For decades, Botox has been used as a cosmetic treatment to smooth out lines and wrinkles that show signs of ageing. However, as Botox continues to grow in popularity, it is attracting a new demographic. Young people in their 20s and 30s are utilising Botox treatments as a preventative method to delay the signs of ageing for as long as possible. So, is this technique of preventative Botox effective and is it worth it?

The New Botox Generation

With the rise of social media, perfectly crafted selfies, the envy-inducing Insta-stories and the polished YouTube videos, these among many other reasons, have forced a new generation to take a closer look at their faces. As a result, more and more people are looking for treatments that can improve and enhance their facial features to bring self-confidence and to allow more people to love the skin they’re in.

The cosmetic treatments on the rise for this generation of people in their 20s and 30s include popular treatments such as dermal fillers, laser resurfacing and chemical peels. However, perhaps most surprising in the rise in Botox treatment for this generation.

As a wrinkle-smoothing treatment, Botox is more commonly used in more mature generations who want to treat their current fine lines, wrinkles and problem areas. However, the new generation of Botox users coming through are those who have yet to have wrinkles. In fact, since 2010, the number of Botox procedures for those aged 20-29 years old has increased by 28%. So, why are those without wrinkles, seeking out a wrinkle-smoothing treatment?

The Self-Care Routine

There is a significant focus on creating a healthy skincare routine that consists of not only quality skincare products and sun protection but also facials and anti-ageing treatments such as Botox and dermal filler to prevent the signs of ageing. The focus of creating this robust skincare plan normalises treatments, making preventative Botox and other ageing prevention techniques part of a healthy skincare routine, where Botox is seen as just another form of personal grooming.

For those looking to strengthen their skin which may be thinner or losing its plumpness which can show fine lines and wrinkles more prominently, many Botox practitioners will recommend skincare products with ingredients such as retinol and collagen. This means the skin has helped both inside and out for the ultimate protection against ageing.

So, with people adopting Botox into their regular skincare routine as a preventative measure to look as youthful as possible for as long as possible, does preventative Botox actually work?

How Preventative Botox Works

Botox works by relaxing the facial muscles that are frequently used which create wrinkles and fine lines. As Botox is injected into the facial muscles, it serves as a selective relaxer that temporarily paralyses the muscles, reducing the wrinkles caused by facial expressions and motion.

Like most treatments, the sooner treatment begins, the better the results will be. If you start Botox when you have deep frown lines, then the Botox can relax the muscles, but there may be some signs of the wrinkle. However, having Botox when the wrinkles are minimal, will means that they can be barely perceptible with treatment.

Typically wrinkles get deeper and more pronounced with age. Treating these wrinkles early means that it will take longer for the wrinkles deeper, so individuals can enjoy a more youthful appearance for even longer. Furthermore, starting Botox early means that usually less Botox treatment is required further down the line.

Youthful, Not Frozen

One concern for those looking for Botox in their younger years is the risk of having a frozen face. However, with preventative Botox, only a low dose of Botox needs to be used in order to achieve preventative results.

When Botox is administered by a trained, experienced professional, then ultra-low, highly targeted injections can help to maintain a youthful, fresh-faced appearance. When maintained with regular follow-up treatment, Botox can have long-lasting effects in keeping the face as youthful as possible for even longer, by stopping deep wrinkles from forming.

A skilled Botox practitioner will carefully examine the face to determine the target areas for preventative Botox. This is typically where the skin is thinner or where the early signs of ageing, such as crows’ feet and forehead wrinkles, are beginning to appear.

For preventative Botox to be effective, it needs to be administered in the right places, depending on the individual’s face. Typically, an experienced Botox practitioner will be able to tell with their client just by looking at their face and their facial expressions. Then, when it is injected into the right place, it works to ‘train’ the muscles not to fall into the place where it has become a habit. This helps to reduce the wrinkles formed by dynamic facial movement.

Drawbacks Of Preventative Botox

Like any Botox treatment, it is essential to use an accredited practitioner who uses high-quality products to ensure the best results. Opting for cheap Botox risks your health as well as increases the chances of you receiving an undesirable frozen and unnatural look.

While preventative Botox can help to retrain muscles so that they do not form into wrinkles, having excess Botox can cause muscles to get weaker and flatter as they are used less. Over time, as the skin loosens, and the muscles become weaker, other surrounding muscles will support your face to make facial expressions. As a result, wrinkles can appear in other areas of the face, depending on the muscles being used to support the facial expression.

With this in mind, the practitioner will need to ensure to tailor Botox injections to ensure all muscles are supported with Botox and ensure small dosing levels to get the best, natural results.

Is Preventative Botox Enough to Prevent Wrinkles from Getting Worse?

With careful application from an experienced practitioner, preventative Botox really can help to slow the signs of ageing right down, meaning it takes longer for wrinkles to form. However, preventative Botox isn’t a quick fix, looking after your skin in other ways is important too.

To reduce the signs of ageing as much as possible and get the most out of Botox, individuals should reduce their alcohol intake, give up smoking and stay hydrated. The use of SPF is essential to help prevent wrinkles too.

Furthermore, there are lots of facial treatments that can keep your skin plump, youthful and healthy on the outside such as products with vitamin C, hydroquinone, retinol and collagen.

Are you a medical professional interested in carrying out Botox, filler or advanced procedures? Consider one of our industry leading Botox courses and Botox training. We also offer other cosmetic courses like our lip filler courses.