02 Nov Natural Alternatives To Botox
Looking for natural alternatives to botox? We’re glad you’re here because we’re sharing all about it! I’m obsessed with natural beauty and the aging process. I know Hollywood or maybe even your local neighborhood gals can make you feel inadequate while they are botoxin’ it up, but to you it’s not worth putting a toxin in your face. 😛 Don’t worry girl, we got you!
Ice Rollin’ + Gua Sha Rock
Oh man, we LOVE an ice roller and gua sha rock up in this house! There are a couple of things that these objects do for your face:
- The act of rolling or gua sha’ing on your face can help move lymphatic fluid, which is essential for detoxification. It can reduce the puffiness and inflammation that can happen when this fluid becomes stagnant. While studies aren’t super strong in this, it is mostly anecdotal evidence and understanding the physiology of the lymphatic system helps it make sense. But, the before + after’s that I’ve seen are INCREDIBLE.
- The coldness from an ice roller (legit sticking your roller in a freezer!) has been shown to reduce wrinkles and reduce pore size by constricting the blood vessels. This has little to zero risk. It’s a common sense easy thing to start incorporating into your routine right now!
- If you struggle with acne, this can also be very healing for your skin.
Here is ice roller we love + the gua sha rock! Yes, you can get them both on Amazon (SCORE!).
Facial Acupuncture
You’ve probably heard of regular acupuncture, but have you heard of facial cosmetic acupuncture? A study showed that cosmetic acupuncture on the face can improve elasticity in your skin. How exactly does it work? It seems to be unknown the exact mechanism of it working, but as stated in the article theories range from…
“Balancing internal Zang Fu organs, increasing blood flow by inserting needles at certain acupoints, and increasing muscle tone”
Yun et al, 2013
This option seems to be low risk and relaxing in general – like sign me up for a acupuncture session while I reduce wrinkles! 🙂
Consuming Enough Protein
As we age, we lose a small percentage of muscle every year. Hence, why strength training is KEY to healthy aging and supporting a woman’s metabolism. You might’ve heard about protein supplements, such as collagen, to help reduce wrinkles and there is reasoning behind that! Collagen gives your skin structure, strength, and regenerating skin cells, which is the opposite of saggy skin and wrinkles. Protein is also necessary for repair! Since aging is going against us with losing muscle/protein, it’s important to keep up protein levels as you age to keep your skin glowing!
I recommend aiming for 1gram/per body weight. And no, your kidneys won’t get hurt (unless there is a prior kidney problem). Make sure you’re working with a dietitian to dial in YOUR needs and let them know you have anti-aging in mind!
And of course if you need someone, you can get in touch with us because we’ll be your anti-aging nutrition bestie in your pocket!
Microchanneling/Microneedling
Speaking of the benefits of collagen, we’re obsessed with what microneedling does to your skin! Kaylyn, esthetician and owner of The Skin Studio, states…
Microneedling/microchanneling is a collagen induction therapy and it signals your body’s natural ability to generate collagen and elastin. This is one of our holistic alternatives for people who don’t want botox.
Kaylyn H.
While this is a procedure that is done via a certified esthetician, it’s still a better option outside of botox. Cue, confetti! Whooo hooo!
Facial Sunscreen
I think we’ve all heard that sunscreen can protect your skin from getting damaged by the sun’s rays! Because certain UV rays can break down the elasticity of your skin, break capillaries and cause spots we don’t want….like sunspots. Now, I do believe that getting sun is vital for better health. I don’t think we should sunscreen bodies 24/7 and be scared of the sun, so take this recommendation as there is research showing that sunscreen can help prevent wrinkles, but assess the amount you are in the sun.
I love getting some fresh sun – sunscreen free, but if I plan to be out in the sun for a longer length of time, I will add a high quality sunscreen to my regimen to protect excessive exposure. EltaMD is my fav!
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy goes deeeep into your cells and positively impacts your mitochondria by helping it create more energy. Your mitochondria is the battery of the cell. Want to feel and look awesome? Your mitochondria HAVE to be working good. Poor mitochondria function and higher oxidative stress are the combination that will lead you straight to wrinkles and poor skin quality.
So, supporting your skin with inner deep cellular support is one of the best things you can do! Now, what does the science say?
- There was wrinkle reduction with daily red (+ white) light for 12 weeks
- Photoaging improved and wrinkles around the eye significantly improved
If you are ready to grab your red light, our favorite is by Vital Red – use code NUVITRUWELLNESS for 15% off!
Natural Alternatives To Botox Help
Did these natural alternatives to botox excite you? You can age beautifully without the need of injected toxin. If you are needing extra support in implementing new nutrition and lifestyle changes, make sure you reach out to us + schedule a free call with our team! We’ll go over next steps and labs based on your goal. And yes, anti-aging IS a goal and IS possible 😉
P.S. Before I forget, REDUCE STRESS!!! Your stress hormone, cortisol, can break down collagen and elastin leaving you at high risk for wrinkles.