So is Botox just no big deal now? Like getting a spray tan?

[Rosacharmosa]

I'm 32 and have been stressing over fine lines and aging recently. I know it's complete 1st world problems and aging is a privilege etc, but I suppose social media and other things have gotten into my head.

I see people on here, and Instagram and even a couple of people at work talk about botox and how amazing it is, so I booked a consultation at a beauty clinic type place that a colleague recommended.

The consultation was yesterday evening and I was surprised at how casual it all seemed. I said I was a bit anxious about it going wrong and looking weird, side effects and things and the woman just seemed baffled that I'd even be thinking about these things. In the end I decided not to book in and said I was feeling apprehensive and would mull it over and she basically seemed to regard me as though I was panicking over a manicure or a spray tan?

So now I'm wondering if I'm just being OTT, it's no big deal and I should just go for it and get rid of an insecurity, or if actually it is a big deal and the world is just going a bit mad?!

Would love to hear thoughts.

I personally wouldn’t get it done as it freaks me out, same with epidurals, but thats my issue. 2 of my friends have it done and they love it and they look great!

Can I ask what oil you use and how you integrate it into your skincare regime?

It is a sliding scale, yes, and everyone gets to draw the line where they want to. But @Shithotlawyer is right to point out that basic actions like sleep and exercise will make us feel better physically and that in turn will result in a better appearance. Botox doesn't do that, and it takes time and energy (in the form of money) away from living a free and happy life that isn't spent comparing yourself on social media or feeling not good enough as you are. It feeds competition between women, it reinforces stereotypical beauty standards and makes us falsely believe we can stave off ageing. A 'wild and precious' life means accepting that our time here is finite - it's not 'cringe'. Mary Oliver is a brilliant example of ageing well.

As someone who day in day out sees loads of people’s faces at relatively close proximity, (hairdresser) I really notice the lack of micro-expressions in the faces of those who’ve had Botox. It makes them slightly unreadable I find. Like their facial expressions don’t quite match the emotion behind them. It’s subtle but it’s there. I do wonder about the effect this can have on relationships.

I'm 43 and have never been tempted to do Botox as I’ve seen some absolute horror stories when it goes wrong. Paralysed swallowing muscles, permanent tremors, etc. I think the industry downplays how often this actually happens.

But you’re making such basic assumptions @FigAboutTheRules

I get Botox because I like that it makes me look fresher and like I’ve had a good nights sleep (which I mostly haven’t).

I spend literally no time on social
media comparing myself to other woman.

And finally - unless you think that Botox renders people incapable of basic thought processes, of course we all know that our time is finite. Not sure what that has to do with my preferring to have a less wrinkled forehead at all.

Thanks for all the thoughts. I think on reflection I'm just not ready for that kind of thing, and when/if I am I think il find something a bit more 'professional'. The mice thing does actually put me off though, I didn't know that. I think I will focus on my skincare/sleep/diet etc a bit instead and see where that gets me!

I am 55 and can’t bring myself to get it. I worry about droopy brows and a shiny taut forehead. That would be weird at 55. Plus the ongoing expense is a step too far.

The best advice I can give you is to start using Tretinoin now. You won't need botox if you start early.

I got it recently, at 58, and didn’t find it painless at all. I thought it really stung. Anyway, I can already tell that it’s helped smooth some wrinkles around my mouth and I will keep doing it.

Ive used Tret since my early 30s, it absolutely does not sort my 11s out like Botox!

Research is coming out about this exact thing
Botox affects micro expressions which in turn affects the brain causing similar brain changes to those caused by Parkinsons disease.
I also fear it affects childrens brain development , your mother not being able to move her face to form expressions is worrying .
All the but botox has been used for years replies
Yes in limbs and CP not repeatedly into multiple facial muscles near the brain.

I know loads of women who have had it for years, its a complete waste of time as Menopause causes dramatic ageing anyway and if anything they fare less well

@Jamfirstnotcream just as well I had my children in my 20s long before I started Botox then

Botox is great. I got it initially as a treatment for teeth grinding but I get my forehead done too. It makes an incredible difference. I have plenty friends who get it for aesthetic reasons, all late 30s.

