Botox is the most well-known wrinkle-erasing injectable in the beauty industry. The results of Botox injections are proven and have made patients happy for decades.
Many people report that they have Botox to thank for their youthful looks, but the treatment may not be suitable for everyone. Some people are afraid of needles, want a longer-lasting anti-aging solution, or have a condition called Botox resistance and are looking for alternatives. Also, Botox is typically used for dynamic muscles in the upper face. Sagging, wrinkled skin around the neck and jowls may benefit from a different treatment.
This article provides information about the best Botox alternatives for removing wrinkles, helping you choose the treatment that will best meet your aesthetic goals.
13 Botox Alternatives
Vibrant Skin Bar recommends the following Botox alternatives for those who are hesitant to try Botox. Some of these procedures we offer in our med spa, so schedule a free consultation with our skin experts to discuss your desired results and options.
1. Neurotoxin Injectables
Botox is a neurotoxin injectable, but other brands also use the same substance – botulinum toxin – to eliminate wrinkles. These injectables have a slightly different structure, inactive ingredients, and dosing techniques from Botox. They are not as well known, but medical providers commonly use them in their cosmetic practice, especially if patients don’t react well to Botox.
The following neurotoxin alternatives to Botox are FDA-approved and safe to use for wrinkle reduction: Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau.
Note: Discover the differences between Botox and its competitors:
The Vibrant Skin Bar medical professionals have years of experience injecting Dysport and Xeomin, in addition to Botox. Dysport and Xeomin are only approved for glabellar lines, but experienced medical professionals safely use them in other facial areas as well.
Note: Find out what are the best treatments for forehead lines.
2. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers and Botox are usually not interchangeable, as neurotoxins work on erasing dynamic wrinkles caused by moving muscles underneath the skin while fillers smoothen static wrinkles that appear due to loss of skin elasticity. Check out our Fillers vs. Botox comparison article to learn more about the differences.
Dermal fillers are better known for their tissue volumizing effect, but they effectively treat wrinkles as well. If you’re looking to treat wrinkles on your cheeks or chin, fillers are a great solution.
Our skin experts at Vibrant Skin Bar use Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and Versa, depending on the patient’s needs.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a minimally invasive treatment suitable for various skin issues, including acne, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging. They are classified into light, medium, and deep peels, depending on the concentration of chemical acids in them.
Schedule a chemical peel treatment with a reputable, experienced provider who can determine a safe and effective combination of acids for your skin type.
Note: Learn more about chemical peel types and how they can resolve your skin issue.
4. Vivace Microneedle RF
Vivace combines microneedling with radiofrequency and LED light therapy. Used together, these three techniques tighten the skin, reduce fine lines, blemishes, and scars, lift and firm the skin, making it more youthful. In addition, Vivace Face treatments produce new collagen and elastin, making it an excellent treatment for wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars.
5. Microcurrent
The muscles and skin start sagging as we age. Microcurrent stimulates the muscles and skin by delivering a low-grade electrical current to your face. This “workout” strengthens the facial muscles and increases circulation, slowing down and reversing the aging process. The treatment is also great as a lymphatic drainage massage that leaves a beautiful, less puffy face.
6. Laser Resurfacing
A laser resurfacing treatment involves sending light energy into deep skin layers, stimulating collagen production, and revealing cleaner, clearer, and smoother skin. Some laser treatments are more invasive than others, peeling off the skin’s surface layer, but they provide more dramatic and longer-lasting results.
Besides wrinkles, they reduce age spots, acne scars, and other irregularities, improving skin tone and texture.
Note: Learn how the innovative BBL laser works and how long the results last.
7. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been around for centuries as an alternative medical therapy. It is typically used to reduce pain and improve overall wellness, but it can also help erase wrinkles.
The insertion of tiny needles across designated points on the face can help improve facial blood circulation, the skin’s elasticity, and hydration. The result is tighter and plumper skin with less wrinkles and fine lines.
8. Face Patches
Frownies, or face patches, are sticky patches that smooth out wrinkles. You place them on areas where you’re prone to wrinkles, and the paper on the patches temporarily “freezes” the muscles, much like Botox.
This is a painless method and, unlike injectable treatments, quite inexpensive. Since face patches are non-invasive, they don’t require downtime or cause side effects like bruising and swelling.
Face patches have to be used every night for 30 nights and then at least three nights a week to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. However, satisfied patients are proof that this is an excellent Botox alternative.
9. Facial Creams and Serums
Many skincare products claim to have anti-aging powers. It’s important to know what words to look for in the ingredient list so you can determine if the product will deliver results. The best anti-aging compounds are retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids.
Retinoids are chemicals related to vitamin A that erase wrinkles over time. Some come in the form of prescription medication while others can be bought over the counter. When looking for retinoids in your cream, look for words retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate.
Topical vitamin A makes the skin more sun sensitive so use them at night and don’t forget your sunscreen the next day!
Antioxidant creams that contain vitamin C can affect collagen production and are a common ingredient of anti-age creams and serums. Look for the word L-ascorbic acid on the ingredient list and keep them stored in a dark, cool cabinet to protect their efficiency.
Ask your medical provider or aesthetician for advice. They will examine your skin and recommend products that really work.
10. Face Saver Balls
Face Saver Balls are rubbery balls invented by fitness trainer Yamuna. It involves moving a rubber ball across the face to increase circulation and work out the facial muscles. It claims to reduce skin sagging by improving skin health.
Women as young as 20 can start using the Face Saver Ball, as its magic rests on prevention.
11. V-TOX
V-TOX cream is a natural alternative to Botox designed by celebrity facialist Linda Meredith. Linda wanted to offer her clients a wrinkle-erasing treatment with no health risks or side effects. V-TOX consists of natural neuropeptides and algae. These ingredients surround the muscle with proteins to prevent strong facial contractions.
Unlike Botox, V-TOX is not injected but applied to the skin. You can also use it at home.
12. Frotox
Frotox is a 20-minute procedure known as a cryo-facial. During the treatment, a device filled with liquid nitrogen is placed beside the nerves that control facial muscles. The nerves are put into temporary hibernation, relaxing the muscles and smoothing wrinkles. This treatment requires a deep pocket, but if you’re interested, look for a Frotox specialist in your neighborhood.
13. Surgical Procedures
The last resort for erasing wrinkles involves the knife. Some options involve surgically disabling the muscle that has caused the wrinkles to appear. This can be done by cutting into the muscle or removing it altogether. Other options are the famous facelift, eye lift, and brow lift. As always, talk them through with your doctor and surgeon, and never proceed with anything you’re unsure about.
Conclusion
Botox and its wrinkle-erasing effects are well known, but the cosmetic industry offers many amazing treatments to people who want to reverse or prevent aging signs.
We at Vibrant Skin Bar provide some of the best Botox alternatives, so schedule a consultation with our friendly team to help you achieve your desired look.
