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Avalon Organics CoQ10 Wrinkle Defense Cream |
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AminoGenesis – DermaScyne Wrinkle Arrest Anti Aging Day Cream SPF18 |
With the abnormal demand of perfection among both genders in today’s beauty obsessed society, cosmetic procedures are gaining more attention and becoming a comfortable topic in our daily lives. Magazine covers, internet articles, celebrity news, movies, and T.V.has influenced the way we view beauty and how we should look to be accepted into our own grandiose self image. Even if you believe that self image starts with self esteem or self worth, which should take the majority vote, many others unfavourable compare themselves to the airbrush starlets whose lips and legs are idolized and perfect, wrinkle free skin is coveted. Even the big Hollywood stars are trying to chase nature away by undergoing the knife or, even more affordable, injecting themselves with Botox.
Most people have heard of this as a quick fix to get plump lips and smooth laugh lines, but do they really know what is getting injected in their bodies? Botox has become the most popular and most used anti-aging treatment on the market today. Because of the quick procedure and relatively low cost compared to major cosmetic surgery, a huge percent of people are paying for the toxic injection instead of undergoing the very costly surgical counterparts.
What is Botox?
Botox is a protein derived from a botulisum toxin that is injected underneath skin to minimize and even out lines and wrinkles on the face. When used in low doses, it paralyzes or relaxes the facial muscles, giving the female or male (not just for the ladies!) a smooth facial appearance. Botox is one of the many trade names for the neurotoxic protein. Other trade names include BTXA, Dysport, Myobloc, Neurobloc, Xeomin, Botox Cosmetic, and Vistabel.
Canada was the first country to introduce Botox as a cosmetic treatment. Formerly it was used for other medical purposes, such as spasms and droopy eyes. Soon after it became known for erasing wrinkles, Hollywood took it on as an anti-aging cure-all.
What happens when you get a Botox treatment?
Small, diluted amounts are directly injected with a fine needle into specific muscles blocking the signals to the nerves resulting in weakening of the facial muscles. It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect and can last up to six months.
What are the side effects of Botox?
The common side effects include:
Nausea, headache, forehead or eyelid drooping, respiratory infection, flu-like symptoms, bruising, and swelling at the injection site. Not soooo bad right?
Think again.
It can also cause trouble breathing, and swallowing. But that’s not all.
According to an article written by CBC Canadian Press, “In rare cases, the toxin might have spread beyond the injection site to other parts of the body, resulting in such problems as paralysis of respiratory muscles and difficulty swallowing, the FDA said…The problems may be caused by overdoses of the drugs, the FDA said.”
Other news reports you can find will tell you that Botox is linked even to death…though a direct link has not been found or strong enough for the FDA to tell practitioners to stop using it.
Pretty scary right? The article was based on studies where Botox was used in the medical treatment in children, but it is still the same stuff you use for wrinkles.
Understandably, Botox will still win over people with the allure of temporary youth due to its noticeable effects in a short period of time, but if you are not keen on injecting your face with a potentially harmful toxin, what is there to yield comparable results?
Natural alternatives to Botox
Remember, there is no one “magic” cure all for aging. Diet, sun protection, lifestyle, genetics, environment and general health all play a big part in how we age.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), including glycolic and lactic acids, have been the basis for chemical peels for years. They slough away old skin cells, revealing more youthful-looking skin and reducing the look of wrinkles. Vitamin C is also used to heal sun-damaged skin. Other ingredients that work to rejuvenate and plump up skin is lupin seed extract, creams made with antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate and amino acids, Microdermabrasion (used to scrub off dead skin, reduce dark spots and eliminate fine lines), and natural or organic ingredients that help produce skins collagen and elastin (CoQ10, functional keratin, and natural plant based oils).
Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach produce vitamins, A, B, and C, which all contribute to producing more collagen and elastin in your skin’s deep layers, helping keep your skin youthful and supple. Also, don’t forget to sleep!!! Lack of sleep depletes the body of vital nutrients resulting in lacklustre skin, so rest as much as needed.
If you must use Botox…
Well, ask yourself if it’s really worth the risk. Trouble breathing? Death? We don’t think so.
If you do decide to go the Botox route, remember to look into reputable doctors and research the health risks associated with the procedure as there are people with certain conditions who shouldn’t receive treatment. Botox parties and injections at someone’s house are not cool – even if all your friends are doing it.
Realize that Botox treatment is only a band-aid, an illusion of youth, and that real healing to your aging woes comes from healthy choices for long term solutions.
Other sources to check out:
Botox linked to severe side effects, deaths: FDA
More about Botox and it’s other uses
Thinking of trying Botox? Hold your horses! Try these products instead – they might just be your natural answer to wrinkles and aging!
CoQ10 Enzyme Skin Care Wrinkle Defense Creme, by Avalon Organics
Nourish Peptide Skin Firming Wrinkle Cream
Bert’s bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing Serum
