Botox is made from the botulinum toxin that causes muscles to temporarily relax. It is directed towards overactive muscles to alleviate the manifestations of wrinkles, frown lines, or crow’s feet. Botox is often used in the upper part of the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles at the forehead, eyebrows and corners of the eyes. Botox is absorbed by the muscles and makes them relax, resulting in less creases on the surface of the face.
Botox has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages since it was first introduced to the public. While the results may be worth it for some, Botox does not come cheap. In fact, on average it will cost you about $350, depending on how many areas need treatment.
Image credit: www.progressivedental-ellenlimdds.com
While many of us want to delay the physical signs of aging, there are other alternatives to Botox. For these remedies to take effect, you need to have patience, dedication and possibly a change in lifestyle. You can have a nightly skin care regimen to make your skin smooth and wrinkle free without ever using Botox. You can change your diet, drink lots of water, stop smoking, get lots of sleep, keeping your stress levels low and do exercises. To maximise your anti-aging regimen, you need to have a healthy lifestyle. If you’re not interested in cosmetic procedures and want age gracefully, you can opt for some of these alternative skin treatments.
Non-Invasive Botox Alternatives
1. Frownies
These little patches of natural Kraft paper are placed and “glued” to the skin. It temporarily freezes the facial muscle movements that cause wrinkles. With regular use, the muscles will lose their strength, thus lowering the chances of developing wrinkles. Frownies should be applied at night.
Image credit: www.reddit.com
2. Retinol
Retinol is another popular Botox alternative and a dermatologist-recommended treatment. Some may think that it’s just an exfoliant, but it actually pushes the skin cells up, pushes the old skin cells out and turns over the healthy cells. It also promotes collagen development and skin hydration. Apply at night before sleeping.
Image credit: www.natures-practice.com
3. Mashed Bananas
The Minions like them because bananas are delicious and healthy. Bananas are one of the best fruits around; they give you energy and satisfy you when you’re hungry. It can do wonders to your skin also, you just have to mash a medium sized ripe banana with some honey to make a paste (if you feel hungry, you can eat it just the way it is). Apply it gently on your face and neck. Leave for 10-20 minutes, then wash with cold water. It will help you rejuvenate your skin naturally.
Image credit: hhohealthyhelpings.org
4. Acu-Lift
This is an acupuncture with micro-electric pulses that is used to lift the sagging facial skin and enhance muscle tone. It’s a non-surgical procedure and was invented and patented by Canadian Anton Rocke. Rocke trained in London and spent 3 years working as an acupuncturist at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. 4-8 golden needles are hooked to a tiny electrical pulses that give the muscles a proper stimulation and workout which helps in collagen production.
Image credit: www.clinicofalternativemedicine.com
5. Vitamin C Mask
Use the orange peel as a scrub or use fresh orange juice mixed with aloe vera gel to tighten the skin naturally.
Image credits: www.stylepresso.com
6. Tightening Mask
Home remedies are like solutions by McGyver, everything you need is already there at your disposal. To make your tightening mask. Whisk one egg white and then slowly add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt. Mix well and then apply to your face. Leave it for 1-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Image credit: fora.mtv.ca
7. Sugar And Yogurt
Mix one tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon of Greek yogurt to make your own exfoliant. Splash your face with warm water, then apply the mixture to your face and neck. Gently scrub your skin with gentle, circular motions over your face, neck and lips for one minute. Rinse off with cold water and then pat dry.
Image credit: www.pinterest.com
8. Pineapple Or Lemon Juice
Pineapples contain skin-nourishing enzymes and lemons contain citric acid. You can do either of the two procedures. Mash up some ripe pineapples, wet your face with warm water to open up the pores and then simply apply to your face. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cold water. If you want to try lemon, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small bowl. Dip a cotton ball into the juice and apply to your entire face. Leave for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Repeat every day for a week, then do it once a week to maintain the best results.
Image credit: www.liliannwobu.com
9. Papaya
Papaya is rich in Vitamin A and is also a good antioxidant, which makes it great for your skin. The enzymes in papaya help to remove dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. To make a papaya mask, cut a few pieces of ripe papaya and mash into a smooth paste. Apply this on your face. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash with warm water.
Image credit: https://oceanspotions.wordpress.com
10. Honey And Oatmeal
Oatmeal mixed with honey is a very good anti-wrinkle mask. Oatmeal serves as a gentle exfoliant while honey works on the fine lines and wrinkles. Apply the oatmeal and honey paste on your wet face and then leave it for 15 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Image credit: jasmineblu.blogspot.com
So you see, Botox is not the only solution to slow down aging!
Patch test before covering your entire face with any of the masks or exfoliants mentioned above to ensure you don’t have a reaction.