Botox - Are you curious?

What are anti-wrinkle treatments?

Most people refer to anti-wrinkle injections as Botox® which is actually the name of a brand of muscle relaxant. In Australia, there are now 4 brands of muscle relaxants, and each of these have different dosage requirements and a slightly different efficacy. All muscle relaxants use cosmetic Botulinum Type-A.

What is cosmetic Botulinum Type -A? 

The product (S4 drug) used for anti-wrinkle injections is a purified form of Botulinum Type A toxin. This toxin is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum and is one of the most poisonous biological substances known. It was originally introduced in 2002 for the purpose of cosmetic treatments. Up until then, it was used for the treatment of some medical conditions (ie a lazy eye, muscle spasms etc), and still is to this day.

How does it work?

It works by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that affects the nerves that cause our muscles to contract.  Put simply, this means when it is injected into the muscle, it prevents that muscle from contracting or moving. It can take 2 to 4 days to start having an effect, depending on the individual. On average the effect will last for about 3 months, again depending on the individual and dosage used. Despite this simplified explanation, it is quite a complex drug and in the hands of an inexperienced practitioner, can certainly have unwanted results.

Is it safe?

It has been used since 2002 for cosmetic treatments, however, it is only approved for use on Glabella lines (the vertical lines between your eyebrows) by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the US). All other cosmetic uses are termed off-label use. 

So, what does off-label actually mean? 'Off-label use' is when a drug is used to treat a condition that is not listed as one of the indications for use in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The on-label uses have been tested and approved, therefore off-label means it has not been tested and approved for that use/dosage or both. It is also important to keep in mind that the term “safe” does not mean it doesn’t have side effects. Always ask your practitioner about side effects before consenting to any procedure.

Is it tested on animals?

Yes. Drugs are sadly not cruelty-free. As they are a medical product, it is required by law to be tested on animals.  Every batch requires testing which means lab mice suffer and die through the process. There are no human studies on the cumulative effects of cosmetic injections, so it is hard to say what the long-term effects of its use will be.

What alternatives are there?

Treatments such as cosmetic acupuncture, Gua Sha or roller massage, can help to reduce puffiness, and inflammation and give a firmer appearance to the skin. These types of treatments increase blood flow to the skin and stimulate lymph flow, which in turn increases oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. In fact, any form of facial massage is going to be beneficial. The results from one treatment won’t last long, however with regular use the results will be evident in a healthy, firm and glowing skin.

Red LED light therapy is another great tool to incorporate into your skincare regime, as it stimulates ATP in your cells. It’s a bit like recharging your cell’s battery, plus it stimulates collagen and fibroblast activity as well as reduces inflammation. An all-around powerhouse treatment.

Last but certainly not least, is using a good skincare routine with clean active ingredients. There are some great natural ingredients that can keep the skin in optimal condition and help us to age gracefully. Vitamin A and C are effective ingredients to look out for. At organicspa we only use natural forms of these vitamins, such as Bakuchiol, Vita-A-Like and Carrot Seed oil, which are rich in Vitamin A. Kakadu Plum, Finger Limes and Ascorbyl Glucoside for Vitamin C and ingredients like Antarcticine that help reduce wrinkle depth and can effectively and ethically impact the skin’s appearance.

Whatever your decision regarding cosmetic injections is, it is important to understand the pros and cons. If you do go ahead, always seek out a qualified and experienced medical practitioner and ask lots of questions to find out if this is the right treatment for you.

Do I need to use skin care if I have muscle relaxants?

Yes! If you do choose to have cosmetic procedures, healthy skin will make the results look even better. A healthy skin is always in style.

The skin is our largest organ. It helps us to regulate our temperature, is our first line of defence against bacteria and other organisms, is waterproof, as well as being a sensory organ, alerting us to both pleasure and pain. Using Certified Organic skin care with active ingredients and a healthy lifestyle will give your skin and body the support it needs to keep you looking and feeling great, even as you age.

To have or not to have?

Having cosmetic injectables is a very personal decision. As a Certified Organic skincare brand, we are concerned about the effects of the long-term use of muscle relaxants. Not just because there are no long-term clinical studies on the cumulative effect of injecting cosmetic Botulinum Type-A, but because it goes against the natural beauty of ageing gracefully. Not to mention that these treatments are NOT cruelty-free. 

Whatever your choice regarding these treatments, choose Certified Organic skin care to ensure your skin is in optimal condition. And we’ve got you here!

If you do go ahead, always seek out a qualified and experienced medical practitioner and ask lots of questions to find out if this is the right treatment for you.