Injection of botulinum toxin is the medical-aesthetic non - invasive procedure most commonly used in Spain and the rest of the world to fight wrinkles, according to data obtained from the Congress of Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery IMCAS, one of the most prestigious internationally.
Putting on Botox costs around € 300 for a single area and lasts from 3 to 9 months, depending on the strength of the muscles treated and the way each woman gestures. Remember that more than 40 muscles are involved in our facial expressions every day!
If you are not a friend of botox …
However, there are a large number of women unable to bear the sight of a needle, joined by those who fear losing the natural expression of their face, those who cannot afford that financial outlay or those who give up depending on a periodic treatment to feel beautiful.
If you are among them, today there are a multitude of cosmetics based on different active principles that provide a flash effect of tightening the skin that, although transitory, becomes a worthy plan B for antibotox. Do you want to know what they are and how they work?
1. Argireline, the light botox
Known as Botox light, it is a peptide composed of proteins that is revolutionizing cosmetics due to its high anti-aging power and its wrinkle-filling capacity. It is the topical alternative to microinjections, since it modulates both parts of the muscle contraction process, preventing facial expression lines. Argireline works on the same protein complex as botulinum toxin, but inhibits muscle contraction without paralyzing it. In this sense, laboratories are taking giant steps; like Prima-Derm, which have managed to destabilize the SNARE complex, involved in muscle stimulation.
2. Bee venom extract
It was Kate Middleton herself who made it fashionable by relying on it as a prenuptial flash treatment. The history of this therapy is associated with the Austrian physician Philip Terc, who accidentally discovered its healing power. After being attacked by a swarm, he discovered that his rheumatoid arthritis was improving. Its anti-inflammatory power, 100 times higher than cortisone, makes it an excellent pre and postoperative treatment, and its circulation-promoting action has an effect on the face to which it owes its nickname “natural botox”.
Botulinum toxin injection (Botox) is the most used non-invasive medical-aesthetic procedure in Spain
3. Dragon blood
No. It is not a new ingredient extracted from the Game of Thrones series , but an active principle that is obtained from the red sap of an African tree named in this way. Its antioxidant activity is 20 times greater than that of vitamin C, and its anti-inflammatory power reduces redness and blemishes, as well as being an excellent healing agent. In contact with the skin, it forms a protective film that protects it against environmental damage.
4. Snake venom
The cosmetic industry now turns its gaze to the animal and plant kingdom to find formulas that can respond to this type of consumer who is looking for a powerful flash effect without resorting to the "puncture". To this end, some companies have worked with the peptide Syn-ake, which mimics the paralyzing effect of a species of snake: the temple viper. It is part of the Botox-like proteins, which work by reducing expression lines in the mouth, forehead and around the eyes caused by repetitive movements of the facial muscles.
5. Hydroxy acids
They are active ingredients capable of gently exfoliating the skin to rid it of impurities. They provide more luminosity and make the products that are applied afterwards more effective. The most common are glycolic, tartaric, lactic, malic and citric. They are included in a small concentration to provide a slight daily peeling action.
6. Hyaluronic acid
Imagine an arid landscape with cracks. This is what happens to the skin when it lacks water. If it is not well hydrated, wrinkles are set more easily. To combat it, hyaluronic acid is the most popular active ingredient in recent years due to its innate ability to retain water. Now there is a lot of talk about hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights. What does it mean? When its weight is low, it pierces the skin filling from within. And if it is high, it stays on the skin surface avoiding water loss. Ideally, use a mixture of both.
7. Caffeine
Although it is usually present in body formulas, laboratories also include it in facial cosmetics when they seek to benefit from its draining action and stimulating capacity of microcirculation. We find it especially in the contours of the eyes, since it is capable of decongesting the area, providing an interesting anti-fatigue effect.
8. Cereal proteins
Wheat, soy and rice. Its proteins are the great tensioners of natural cosmetics, that is why they have also been baptized as lifting proteins. They are capable of instantly fixing on the surface of the skin to produce that stretching sensation that lasts up to 8 hours. Most of the flash ampoules that we use on special occasions contain some of these ingredients, which also have the power to retain moisture in the skin and increase its radiance.
9. Vitamin C
It is the queen of antioxidants. So much so that every time a new asset from this family arrives on the market, its guarantee of effectiveness is always measured against this great giant of anti-aging beauty , essential for the growth and repair of tissues. The skin comes to life when it receives a topical dose of this legendary vitamin, capable of recovering a tired face in an instant. For example, an excellent trick to restore freshness to the face after a long night is to mix a cosmetic (an ampoule is ideal) based on vitamin C with another with a tightening effect with proteins. It does not fail, the revitalizing effect is immediate.
10. Retinol
The creams that contain this ingredient, which belongs to the retinoid family (derived from vitamin A), have an extraordinary ability to activate cell renewal, which guarantees you a “holiday face” all year round. It is a multipurpose anti-aging ingredient that stimulates the production of collagen and the synthesis of new dermal fibers, which softens the skin and refines wrinkles. But it is also capable of fighting stains (inhibiting melanin production) and providing luminosity. Choose cosmetics that contain it encapsulated, which means that it releases its power in a progressive and constant way.
And recently, also Botox gel
Without needles and with the same effect. Women who are reluctant to prick, but who would like to try the effect of Botox, now have the opportunity to try it in gel. It is also applied in consultation and should be done by an aesthetic doctor. The effect is visible after 3 days and lasts slightly less than 3 months. Dr. Ricardo Ruiz, head of Dermatology at the Ruber Clinic in Madrid, warns that "at the moment it is only approved for the treatment of crow's feet."
