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No matter what the reason, you may not want to go under the needle just yet (or ever!). But if you want the benefits of a procedure like Botox, there are non-invasive, needle-free options. We asked a medical aesthetician for her recommendations and were amazed by the holy grail non-Botox ingredient that works just as well!
Original “skinfluencer” and medical aesthetician, Cassandra Bankson, gave us her hot takes on Botox and alternatives. “As a medical aesthetician, I always want to make sure that patients and clients know about all of their options. Baby Botox is great, but are generally and can be a great first step if you are looking for topicals to prevent wrinkles.”
Bankson explained that the secret Botox-like ingredient is Argireline, a topical alternative to Botox.
She explained, “Botox is actually one of the most potent toxins in the entire world - botulinum toxin, but formulated anyway at a small enough dose that it can be helpful for skin. It is injected into muscles, which stops them from contracting, therefore preventing wrinkles and skin. But Argireline is different — it’s actually a peptide called peptide, acetyl hexapeptide -3.”
How does it work, and is it really as effective as Botox?
“It does not need to be injected in order to work, and is seen as a very safe alternative, although the best results come with regular use.
It works by intercepting neurotransmitter signals, basically how cells relay messages to each other, which helps weekend or even prevent facial muscles from contracting. Think of your skin like a piece of paper. If you fold it over and over again down the middle, you can open it up and try your best to smooth it out—but there will always be a dent there. That is basically what a wrinkle is. Over the years and years of smiling, squinting, and moving our face, specific muscles cause specific lines and wrinkles to form. The underlying muscle is what causes these contractions, and if we can disrupt that process, we can help prevent the early signs of wrinkling.”
Banskon explained that while this peptide, or argireline are great Botox alternatives, we have to remember that the number one cause of collagen degradation and wrinkling is sun damage.
She champions using a good sunscreen that will protect the skin from breaking down collagen. Bankson also recommends the Bare Your Skin Argireline mask or The Ordinary’s Argireline solution (under $10!).
