t's everywhere; you can find it at the spa, the doctor's office and even at a party. Those who are middle-aged love it, teenagers make fun of it and now those in there 20's are doing it. Welcome to the Botox-craze, a world no longer confined to soccer moms.
The word on Botox is no longer a funny one to those in their '20's. Probably because the experts are saying that receiving Botox treatments in your 20's may prevent wrinkles from forming -- EVER.
"I think the idea of Botox is alluring, especially for younger women because getting it done early means wrinkle lines may never form, but I do worry about injecting a poison into the body and the emphasis on plastic surgery at a young age," says Alison Neumer reporter for the RedEye, a division of the Chicago Tribune.
Botox is a form of botulism, which is a toxin. It paralyses facial muscles from creating the movements needed to create wrinkles. If someone in there 20's begins Botox treatments the Botox is then a preventative solution, rather then a corrective treatment. Active wrinkles are caused by facial expressions such as smiling, the repetition causes wrinkles to form but if you can stop your smile from causing creases on your face early on, you are delaying the on-set of aging.
According to Joseph Cruise from Orange County Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in California, [his website states that] paralysis of the facial muscles over a long period of time can actually cause the muscles to fade away, making the results of Botox permanent.
A rep for the Lasting Looks Clinic in Toronto says that more and more younger people are coming in and receiving Botox treatments for preventative aging.
But some people have a different view, Dr. Michael Kreidstein a plastic surgeon in Toronto think the 20's are too young to start reaching for the syringe.
"I see little interest until the 30's, except occasionally for the treatment of sweaty armpits, (also known as axillary hyperhidrosis.)"
The bottom line is that it may be effective in taking a proactive approach in aging, but it does raise a moral dilemma on how young is to young, and the health concerns that come with today's youth pumping themselves full of toxins for a prolonged period of time.
Botox isn't permanent; most clients need to come in every three months to keep away lines. If you start this habit at age 24, and keep on at it that's a lot of maintenance and a lot of toxins to be injecting in your body over time.
"Botox in your 20s, breasts implants in your 30s, eye tuck in your 40s--what's left to do by age 80, you know? Botox raises no different questions than any other type of plastic surgery in that regard," says Neumer.
But let's face it, no one wants to age. So what alternatives are there for preventing aging without taking such an aggressive approach?
For starters, use products that are anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E. They help block pollutions from affecting the skin. Pollutants are responsible for dulling skin's appearance. Start working out not only for your body, but your skin. Aerobic activity leads to the body's release of sebum, which naturally moisturises this skin. Use a moisturizer and cosmetics that contain an SPF of 15 or higher and eat for healthy skin. Eat power-packed leafy greens and lots of fruits because all experts agree that great skin cannot be without healthy skin.
Extreme Sports
