Botox is not just for people in their 40s and 50s anymore. In fact, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that young women in their 20s make up 30 percent of Botox patients. People 30 and above are still a large portion of those who receive Botox (according to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox injections were the top nonsurgical procedure among 35 to 50 year olds in the past year) but recent years have seen a noticeable increase in younger consumers. You’re probably wondering, why would someone who probably has no wrinkles and great skin start Botox? Well, because he or she would like to keep that skin, of course! Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles so that an injected muscle can’t contract. For an older person, this allows the wrinkle to soften and relax. For a younger person, Botox can help prevent the wrinkle from forming in the first place.
There are a variety of reasons why you may want to consider starting Botox earlier. One big reason for many people is genetics. If frown lines or a droopy eyebrow run in your family, you could benefit from preventive Botox in those areas. Or, if you have suffered sun damage and the effects are starting to show, then Botox can help prevent or slow deeper creases and furrows.
Many people in their 20s are also choosing aesthetic procedures like microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing to reverse the effects of sun damage or to erase acne scars. Both of these procedures also help to slow the aging process by stimulating collagen production and revealing smoother skin. Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals sandblasted across the skin in order to remove dead cells while laser resurfacing uses short, concentrated pulsating beams of light to precisely remove layers of irregular skin.
Of course, an important part of taking care of your skin at any age is working with a knowledgeable, board certified physician who will advise you to wear sunblock and avoid over exposure to the sun and not to smoke. He or she will also be able to prescribe creams and lotions that contain retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids. These products help get rid of dead skin and reveal a fresher layer of skin. Most skin care doctors agree that any person of any age can benefit.
Botox can be part of an overall strategy to maintain your skin in your 20s and 30s. Most doctors will determine if Botox is right for a younger patient by having them smile and frown. They can then see if deep lines appear. If so, the doctor may recommend Botox as a preventive measure. Many physicians feel that getting Botox at a younger age will help prevent the need for more aggressive treatments (like facelifts) when the patient is older
Finally, you want to work with a physician who will not inject you with too much Botox. The goal is a natural looking and refreshed looking face. No one in their 20s should look like a “Real Housewife”! Regular maintenance in your 20s can help your skin look its best right now and delay the signs of aging for years so that it looks its best for years to come.