“I’d really like a few more wrinkles around my eyes,” said nobody ever. Of course, it’s an honor to live a long life, and wrinkles are, inevitably, part of that seasoning package. Consider this, however: people spend around $49 billion globally each year on anti-wrinkle skin care, and the demand for wrinkle treatment is set to continue growing past that over the coming years. People looking for how to get rid of wrinkles often refer to all such treatments as “Botox”, but many different products fall into the anti-wrinkle skincare category. Botox, a neurotoxin, is only one option of many, and finding the right option for you isn’t always an easy task.
So, to help you find your way through this maze, Apex Skin will be holding “Botox Week” from April 21 through 25 to celebrate the benefits of all of these treatments, to educate the public about their benefits, and to provide consultations for patients who want to know how to get rid of wrinkles in the best way that makes sense for them individually.
To set you up for wrinkle-erasing success ahead of time, we are talking with some of our Apex Skin wrinkle-busting experts today:
- Shannon Schaffer, a board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner who works in our Canton dermatology office
- Isabelle Panichi, a board-certified and licensed physician assistant who works in our Loraine and Westlake dermatology offices
- Halei Stebbins, a board-certified nurse practitioner who works in our Medina dermatology office.
Understanding Wrinkles and Fine Lines
One of the most common questions we hear at Apex Skin is “Why? Why do I have wrinkles? Why?” There are several factors, but the biggest one is simply the natural aging process. Additional factors can speed up or slow down this process, however.
“The development of wrinkles and fine lines is due to the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin,” explains Isabelle Panichi. “The most common causes of these losses are aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors.” Lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor hydration, poor nutrition, and repetitive facial expressions can also add to skin creasing.
Two different types of wrinkles can appear on your visage as well:
- Dynamic wrinkles: These wrinkles are caused by movements and facial expressions like smiling, squinting, or grimacing. “Most people start noticing dynamic wrinkles in their late 20s to early 30s, though this is very dependent on factors such as genetics, skin type, sun exposure, and lifestyle,” explains Halei Stebbins.
- Static wrinkles: Static wrinkles are visible even when your face is at rest. “Static wrinkles tend to be more prominent in your 40s, especially as we lose collagen, elastin, fat pads, etc.,” says Stebbins. “Early signs could be fine lines on the forehead (frontalis), between the eyes (glabellar region), or crow’s feet (orbicularis oculi).”
Stebbins also has a great visual explanation for how wrinkles develop overall:
“Imagine a big stack of computer paper. When you are holding it, it’s thick and bends minimally and you can see the line where it bends, but you aren’t able to crease it (dynamic wrinkles). This represents youthful skin that is thick and has plenty of collagen and elastin to help it bounce back into place. This is where you see wrinkles that are there only when making facial expressions. Botox is perfect for these types of wrinkles,” says Stebbins.
She continues: “Now, remove most of that stack of paper, leaving only a few sheets. You are now able to bend it more and crease the paper (static wrinkles). This represents aged skin that is thin and has lost a lot of collagen and elastin. This is where you see the wrinkles that are there all the time, not just when you are making expressions. At this point, Botox will help, but you and your dermatology provider may want to discuss alternative options to help reduce the appearance of these wrinkles.”
What Are Neurotoxins? Is Botox Safe? Exploring Botox and Beyond
Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, and Jeuveau are all medical-grade, FDA-approved cosmetic treatments that use a type of neurotoxin derived from Botulinum type A, a purified form of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It’s completely understandable that when you hear the word “neurotoxin” you wonder, “Is Botox safe?” So let’s talk about Botox and its cousins, which all work slightly differently, but have the same origins.
“Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, and Jeuveau are all neurotoxins that are used in aesthetic medicine to reduce wrinkles,” explains Panichi. “They share a similar mechanism of action but are different in terms of formulation, onset, duration, and effectiveness. The best neurotoxin for each patient will usually depend on which area needs to be treated, cosmetic goals, desired onset, and duration. It is best to consult with an aesthetic provider to assess the best option for individual preferences and needs.”
How Was Botox Discovered?
