Botox in Your 20s and 30s: You Can Prevent Wrinkles

I have a friend who is just 29 years old, and she is already getting Botox.  She tells me that its for preventing wrinkles.  Is that legit?

-Sara F.

Surprisingly, yes.

Botox and the other botulinum neurotoxin type-A products (such as Dysport) can prevent certain wrinkles before they even start.

Many facial wrinkles are primarily the result of muscle over-activity.  The most common sites include...

• horizontal forehead wrinkles
• frown lines between the eyebrows (the 11s)
• crow's feet
• bunny lines on the sides of the nose

If those muscles are relaxed, and they are never excessively used, then the wrinkles at those locations will be minimized (if not prevented altogether).

So, when young adults in their 20s and 30s ask whether there is something to do to remain looking youthful, I do mention Botox.  Your friend's Botox habit is legit, Sara F!   However, please remind her about the other basics of skin care....

• Avoid the sun and ultraviolet light.
• Do exercise, and enjoy the great outdoors, but don't forget sunscreen (SPF >30), a hat, and sunglasses.
• No smoking.  Nothing is worse for your skin than tobacco.
• Moisturize.
• Brush and floss your teeth!  Gum disease is one of the causes of "smoker's lines," even in non-smokers.