5 Skincare Methods That Are Better Than Botox

Botox is a well-known, popular solution for wrinkles and aging skin. What was once only found among society’s elite is becoming more and more commonplace with the average person, and attracts an ever-younger crowd. People even host Botox parties these days! But do we really know what goes into these wrinkle-filling injections, and are there better, more natural ways to achieve the same result?

What Is Botox?

The chemical’s actual name is botulinum toxin, a powerful neurotoxin that is actually quite poisonous. Injecting it into your skin restricts the release of the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This paralyzes the adjacent muscles, causing them to relax, which then smooths the skin above them and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles.Proponents of Botox claim that it’s perfectly safe, referencing studies that have been done proving its harmlessness. The issue with these studies is that they’re only looking at the short-term effects. Some people experience problems with their facial muscles not functioning properly, such as drooping eyelids and crooked smiles. And many people can attest that you can tell when a face has been Botoxed--something about it just looks unnatural.And some experts believe that Botox can actually lead to saggier muscles in the future--meaning more wrinkles--because by freezing the muscles, they may actually atrophy by not being in use.The good news is that there are other, non-toxic alternatives out there. Here are some natural ways to keep your skin looking youthful, that may actually be better than Botox.

1. Apply sunscreen daily.

Instead of waiting to fix wrinkles after they appear, try preventing them in the first place! One of the best things you can do for your skin is to shield it from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Get into the habit of applying sunscreen on any exposed portion of your skin every day. If your skin does get sunburned or chapped, be sure to take care of it properly so that it can repair the damage. Being diligent with sunscreen use will make it easier to avoid unnecessary procedures like Botox.

2. Drink more water.

It’s something most of us learned in science class as kids--about 60% of the human body is made up of water. Because of this, staying adequately hydrated is incredibly important. This benefits your body in many ways, one of which is your skin--hydrating skin from the inside out helps it stay smooth and clear on its own.

3. Pick skincare products with naturally age-defying ingredients.

Coconut oil, raspberry seed, and sea buckthorn are all excellent for the skin. The benefits of coconut oil are widely proclaimed these days. It’s an excellent moisturizer that’s naturally antibacterial. Raspberry seed has natural SPFs to protect you from the sun, as well as being packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Sea buckthorn oil encourages cell growth and repair and boosts your skin’s collagen levels. It’s also rich in the hard-to-find omega 7, which locks in moisture and helps prevent and repair wrinkles.

4. Avoid aging habits.

Taking care of your skin means taking care of your body. A sugary, unhealthy diet causes blood sugar spikes, which leads to too much glucose that binds to collagen and elastin, and ends up prematurely aging your skin. Don’t smoke, avoid excess alcohol and drugs, and cut back on sugar. Instead, try to exercise regularly and eat healthily.

5. Learn about age-reversing nutrients.

Provide your skin with the essential raw materials it needs to boost cell growth, repair damage, and function at its best. Eating the right foods gives your body what it needs. Some foods with excellent skin-healing nutrients include apples, papayas, leafy greens (think kale, spinach, etc.), and berries, which are rich in alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).   With a few of these natural anti-aging habits under your belt, it becomes that much easier to say no to Botox.