Let’s talk about Botox. A lot of people love it, but here’s the thing—it can stop working over time. Yup, your body can actually build resistance, which means no more results. Plus, Botox isn’t exactly natural, and I’m all about finding better, healthier alternatives. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your skin glowing without needles, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in!
Facial Acupuncture
Facial acupuncture is like giving your skin a natural reboot. Tiny needles stimulate collagen production and improve circulation, making your skin tighter and smoother while improving the overall appearance of your skin. While cosmetic acupuncture and Botox may seem similar since both involve needles and results that leave you looking rejuvenated and looking younger, Botox comes at a risk that may not be worth it. Treatments like Botox have a long list of possible side effects. The first, which personally happened to me, is that its “paralyzing” effect could migrate to other areas of the face. I had a total mishap a few years ago where my mouth was affected and I could barely open my mouth. Thankfully, my acupuncturist was able to get rid of the Botox within a few sessions, but the experience left me traumatized! I could barely eat anything and I was absolutely miserable for about 2 weeks. There is also the possibility of Botox causing a drooping eyelid or uneven brows. It is also worth mentioning that Botox is a toxin that increases your body’s toxic load and can cause body aches and allergic reactions.
Using cosmetic acupuncture treats the root causes of many skin conditions by bringing the body into alignment and gives longer lasting results that have health benefits as well. After several sessions patients will notice less fine lines and wrinkles, plumper looking skin, improved blood flow to the skin, better circulation, a brighter glowing complexion, improved elasticity, improvement in acne, tighter pores and improved skin texture. Facial acupuncture also helps with painful jaw issues like TMD and TMJ and can help bring blood flow and improved mobility to the jaw. Facial acupuncture will leave you feeling relaxed and less stressed, which will help with your overall sense of wellbeing. If you live in the San Diego area, we have several amazing experts in facial acupuncture; Dr. Sierra Macy, Leslie Deems, or Dr. Syvanna Siew.
Face/Wrinkle Patches
I’m obsessed with these! Face patches are amazing for keeping those fine lines in check. Stick them on before bed, and they work their magic overnight by gently smoothing the skin. Wrinkle patches deliver active ingredients like retinol, collagen and antioxidants to hydrate and plump the skin, ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles. You’ll wake up with a more refreshed, youthful look!
Face Tape: Hollywood’s Best Kept Secret
Face tape is an adhesive strip that provides a natural alternative to Botox and other invasive therapies. Originally invented by Japanese chiropractor and healer Kenzo Kase for muscle and joint pain, the tape has recently gained popularity for addressing facial muscle concerns. Facial tape can prevent or reduce wrinkles, jowls and signs of weakened facial muscles by teaching your muscles a new resting position. Taping also lifts your skin, improving lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and water retention. Typically you apply the tape and leave it on for three to eight hours; but preferably overnight. Most face tape brands come with instructions on how to apply it; just make sure to find a brand that is made with natural cotton and non-toxic glue.
LED Light Therapy
If you haven’t tried LED light therapy yet, I highly recommend it as a daily therapy to boost collagen production. Collagen production gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity and a LED light therapy mask helps to increase your natural production of collagen and helps reduce inflammation, giving your skin a firm, youthful glow over time. With a red LED mask, the light enters your skin, your mitochondria soaks it up and makes more energy which also helps cells repair themselves. Red light therapy uses a very low level of heat and doesn’t burn the skin so it’s totally painless and feels like a mini spa treatment at home!
Retinol & Vitamin C Creams
I’m always talking about the magic of retinol and vitamin C, and for good reason! Retinol speeds up cell turnover, which exfoliates the skin naturally. Retinol also increases the skin’s production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin firm and elastic and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol can help even out skin tone and make skin appear brighter. Vitamin C also helps your skin produce collagen, reduces hyperpigmentation and is a rich source of antioxidants that can protect your skin from sun damage and even reverse it. Vitamin C can help your skin retain moisture by decreasing transepidermal water loss and also helps improve skin texture and the appearance of uneven skin tone.These two together are a powerhouse for youthful, glowing skin. I use retinol in the evening and vitamin c in the morning.
FaceXercise: Yes, Your Face Needs a Workout Too
I know it sounds funny, but FaceXercise can actually tone and lift your face by working out the muscles in your face, jaw and inside of your mouth. It is an alternative to Botox that is loved by celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Cindy Crawford. Think of it as a mini gym session for your face that helps smooth out lines and keeps everything firm by combining deep tissue massage and facial cupping.
Supplements
We can’t forget that healthy skin starts from within! Supplements like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins E and C are great for supporting skin health. They keep your skin hydrated, elastic, and glowing—just the way we want it!
One of my favorite collagen supplements is Skinade. Not sponsored but I really love it and have noticed a difference in my skin since taking it regularly. Skinade uses hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, vitamin C and MSM to improve skin elasticity and inhibit skin aging. It also uses vitamin B complex to promote more uniform, clearer, glowing and radiant skin. Omega 3 & 6 to balance dry and oily skin and L-lysine (an amino acid) that is key to rebuilding collagen at the cellular level.
I also have recently added The Beauty Molecule by Oliveda to my daily routine. It is a drink made with Hydroxytyrosol combined with low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Infused with lavender, camu camu ,and turmeric, this vegan formula works in synergy to promote a youthful, radiant complexion. Some of the benefits of this beauty drink include
- Hyaluronic acid tightens pores, firms skin and enhances a natural, rosy glow
- Hydroxytyrosol protects against oxidative stress, supporting cellular health
- Strengthens connective tissue and supports immune function
- Promotes healthier, stronger nails
Why Botox Isn’t the Long-Term Solution
While Botox can give quick results, most people start to become immune to it and need more Botox more often… it can stop working. And if we are being honest here, it’s not great for your body to frequently inject toxins on a regular basis. The truth is, as we age, our skin needs more holistic care, not just quick fixes. There are so many natural, effective alternatives to Botox that work with your body, not against it. Whether it’s acupuncture, light therapy, or just taking better care of your skin from the inside out, you have plenty of options that will give you real results. Let’s age gracefully together, with a little help from these natural solutions.
