Should I Use Traditional Wrinkle Creams or Have Botox® Treatments?

NOTE: Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan, this website is in no way affiliated with Allergan.

For those concerned about their emerging crow’s feet and wrinkles, the mind will inevitably turn to strategies for slowing that process. People have been using wrinkle creams and serums for decades, and they’ve worked well for many. However, Botox® burst onto the scene in the 90s, and since then, wrinkle treatment options have broadened.

Botox® is comprised of a toxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles, disabling the formation of crow’s feet around the eyes, wrinkle lines across the forehead, and the creases between the eyebrows. Relatively affordable, Botox® is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available, with “medi-spas” and dermatologists from coast to coast offering the treatments.

So, why would someone choose Botox®? There are some definite advantages over traditional eye creams, wrinkle creams and serums. There is no question that it is effective as a treatment, with quick results that last for months. While eye creams vary in quality from one brand to the next, Botox® nearly always produces results. There is a reason that most aging female celebrities use Botox® regularly. When your looks are your business, you have to use what works.

Traditional wrinkle creams have advantages over Botox® as well, which are useful to consider. Botox® has a number of side effects for some users, which should be taken into account. Some have experienced headaches, double vision, problems swallowing, hoarseness, rashes, swelling, and more. While these side effects certainly aren’t universal, they are worth thinking about.

Those who experience stress or anxiety when receiving injections: take note. Botox® is injected into the muscle in order to be effective. Those with needle anxiety may find the familiar topical wrinkle creams to be more a more palatable method of reducing fine lines.

Botox® is a temporary solution, and must be renewed every three to six months, and some users find its efficacy diminishes over time. This is due to the body’s ability to produce antibodies to combat the toxins present in the Botox® injection.

Regular Botox® injections can strain the pocketbook, depending on the size of your typical skin care budget. Spas and dermatologists vary in their pricing structures, but usually one pays by the facial area ($175 and up) or by the unit ($15/per). Taken on a per-year basis, Botox® is often more expensive than even the most extravagant and upscale cream-based wrinkle prevention products.

Finally, overzealous Botox® users sometimes get that frozen, “deer caught in the headlights” look about them. If you’ve caught a glimpse of a supermarket tabloid while waiting in line, then you might have even seen this look on a famous celebrity or reality show star. This look may appeal to some, but others prefer a more natural and relaxed facial expression, even if it is slightly imperfect.

So, for those puzzling out the Botox® or topical wrinkle cream conundrum, there are many pros and cons to each side. There is no question that Botox® is effective, and when used judiciously, can help maintain a more youthful countenance. However, skin care science didn’t halt in the 1950s, and for those who want a more economical solution, topical wrinkle creams remain one of the easiest and most accessible ways to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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