A Belgian scientist discovered Clostridium botulinum bacteria back in the 1920s, and it’s been under study ever since. In the wild, this neurotoxin can cause severe and deadly illness through paralyzation. However, under carefully controlled, purified circumstances, its usefulness in treating a wide range of conditions has emerged. Even as far back as the 1970s, scientists and doctors had found medical applications for this neurotoxin, including treating crossed eyes. By the early 2000s, scientists had expanded its safe and useful applications to include erasing wrinkles, treating excessive sweating, helping dentists treat TMJ-related jaw pain, and even using Botox for migraines, to name a few.
So How Does Botox Work?
“Neurotoxins are a substance that temporarily blocks the nerve signals that make your muscles contract,” explains Panichi. “A common neurotoxin that is used for cosmetic purposes is Botox. By relaxing certain muscles of the face, we can prevent unwanted muscle movement and smooth out wrinkles.
In other words, injecting a tiny, purified amount of this neurotoxin into precise locations temporarily blocks nerve impulses to the affected area and paralyzes surrounding muscles. This temporary paralysis relaxes and softens wrinkles, effectively erasing them for approximately three to six months, depending on the patient and the specific treatment used.
“All neurotoxins essentially work the same, however, the duration of each specific toxin can vary from three to six months,” explains Shannon Schaffer. “It depends on how the products are reconstituted and each individual patient’s dosing. It is always recommended to see an aesthetic professional to discuss the correct neurotoxin and dose for their specific goals.”
Anti-Wrinkle Skin Care Results of Neurotoxin Treatments
Today, about 3.6 million Americans receive Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, and Jeuveau anti-wrinkle skin care treatments to smooth out frown lines (Glabellar lines), crow’s feet (wrinkles at the eye corners), forehead creases, cobblestone chin, and wrinkles at the mouth corners. These neurotoxin anti-wrinkle treatments are especially effective for those dynamic wrinkles that appear with our facial expressions. Stebbins says there are additional aesthetic improvements patients can expect:
“Other improvements include, but are not limited to, eyebrow lift, non-surgical rhinoplasty creating the appearance of a straighter or a thinner nose, facial contouring, gummy smile reduction where you see less of your gum when you smile, lifted lip giving the appearance of a fuller lip, neck bands to soften the appearance of aging and muscle tension in the neck, reduction of jaw clenching or teeth grinding, reduction in sweat, and migraine relief.”
Busting Anti-Wrinkle Neurotoxin Myths
So, now you know that Botox is simply the now-generic term for a wide range of neutoxin anti-wrinkle skin care treatment options. Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, and Jeuveau are all in the same category. But there are quite a few other myths Stebbins busts here as well:
- “Botox gives you a frozen face”—When administered by a skilled professional, botox can relax wrinkles without affecting your ability to make natural facial expressions. This is neutoxin-brand, strength, and dose-dependent.
- “Botox is only for women”—Many men seek neurotoxins to reduce wrinkles and maintain a youthful appearance, and more.
- “Botox is instant”—While some results can be seen within a few days depending on the brand of neurotoxin (Dysport, Daxxify, Jeuveau), other brands (Botox, Xeomin) are typically seen within a week, however, it is important to stress that peek results will be seen average 2 weeks.
- “Botox is dangerous”—Neurotoxins are FDA approved. As with any procedure, there are risks involved if not done properly, so it is always important to be treated by a licensed and trained provider who will discuss any questions or concerns that you have.
- “Botox is permanent”—Results typically last 3-4 months. This is brand and dose-dependent. Regular treatments are necessary to maintain results.
- “Botox is only for wrinkles”—Many people don’t realize neurotoxins can treat other symptoms such as sweating, migraines, and even TMJ disorders.
- “Botox is the same as filler”— No, these are two separate treatments with very different purposes. Botox relaxes dynamic wrinkles while filler adds volume to areas such as the lips, cheeks, chin, etc.
Beyond Wrinkle Treatment: Neurotoxins in Aesthetics and Medicine
We’ve already mentioned a couple of different medical applications for neurotoxin treatment besides wrinkle treatment, including Botox for migraines and TMJ. So far, the list of conditions that can be alleviated includes:
- Smoothing out wrinkles and rejuvenating the face
- Treating jaw pain from TMJ
- Helping new denture wearers adjust
- Alleviating chronic migraines
- Relieving muscle spasms
- Treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
If you are considering any type of neurotoxin wrinkle treatment, it’s important to meet with your dermatology provider to discuss your individual needs specifically.
