Botulinum toxin (Botox)™ and other anti-wrinkle injections

It's not just Hollywood stars who use botulinum toxin (Botox)™ and other injections to rejuvenate their appearance. Many people resort to these medical-aesthetic methods, which are popularized mainly by social media. So it's not surprising to see an increase in the use of these injections by an ever-younger clientele, hoping to fade the marks of time and even wanting to prevent them.

How does it work?

Just as the brand name "Frigidaire" has been appropriated as a synonym for refrigerator, the brand name Botox™ is widely used in everyday language to refer to botulinum toxin injections.

Botulinum toxin is injected in small quantities under the skin and works by relaxing the muscles. By preventing muscle contractions, the aim is to soften wrinkles created by the passage of time, sun exposure or facial expressions.

Medical uses of botulinum toxin

In addition to their aesthetic uses, botulinum toxin injections can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. These include muscle spasms, migraines, teeth grinding and excessive sweating.

What is a "filler"?

Less well-known than botulinum toxin, fillers are also used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  They are filling agents, which means that they fill in wrinkles to reduce their appearance.

There are different types of fillers. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most widely used in aesthetic medicine.

Hyaluronic acid: An increasingly popular ingredient

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally present in the dermis, but its quantity diminishes with age. Its high moisturizing power helps give the skin a plump appearance. Hyaluronic acid also acts as a barrier to protect the skin against external aggressions.

Its multiple benefits make hyaluronic acid a go-to ingredient in dermatological and aesthetic products. Hyaluronic acid is available not only as a wrinkle-filling injection but also in a wide range of skincare products.

Do the results last?

The results of a botulinum toxin injection can take up to 2 weeks to set in and generally last from 3 to 5 months. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid can deliver instant results, lasting approximately 8 to 12 months. The results of injections do not last forever. This is something to bear when deciding whether to opt for these procedures.

Making an informed and safe choice

Therefore, the decision to resort to injections should be based on an informed choice that considers various factors. Undesirable effects may occur, such as pain at the injection site or bruising. These effects are generally temporary but may last longer for some people. If you opt for wrinkle treatment by injection, make sure you use healthcare professionals certified in the field. If you are taking medication, inform the professional who will be performing the injections.

Tips and tricks to prevent wrinkles

Whether or not you turn to injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, there are other ways of slowing their appearance.

First, remember to protect your skin from the sun. UV rays accelerate the skin's natural aging process. Avoiding sun exposure as much as possible is the best way to limit damage. Wear a hat, cap and covering clothing, and make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Beyond the product choice, make sure you use your sunscreen product regularly.

Stay hydrated!  Stay hydrated with water to compensate for water evaporating from your skin's surface. Similarly, use a skin moisturizer daily to improve skin texture.

Consider quitting smoking if this is the case - it's not just your lungs that will thank you! Smoking is known to accelerate skin aging. Quitting smoking is an economical and healthy solution for a brighter complexion!  

How about a little facial yoga?

Facial yoga is a gentle method of tightening the skin and relaxing facial tissues. The face has no fewer than fifty muscles. As with the rest of the body, it's essential to maintain them! Tightening and then relaxing the muscles will stimulate microcirculation and increase collagen production. An anti-aging effect without injections? It’s worth a try!