Should you Think about Fighting Wrinkles in Your 20s?

Statistically, your skin is in its prime when you’re in your twenties.  Sure, we still have to deal with hormonal and environmental issues like acne and sun damage.  In your twenties, your skin generally still retains the ability to snap back from these issues.  Many people think this lasts forever.  It’s a shock to them when the wrinkles appear as early as their 30s.  Now that the wrinkles and fine lines are a real problem, they’re scrambling to find ways to fight back.  What if you could take proactive steps to your long-term skincare regime?  If given the opportunity, would you consider Preventative Botox to combat wrinkles while you’re still in your 20s?

What is Preventative Botox?

Botox is the medical version of botulinum toxin, a powerful substance used for the prevention of wrinkles and fine lines.  It is injected into the skin, where it paralyzes the muscles at the injection site.  Incorrectly applying Botox can result in serious and life-threatening conditions, so it must be applied by a trained medical professional.  However, if it is applied correctly, it can provide drastic results that can last up to 4 months.  Each application of Botox results in softer, more hydrated skin than if Botox was not used at all.

According to Mayoral Dermatology, Preventative Botox is simply Botox that is applied before aging skin symptoms start appearing.  With the use of Botox, you can prolong the appearance of supple, youthful skin, and delay age-related lines and wrinkles.

How does Preventative Botox work?

Every time our face moves, it creates micro-grooves.  Each smile, frown, duckface, and raising of eyebrows create a new one.  The grooves may be reversible at first, but the repeated motions forge them into permanent features in our skin.  As we age, the grooves become more noticeable, resulting in cosmetic lines and wrinkles.

At your Preventative Botox appointment, a dermatologist from SeaMist medspa will perform an assessment to determine where fine lines and wrinkles are likely to occur.  This may involve having you smile, frown, and make other facial movements to see the surface of your skin change.  During the procedure, they will apply measured amounts of Botox to specific facial areas.  The Botox causes the muscles to relax by blocking the nerve signals.  A relaxed muscle doesn’t move as much, reducing the opportunities for lines and wrinkles to form.

How soon should you start Preventative Botox?

It’s recommended that your first Preventative Botox appointment occur between 25 and 30 years old.  This is the age range just before fine lines and wrinkles appear.  Preventative Botox is not suggested for people younger than 25.  They usually do not have enough damage from wrinkles and fine lines for Botox to be effective.  Patients over 30 years old who have not yet started Preventative Botox are encouraged to set up a consultation with a dermatologist.  However, at this age, they may have already begun experiencing fine line and wrinkle damage on the skin.

You have concerns about Botox…

… and that is okay.  It is normal to have questions about any cosmetic procedure.  You should always feel comfortable enough to bring them up to your dermatologist or medical professional.

Some of the more common concerns we’ve heard about include:

• Side effects. When applied by a trained medical professional, side effects are rare.  They can include facial drooping, bruising, and swelling, which often dissipate within the first 4 hours.  Your dermatologist should be able to provide you with medical attention or instructions on how to reduce the effects.
• Contra-indicated medications and conditions. Before doing any procedure, it is crucial that you let your doctor know the name (or type) and dosage of all medications you are currently taking.  Many people forget, but this also includes natural or herbal medicines, tonics, and tinctures.  This is to avoid any unknown side effects occurring when the Botox and the medication interact in your system.  You should definitely let your doctor know if you have:
  • Received any products with botulinum toxin within the last four months or had previously used a product with botulinum toxin and experienced side effects;
  • Recently gotten an injected antibiotic;
  • Used muscle relaxants, allergy or cold medication, sleep medication, blood thinners (including aspirin) or another type of anticoagulant;
  • Recently given birth or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Had surgery or are planning to;
  • Experienced heart problems or disease, breathing problems, or problems swallowing;
  • ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
• Downtime. It takes 10 – 30 minutes to apply Botox. You should plan for limited activity and must keep your face upright for the next 4 hours.  After that, you can perform many of your usual light-duty tasks.  Before you resume exercising or facial massages, you must get approval from your dermatologist.