But in the country I live in it's done by doctors, not random people in salons!

It’s not a big deal. Just make sure you go to someone medically trained and not a random. I had it done initially for my 11 lines but now have it for crows feet as well. I did try under the eyes once too but it altered the look of my face and I didn’t like it but it wears off. I don’t get it to look young, I get it because it makes my skin look amazing and makes me look rested. I’m careful about how much I have put in though. I hate the super shiny look and I hate it when people have the heavy brow look from having a load whacked in for forehead lines but if you go to a good practitioner, they won’t do that look, it’ll be subtle.

I have Botox medically in my leg. It’s through NHS and they were very clear about potential side effects. They wanted someone with me overnight after the first injections because a bad allergic response can be very serious or in very rare cases fatal.

This Information leaflet is about NHS eye Botox treatment. It is clear that it is very safe usually. However if the person you are having treatment from does not cover the side effects and risks that are in the leaflet I wouldn’t get treated by them. Giving you the information means they are being thorough, but balanced by keeping risks in proportion.

If someone does an awful spray tan on you, it'll take a few days to be fine.
Botox-people look permanently different (just seen that MAGA article, though they are not the only crowd that go for that!) and can have serious health effects. After having nerve damage after a (necessary) dental procedure, I would never let anyone stick a needle in me except for essential medical reasons. And apparently you have to keep having it done again and again, so personally I'd rather keep the money and use it for taking the family on holiday/having a few extra leave days.
So no, they are not the same, but it's your money and your body, so you have the right to do what you want.

I think it’s very obvious when people have Botox done, even those that think they just look better. It’s a weird sweaty, waxy look. I’d rather not inject poison and do we really know the long term effects of this? Also the animal cruelty (and yes I’m vegan) is also a massive thumbs down. Not a fan.

I’ve been getting mine done since I was 30. Start early, it’s preventative.

rather than waiting for the wrinkles to appear and then trying to reverse them as I see so many women doing now.

as long as you go to a nurse rather than someone who’s done a 1-2 day course you’ll be fine.

Would love your persons details!

I went for a consultation a few weeks ago for forehead Botox. I’ve decided not to go through with it as I have hooded eyes and the practitioner was very non committal about the possibility of my brows dropping. If I didn’t have that worry I’d have it done in a heartbeat!

It’s not a big deal for me, I’m 57 and get it done twice a year. I have it on my forehead, 11’s and crows feet.

I go to a dermatologist who has treated me for various skin conditions over the years.

Do you get tan injected into your face?

Yes, I had Botox in my 40s and my closest friends took one look at me and were like WTF? I was pretty embarrassed as I’d hoped it was subtle. I’d been assured I looked exactly the same, but ‘refreshed’. My mate was like, ‘no, you look shiny and faintly evil’.

I really dislike getting wrinkly and jowly though.

I always imagine the women who are quick to judge anyone who has Botox probably have lovely springy skin that’s olive or darker, and look healthy and well rested into their 50s. It’s different when you’re a bit gaunt and the colour of a cave dwelling fish with skin the texture and translucency of baking parchment.

I’d love to think my wrinkles make me look wise and dignified. But I find they make me look rough, cranky and dishevelled - like I might have spent the night in jail.

Maybe you don't, but the OP does. She's 'stressed' about her fine lines and knows that 'ageing is a privilege', but social media got to her. It's in her first post.

Get a good skincare routine. I use The ordinary retinol at night, cerave vit c serum in the morning. I use various moisturisers as I just see them as that. SPF 50 on top. I’ve recently started taking Wild Nutrition collagen in my coffee. I am 55 and yes I have ‘11s’ from years of teaching primary chn but I think my skin is pretty good. I have never smoked and haven’t sunbathed since my 20s. I get to bed by 10pm and limit alcohol to 3 max at weekend on any day but often none at all. I really prioritise my diet- lots of whole foods , veg, nuts and fibre et. Shit gets real in your 50s!