Botox has grown hugely
popular, and while it may be considered relatively safe when performed
by an experienced doctor, side effects include bruising or flu-like
symptoms, and if not administered correctly you can find yourself with a
crooked smile, wacky looking eyebrows, droopy eyelids, and excessive
tearing in your eyes.
No thanks!
So what's the alternative? I get asked this all the time.
I've had great success using some of these alternatives over the years, and so have my clients:
1. Apply Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or AHAs) topically.
Apply AHAs to the skin to remove dead skin cells while smoothing and
firming skin. Look for citric, lactic, malic or other types of AHAs in
an alpha hydroxy cream, or other topical product. Apply daily to remove
the dead top layer of your skin and increase the thickness of deeper
skin layers.
Always consult your skincare professional before using new product.
2. Get facial acupuncture and acupressure.
This alternative has roots in eastern traditional medicine and
specifically stimulates the points that allow for the proper flow of
energy, or qi throughout the human body. It’s important to always
consult a specially trained acupuncturist or acupressure specialist.
3: Try microneedling.
This treatment stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and
growth factors and has been proven to show significant improvement in
skin texture, firmness and elasticity. It works by using a device called
a dermal roller which is covered in fine, thin stainless steel needles,
which are rolled over the skin.
The needles used during this
procedure are short and only target the upper layer of the epidermis.
The top layer of skin is punctured leaving microscopic channels that
maximize the penetration of nutrients, stimulate cell repair and the
proliferation of new cell growth. This allows for cell regeneration and
the uptake of nutrients by skin cells deep beneath the surface.
The key to needling, however, is the healing response that this process
stimulates, which releases several key growth factors for optimal cell
turnover.
4. Eat plenty of coconut oil or take coconut oil supplements, and use it on your skin topically.
Coconut oil does some pretty incredible things for our bodies and it
can literally rebuild our skin tissue both topically and internally.
It's also super hydrating. Because damaged connective tissue is often
the real cause of wrinkles and coconut oil repairs these tissues, is
eliminates wrinkles.
5. Find products that have peptides.
These naturally occurring proteins actually help your skin produce
collagen, the anti-wrinkle protien. Specifically, Argireline is very
powerful when applied topically. You can find peptides in a wide range
of skincare products.
While these tips really do provide
results, the best way to avoid dealing with wrinkles and lines is to
stay protected when out of the sun, eat a healthy diet full of
superfoods and get regular professional skincare treatments.
source:mindbodygreen