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Why I'll never get Botox - is Botox Safe?


botox injection with a syringe near the eye


There is absolutely zero shame coming from me if you've chosen to get Botox. However, here's some reason why I personally will never do so: 

 

First of all… what is Botox? Botulinum toxin, one of the most poisonous biological substances known, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (source). The injection of botox blocks the release of one of the main neurotransmitters in your muscles, which causes muscle paralysis - which generally lasts about 3 months. 

 

Botox is used either medically for things like muscle spasms and chronic migraines, or for cosmetic uses like preventing wrinkles in the face. Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure performed world-wide, with estimates of 3 million injections per year (source). 

 

So… is it safe? 

 

I personally would never do it. Here's some of the minor potential side effects: 


  • injection site bruising

  • localized pain

  • injection site infection

  • headaches

  • nerve trauma

  • allergic reactions

  • ptosis (drooping of skin)

  • blurred vision

  • exaggeration of muscles

  • asymmetry in facial expressions

  • dry mouth


Those are just the MILD potential side effects. Now let's look at some of the more serious potential side effects: 


  • systemic anaphylactic reactions

  • life-threatening dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

  • serious muscle weakness

  • life-threatening allergic reactions

  • severe, debilitating headaches & fatigue

  • Botulism (this is the infection that can be present in honey, and why honey is not recommended for infants under 12 months old)

  • pseudoaneurysm of the frontal branch of the temporal artery

  • necrotizing fasciitis

  • sarcoidal granuloma

  • Fournier gangrene

  • cervical kyphosis

  • death


Source 1 and source 2 for all of this ^ 

 

And also… experimental studies have shown that botox may cross the blood-brain barrier, and can cause centrally-mediated side effects. 

 

So… um… yeah. Even if those risks have a small likelihood of occurring, I'm just not interested in that in order to get rid of wrinkles. 

 

But I DO want to have youthful skin that glows and looks great for decades. So is there a safe alternative to botox? 

 

IMHO, there are 3 ingredients that are a WONDERFUL alternative to botox: 

 

Peptides, paracress extract, and bakuchiol. 

 

Peptides, when applied topically, help to stabilize & restore skin's collagen and elastin network to firm skin for a lifted, contoured, and sculpted appearance. They visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful, radiant complexion.

 

Paracress extract, when applied topically, relaxes and temporarily paralyses facial muscles (like botox, minus the “toxin” part), resulting in reduced wrinkles and fine lines 

 

Bakuchiol is a plant-based, toxin-free alternative to retinol (which is a topic for another day … I also would NEVER use retinol). Bakuchiol is anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and has antioxidant properties. 

 

When you combine these 3 ingredients into one skincare routine, you have a tripe powerhouse of wrinkle and age-fighting products!! 

 

If you want to get toxins out of your skincare routine AND say “peace out” to the thought of botox injections, I recommend using 3 skincare products from my favorite toxin-free beauty brand, Crunchi. 

 

I use these products daily: I Am Polished Exfoliant (contains paracress extract), Goldenlight serum (multi-peptide serum), and Nightlight Advanced Moisturizer (contains bakuchiol). I've added all 3 of these to a cart for you below, and this set even includes a FREE Powerlight Eye Cream (worth $60) to fight those crows feet and dark circles even more! 


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