5 on the fly: skincare alternatives to try instead of Botox

by Sarah Halfpenny

Botox has fast become one of the most well-known and widely used methods for (literally) freezing wrinkles in their tracks, but for some people the thought of repeatedly injecting a neurotoxin into their body isn’t appealing. Here are some options to try if you’re in camp ‘Notox’ …

1. Retinol

Proven in study after study, retinoids exfoliate skin by encouraging cellular turnover, stimulate collagen, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fade pigmentation and give skin a fresher, plump appearance. They should be used at night as some types are deactivated by light and air. It’s also important to ease into using them as using too much too soon can cause skin irritation and redness. They are widely available at stores like Priceline.

2. Vitamins and supplements

Affordable and accessible for most people, vitamins and supplements can help improve collagen production and prevent damage from free radicals. The best ones to take for skin health are vitamins A, C and E plus zinc. Healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids help your skin stay moist and give you a ‘glow’ as and also block a chemical that lets skin cancer grow.

3. IPL rejuvenation

If you need to reverse damage caused by sun exposure and acne, then IPL (Intense Pulsed Light laser treatment) could be the option for you. It uses a beam of light made up of a spectrum of different light wavelengths, from blue to green to yellow. These are absorbed by the skin and trigger collagen production. Benefits include firmer skin, reduced pore size and a more even-textured appearance. It usually takes a course of 4-6 treatments conducted monthly and but there’s minimal downtime or side effects.

4. Acupuncture

This all-natural procedure has been shown in studies to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by helping improve facial elasticity and skin hydration by stimulating the body’s collagen production, and indirectly by recalibrating bodily systems like your circulation and lymphatic drainage. If you’re afraid of needles, this isn’t the option for you though!

5. Chemical peels

Chemical peels are safe and effective for reducing wrinkles and discoloured skin by exfoliating the top layer of skin, revealing a smoother and healthier layer underneath. They need to be done by a professional who can do light, medium or deep peels and results may take up to two weeks.

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