The response I got from a question I asked on social media was bigger than I ever expected. While I was in for a treatment at DSM Aesthetics, I asked: Have you done Botox? Over three-fourths of you said no. Not only did more people participate in the “poll” than normal, I received an overwhelming amount of DMs. So, best to respond at once— here! This is not a sponsored blog post. I’m just sharing experiences and ideas here.

A fourth of you said you have done it and would do it again. A lot of people were curious about botox, but just had never done it. Others were adamantly against it. And many of you said you would love to, but it seems too high maintenance and too expensive to keep up. Some comments were harsh and wondered why I’d want it. Am I feeling inferior right now? NOPE. Insecure? NOPE. Chasing my youth? NOPE. Can I be into wellness and still do Botox? YES.

WELL… YES. I did get botox. I’ve researched it in the past. Botox is a common practice now. Since the majority of you on my instagram poll have never done it, here are the reasons people get it. The neurotoxins in Botox work by temporarily blocking the signals that nerves send to the small muscles that allow you to make facial expressions, such as squinting and frowning. This blockage helps smooth out the dynamic wrinkles that are caused by repeated muscle contractions (Dr. Suzanne Bruce for BeautyWireMagazine). Botox can be used for migraines, wrinkle prevention and extremely gummy smiles as well.

I’m happy I did it. It’s something I did for myself. I got a little amount, as I still need to have complete mobility as an actress. I’ve done it before, it’s just been a while. I am not ashamed that I did it. Nor will I ever deny it. You guys know I’m pretty up front about what I do, products I use, etc. I DID NOT START TOO EARLY (IN MY early 20s) and I WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY. Two big things that can affect long term use of Botox. I waited to do this blog post because I wanted to see the full effects of the botox from DSM. Botox takes 7-14 days to see the results, but at day 8 so far, my skin looks smoother, brighter and less wrinkled. The best way to describe it is almost like a “real instagram filter.” I also got a hint of Restalyne Refyne to add a hydrated look. I’ve done my own research (some at end of this post for your reference). If it’s not your cup of tea, I respect that!! But if it IS something you’re curious about, READ ON CAUSE I GOT A GOOOOOD GIVEAWAY. Again, this is not a sponsored blog post, I’m just thrilled DSM wants to share some love with you all.

following safety protocols at DSM Aesthetics with TRISH, my girl that did the injections.

I know I put myself out there by asking questions like this and even just being on social media. And I was not offended at all. However, it made me think about judgment. How often I do it, too. Mainly to myself. Little things we say and the way we think about others really only reflect on us- not them! How nice would it be if we start celebrating each other?

One person commented the below…(actually I got lots of comments like this and I really appreciated it):

You don’t need it!! … On second thought…if it is something that would make you happy, that is what matters. You need to do what is best for you this time and moment in your life. If that’s a little Botox, go for it!

GIVEAWAY

With all that said- if this has piqued your interest and you’re able to make it to DSM Aesthetics in Santa Clarita (about 25-30 min oustide of LA), they are GIVING FIVE new patients 25 units of Botox for FREE. Please go check out the post HERE. DSM Aesthetics is asking you to tag three people that might be interested, follow their account, then call and make an appointment. The first 5 people that complete these steps receive the free treatment. IF YOU ARE A WINNER, YOUR TREATMENT DOES NOT EXPIRE. You can do it at your convenience when you are comfortable doing so.

Oh and I’d be remiss to not mention my sister turned me on to a line of products (@jordynschatte is an aesthetician in Texas and researches everything. Matter-of-fact, a few of you DM’d me asking what my sister thought of botox since people that have been following me know she is in the business. She is a proponent of botox when used properly, sparingly and for migraines or TMJ.) She saw I was at DSM Aesthetics and immediately looked them up. Next text I get from her: they have Biologique Recherche- please pick me up their P50 lotion. After inquiring about this line, I learn it’s a sought after skincare line that (supposedly) works. It’s expensive, but from what I hear, worth it. If you research it and want products, DSM ships it safely straight to your door. Give them a call! And dive into their informative BLOG, too!. Check out their recent post about facial contouring with botox here!

Scroll down for some recent articles I found informative! Any other questions you have, leave below here and I’ll be as quick as possible to answer!

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE IT AND WANT TO STOP BOTOX AT SOME POINT? WHAT HAPPENS?

We know that Botox works by stopping muscle movements that create lines in our faces. As you continue to use Botox faithfully, those lines will stay soft or will never form at all. You'll have a smooth look everywhere you've treated with Botox. Now, there may come life events that mean you need to take a break from your Botox--like when you're pregnant or breastfeeding. You'll notice your lines coming back during those months that you aren't having your regular Botox treatments. Once you start your Botox treatments again, though, you'll be smooth again.

If there is some reason you decide to never have Botox again (WHY would you do that to yourself:), then you'll find that the lines you've been preventing start to get deeper with muscle movement and eventually become creases in your skin. The benefits of your prior Botox treatments will eventually be gone, but you would still have gained all the wrinkle-free years you got from your prior Botox treatments. (From Dr. Kavali’s site)

WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS AND CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?

Your Skin Might Become Visibly Thinner

Wexler says that some patients complain of a visible thinning of the skin after many years of Botox use. That might mean exposure of subdermal veins between areas of normal thickness. This isn't common, but Wexler says that patients who start Botox "too early," like in their early 20s, can be at risk for this side effect. In these cases, "The skin of the forehead [can] get prematurely thinner, and muscles weaker," she says. Sometimes, after many years of use, this can even result in the look of heavier brows and eyelids, "making the toxin actually more difficult to continue using."

Mild Discoloration or a "Wavy" Texture Could Appear

Again, not typical, but Wexler says that with the skin thinning, some patients notice "a visible waviness of the skin overlying the muscles treated," as well as discoloration. "On expression, the forehead may even appear like hills and valleys," she says.

Luckily, this side effect is totally preventable. "[It] can be avoided by changing the pattern of injection to give smaller amounts of toxin in a more uniform distribution to get an identical effect without this problem, or stopping the toxin for an extended period of time," Wexler says.

You May Need Less Botox Over Time

Years of Botox use may mean you'll need less and less for maintenance over time. "With appropriate frequency and amount, your muscles become less strong and you may not need as much Botox or need it as frequently," Farber says. "When your muscles are 'trained' not to move, it helps with the aging process and preventing wrinkles."

You'll Still Look Years Younger Even If You Stop

"Many people fear that their faces will become dramatically wrinkled when they stop Botox. If you choose not to continue…those muscles staying out of use while Botox is active can delay the aging process; it reduces movement when injected, slowing the formation of wrinkles," Farber explains. In other words, your skin won't develop lines overnight to make up for lost time—you'll still enjoy looking years younger relative to your age, depending on how long you kept a Botox regimen.

Skin Will Look Brighter and Less Wrinkled

Aside from what can happen after long-term use of Botox, one thing is for sure: "If you continuously get Botox for 10+ years you will certainly look much younger and have fewer wrinkles," promises Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City–based dermatologist. "Your skin will look much smoother and the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles will be greatly diminished." (From BYRDIE here)

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