We all want to prevent premature signs of aging. Women more than ever are pressured to maintain an eternally youthful appearance, finding themselves confronted with the question of whether or not to get Botox injections while wondering if there are any alternative routes to take. As an esthetician who has admittedly gone down both roads myself, I want to share with you what I know now that I wish I knew then. Keep reading to discover what Botox really does in the body and explore other more natural anti-aging alternatives, and anti-aging foods.

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of poisoning called botulism. It is one of the most toxic materials known on the planet.

WHAT DOES BOTOX DO?

Botox and anti-wrinkle injections have a smoothing effect on the skin because the botulinum toxin inhibits neurotransmitter release that signals muscles to contract. In other words, botox paralyzes the muscles and can destroy the nerves. Wrinkles may be gone temporarily, but anti-wrinkle injections can lead to muscle atrophy, sagging and worsened wrinkling skin in the long run due to impared collagen, poor muscle strength, and blockage of movement.

Wrinkles and sagging skin are often a result of stuck fascia across the entire face, neck, and shoulders. When we paralyze one group of muscles it forces other groups to work harder creating more tension, and more wrinkles. Instead of freezing our faces as a preventative measure, it might be more beneficial to look for ways to release muscle tension, stagnant tissues and emotional blockages stored in the face to encourage flow and movement.

MY BOTOX EXPERIENCE

I experimented with Botox in my early 20's when I first became an esthetician because I (like many other women) was taught it was part of “age prevention” and a normal thing to do. A decade later and I am now Botox-free and know there is nothing normal or casual about injecting a neurotoxin into the body. I always get compliments on how smooth my forehead is, and it makes me so happy to feel and look more vibrant than I did back when I was toying with Botox at such a young age. So much of that has to do with my diet and lifestyle of course, but also realizing that paralyzing my facial muscles was not actually an effective way to achieve my anti-aging goals. In my experience with Botox/Dysport, it looked like my skin was getting thinner, my forehead felt weaker and other areas of my face looked more wrinkled and tense that were not before. I was always conflicted from the inner turmoil between my belief in natural wellness and my vanity. There I was, not even wanting to take a Tylenol tablet or use aluminum tinfoil when cooking to avoid toxins and heavy metals the best I could, all while making my walk of shame out of my injector’s clinic. Deep down I knew there had to be another way! I was also in the middle of my long time battle with acne and didn’t realize how these injectables were effecting my immune system and hindering my healing journey. All of my body’s reserves and immune system were using all of its power to get rid of the injected threat and poison in my body when I really needed it to help clear my skin and other chronic symptoms at the time. As I continued to research and learn more while evolving to holistic skin practices personally and professionally I became impressed with the real results that can be achieved without the needle.

MEDICAL MEDIUM: COSMEDIC INJECTIONS

FLOW > FREEZE

Facial massage is the ultimate holistic way to promote younger looking skin. It is something you can have professionally done, and easily do at home to build and maintain results. It also helps to bring awareness to your resting facial posture and counteract repetitive expressions held in the face throughout the day. Releasing the facial muscles has the power to transform your complexion and revive your overall well being.

Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique which improves the health of your skin by clearing blockages and encouraging movement of lymphatic fluid and blood so that the skin can function better while also harnessing the energetic benefits of your gua sha stone tool.

FACIALS

Lift & Sculpt Ritual is a massage focused anti-aging facial to hydrate, lift, tone, contour, and plump the appearance of your skin alongside a cocktail of antioxidant rich ingredients and microcurrent to help strengthen the muscles and firm the skin. The Lift & Sculpt Ritual also Includes steam cleansing, an enzyme peel, custom nourishing mask, Red Celluma LED light therapy to boost collagen and circulation, hot towels, neck and shoulder massage, sculpting gua sha massage to release tension, soften fine lines, and relax your facial features. Intuitively selected crystals placed around and upon you to support your unique energetic needs and leave you feeling completely uplifted and radiant

Microchanneling with Osmosis Beauty’s RevitaPen and Facial Infusion is a highly effective collagen induction treatment increases fibroblast activity without causing trauma to the skin and accelerates results for up to 30 days of continuous collagen formation. By stimulating the outermost layers of the skin, microchanneling will help jump-start your skin’s natural renewal process just waiting to be activated!

