achieved with an excellent skincare regime, exercise, a healthy diet and loads of water. The thought of having a substance injected into my face with a needle has never seemed appealing or necessary. But here is the thing - I’m getting older. None of this seems relevant nor is it something we think about in our twenties or even early thirties but the years creep up on us and even with the best skincare the signs of ageing start to appear quickly and rapidly. Probably due to the foreheads and eyes of one too many reality stars or celebrities out there, Botox gets somewhat of a bad rap, but for those in the real world who have tried out the treatment, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice they got anything done. Botox in particular has gotten a bad reputation in the past due to people going totally overboard on it or having it done in correctly. It’s all about moderation, and should be viewed more as maintenance, to look the same, only fresher, rather than a way to look dramatically different.

The impacts are more than just aesthetics, especially for those who have excessive sweating and use Botox to deactivate their sweat glands. It seems like people talk about botox all the time, and whether you’re into the idea or not, even just talking about it draws up negative connotations. Of course, it’s not for everybody, and if you don’t feel the need for it, then you can obviously feel free to pass, but if its something you are interested in or are thinking about it’s good to get the low down on what is exactly is involved.

So what is botox and what does it do? Botox is a compound made by bacteria, which is a botulism toxin. That may sound scary, but when used in very controlled doses, the practice is safe. The compound is injected into a specific area, and once inside, it binds itself to receptors in your muscle, affecting the nerves within. So as a result, when your nerve releases a chemical to make that particular muscle fire or trigger, it can’t. The function decreases, and the wrinkle that forms when the muscle contracts will diminish, or go away completely. It’s not a static thing and your body regenerates those receptors over time.

The most common places Botox is injected are the crow’s feet around the eye area, creases between the eyes, brow furrows, and in horizontal wrinkles on the forehead. Immediately after getting the treatment, Botox will take anywhere from one to 10 days to kick in, and on average, it lasts about three to four months as that’s the amount of time it takes your body to regenerate new receptors within the muscle.

The best thing to do when considering this treatment is to go to someone who is accredited and trusted in the industry. It’s a good idea to make an appointment for a consultation first so that you can talk through it and see exactly what it’s all about. While I might leave the botox for a few more years yet, it’s good to know I have options.