“Deciding the best type of neurotoxin and treatment plan for an individual requires a personalized approach,” says Panichi. “We take into account several different factors when determining this: skin type, age, skin concern, desired results, and medical history. After a thorough evaluation of the patient’s skin, anatomy, and history, we can determine the ideal treatment plan. The appropriate number of units will be determined based on muscle strength, the severity of wrinkles, and the product being used. The areas of the face that will be injected are thoroughly evaluated and the tox will be injected to ensure a natural and balanced effect. By considering each of these factors, I can determine a treatment plan that will be personalized to the patient’s goals, safe, and effective.”
Complementary Strategies for Managing Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Of course, neurotoxins aren’t the only wrinkle treatment out there. There are many ways to slow down the aging process and boost your skin’s radiant appearance. Here, Schaffer, Panichi, and Stebbins share some of their go-to recommendations:
1. Preventative Measures and Daily Skincare
“Sunscreen! A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ protects against both UVA and UVB rays is always my first recommendation,” says Schaffer. “Outside of the natural aging process, sun damage is the main culprit of wrinkles and aging skin. Incorporating SPF into your daily routine is crucial for preventative measures. Retinols are also important to promote skin cell turnover and collagen production. Lifestyle choices like not smoking, wearing a hat and SPF protective clothing, eating well, and staying hydrated are small things you can do to prevent wrinkles and sun damage.”
In addition to these lifestyle tips, she recommends skincare treatments, including Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), antioxidants, moisturizers, and vitamin A Acid (Tretinoin) for managing signs of aging. These are all things you can discuss with your dermatology provider so you get the individual recommendations best for your skin.
Other Non-Invasive Wrinkle Treatment Options
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore lost volume and smooth fine lines. They are especially effective for the cheeks, lips, and nasolabial folds. Results typically last from six months to two years, depending on the filler used.
Chemical Peels
Professional-grade, dermatological chemical peels exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, improving texture and reducing fine lines. There is a wide range of chemical peel wrinkle treatment options, from light to deep, depending on your skin type and aesthetic goals.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation method that removes dead skin cells and peach fuzz. This skincare treatment leaves the skin smoother and more radiant, improving product absorption.
Diamond Glow (Formerly Known as Dermalinfusion)
Diamond Glow is a 3-in-1 treatment that exfoliates the skin and infuses the skin with targeted extracts and serums to give a super-charged boost of hydration and nourishment to improve skin texture, erase fine lines, and boost collagen and elastin production for a radiant, smooth look.
Laser and Light-Based Treatments
Laser resurfacing and IPL (intense pulsed light) are wrinkle treatment options that stimulate collagen production to reduce wrinkles, balance pigmentation, and improve overall skin tone. “One of my favorite treatments that help with fine lines and wrinkles is the ResurFx laser treatment,” says Panichi. “This uses controlled laser beams at different levels of the skin to cause a healing cascade that can lead to tighter and smoother skin. This laser is non-ablative, safe on most skin types, and has minimal downtime making it a great treatment option for many patients.”
Microneedling
“Microneedling is another form of collagen stimulation,” says Panichi. “It involves controlled micro-injuries to the skin to prompt a healing response that boosts collagen production. It can be used on its own or combined with serums (such as PRP and growth factors) to further enhance collagen stimulation.”
Injectable Collagen Stimulators
“Injectable collagen stimulators such as Sculptra are another great option,” says Panichi. “Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid which is gradually absorbed by the body. It stimulates the skin to produce its own collagen resulting in subtle and natural improvement over time. It’s all about getting more collagen!”
Get Personalized Answers for “How to Get Rid of Wrinkles” in Northeast Ohio
So, Botox is just one type of anti-wrinkle skin care treatment, but remember there are so many others. It all comes down to what kind of wrinkles you have, where they are, your skin health, tone, and goals, and getting a professional consultation that takes all of your unique factors into account. You can schedule a same-day appointment today, and be sure to stop by one of our locations during Botox Week (April 21 through 25) to explore all of the best options for how to get rid of wrinkles in your life!