BOTOX ALNERNATIVES:

Kinesiology tape is also a tool that can be used as an alternative to botox. The tape mimics the skin’s texture creating support and more breathing space below the surface. This practice can promote circulation to the face muscles while gently lifting and welcoming lymphatic flow.

Facial cupping promotes circulation, which may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, decrease puffiness, and more. You can experiment with facial cupping at home, but it may be best to reach out to an experienced practitioner for your first session. Look for a local holistic facialist who specializes in facial cupping.

Red Light therapy is favored by estheticians and skin enthusiasts because it accelerates skin healing. It utilizes light energy in different electro-magnetic spectrums to stimulate fibroblast growth factors. Red light therapy is a noninvasive way to stimulate collagen formation resulting in a more plump, smooth and glowing complexion.
Omnilux LED

Microcurrent helps to re-educate the muscles and firm the skin by toning, lifting, and sculpting the face. Electrical signals promote healthy circulation, heal and regenerate the skin. It is great for improving puffiness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, production of collagen and elastin, inflammation, acne and rosacea. The experience is very relaxing and noticeable results begin immediately, and accumulate with regular sessions.

Something else that anti-wrinkle injections will not address is skin texture. Dehydrated skin can cause and accentuate fine lines, so keeping the skin hydrated with serums and creams can help plump and blur lines and roughness that can age the skin’s appearance.

Now that we have uncovered ways to topically care for your skin, let me also remind you that how you nourish your skin from within and care for your liver determines the aging process, and much of our well-being mentally, physically, and even emotionally as we age. The more burdened the liver is, the more likely someone is to develop premature signs of aging, wrinkles and other skin concerns typically associated with aging.

ANTI-AGING SKIN FOODS:

Silica is an essential beauty mineral that supports the formation of collagen and can be easily absorbed by the body unlike trendy collagen supplements. Food sources of silica include: cucumbers, melons, asparagus, and leafy greens. Beneficial silica containing herbs include: horsetail, rose hips, and nettle.

Pink Pitaya also called dragon fruit, is known as the fountain of youth fruit. The pink pigment in the red-fleshed variety of pitaya is a liver rejuvenator that deeply cleanses the organ and bringing cells back to life. It helps your liver produce cells faster so regeneration of the liver can occur. Pitaya helps to purify the circulatory system and keep your liver young. The red variety of pitaya is known to contain more antioxidants than the white varieties and can be easily added to daily smoothies in fresh, frozen, or dehydrated powder form.

Wild blueberries have the highest proportion of antioxidants of any food on the planet. Wild blueberries are also the most powerful brain food in existence, and a star at helping to restore the liver.

Apricots are incredibly high in minerals and are one of the most healing fruits you can eat. They are high in anti-aging properties like beta-carotene and are very helpful in helping to regrow hair and improve the quality of your hair, skin, and nails.

Beta-carotene is critical for healthy skin, and it's found in a number of fruits and vegetables. When you provide your body with carotenes, the liver can send carotene-rich blood through the subcutaneous fat up to the skin. Foods high in beta-carotene include: mangoes, papayas, sweet potatoes, raspberries, apricots colorful melons, and leafy greens like spinach

I hope these tips will help boost your skincare routine and feel more confident with the knowledge to select treatments that are best suited for your wellness needs!

The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, to include blog postings and any linked material. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional health or medical advice or treatment, nor should it be relied upon for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any health consideration. Consult with a licensed health care practitioner before altering or discontinuing any medications, treatment or care, skin care products or starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program. The content of this blog and any linked material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mindful Beauty facesbykatey and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.