To wish Superdrug weren't branching out into Botox

[MrsKiplin]

Superdrug is offering Botox and dermal fillers to customers over the age of 25. They are launching it at one of their London stores before rolling it out nationwide. Treatments start at £99 and involve a consultation with a qualified nurse. They are apparently just giving customers what they've been asking for.

Aside from the obvious risks to people's health, aibu to feel slightly depressed that these procedures are being treated as an everyday beauty treatment. I know it can be quite traumatic to see your face ageing and we all want to look the best we can but surely as a society we can come to terms with it a lot better if we reject this constant narrative that tells us we're not good enough and celebrate what nature gave us and each other? Botox always looks dreadful anyway in my opinion!

I never thought of myself as vain at all - I barely wear make up, am uninterested in fashion etc.

Then I hit 39 and lost 10kg and kept being taken aback in the mirror at this scowly faced woman looking back at me which didn’t match how I felt at all (I’m fairly pappy and relaxed really).

But of subtle Botox in between the eyebrows and some mild fillers to lift the lines down the side of my mouth and I look so much better. Not younger, just fresher and way less grumpy looking.

Happy.

I understand OP but I think that it's already been normalised, so I feel that its being offered by qualified pros via a large brand rather than by tinpot beauticians is a positive development. So, I'm reluctantly disagreeing with you I think...though like you I worry about the message.

I also wouldn't want 23/24 year olds inferring that they needed to get it as soon as they hit their quarter century - so I'd actually prefer no lower age limit, on the understanding that the nurses would gently dissuade very young women who turned up (unless medical problems had given them deep lines, as was the case with a pp).

Interesting debate.

Why is that? (faux head tilt).

This isn't a trend that solely effects women, it effects men too. And animals. And vegetables...

The patriarchy hasn't created a situation where 'younger is equated with better, and brighter, and healthier'.

Nature has. In almost all circumstances in the world younger (or fresher) is healthier and brighter than 'old'.

I don't think it means 'better' in terms of humans as that disregards all the complexities of humans and wisdom, experience etc.

But younger usually does mean 'fresher/brighter and healthier'.

Botox must be prescribed by a doctor.
People need to understand it is being used ‘off licence’.
There has to be full information about the risks so that consent is informed - nurses risk their registration if this is not done properly. Consent is more than saying yes do it.

Botox makes people uglier and obsessed with something they can’t yet get from a n injection - eternal youth. Growing old disgracefully is far more fun and far more attractive.

Yeah I agree with you, I think it's sad for young people that there is so much focus on appearance to the extent of thinking they need expensive injections to look good. Constantly striving for physical beauty is not going to bring them happiness.

im in my 20s and i know of alot of people my age group getting botox and fillers.

i never even considered that they were getting that done until they posted about it online. its SO normal, i dont think it being on the high street will change much.

Botox is everywhere a highstreet shop isn't any different from going to a beauty salon on the highstreet getting your face filled with chemicals and sillicone now seems to be the norm.

Some of the girls dd went to school with have enhanced lips they are 20/1 I think it is shocking but these young women see it as part of their look

This is awesome. Hope mine does it!

OP, stop judging people who want Botox.

I haven't judged anyone who wants it though have I?!

So what?

Superdrug are a business trying to make money. As for "normalising" the procedure-meh.

Makeup is normalised, yet you see plenty of women without it.

Apparently there's pressure to be skinny, but I can't see much evidence of it from where I'm sitting!

People aren't daft. They can make their own choices.

heads to Superdrug.

Boots have been doing it for years, I honestly can't get over-excited about another high street store getting on the bandwagon. People should do whatever they want to their appearances; if it gives them a confidence boost there's no harm in it (well, apart from the whole pumping poison into your face obvs) and you don't have to do it if it's not for you.

7 Deadly Sins not 12 . 7. to the church-going, permed, stout hat-wearing pp, see me after bible study class.

I don't see what's wrong with looking angry!!

Some of the girls dd went to school with have enhanced lips they are 20/1 I think it is shocking but these young women see it as part of their look

That's pretty grim, but different strokes for different folks I guess.

Botox makes people uglier and obsessed with something they can’t yet get from a n injection - eternal youth. Growing old disgracefully is far more fun and far more attractive.

You do it your way, I'll do it mine.

I had botox on my forehead and it was pretty amazing. I have no intention of giving it up.

Yeah I think it is a bit grim too but the Towie women and the jenner girl all have it done so I guess it might be seen as fashion or something.

Kylie Jenner! could not remember her name

Before and after Botox for me. Doesn't make me frozen. The first photo I was struggling with pain still hence the dodgy expression!

I would think of somewhere like Superdrug having better training and hygiene standards that other places providing Botox (such as home parties etc).

Be careful.

Vanity can lead to worse issues. Remember (18th century) when women used to put lead on their faces? Didn't they die or something .

I had some electrolysis recently - it went wrong for some reason and the scabs are still not fully healed.

So ... be careful.

Growing old disgracefully is far more fun and far more attractive

Never a true-er word was said. Most people who've had botox look like they've had a stick put up them (frozen and 'up themselves' look).

There is an obsession with youth, really getting out of hand. Being old can be fun if you embrace it . All the silly botoxed 20 and 30 and 40 year olds - taking themselves far too seriously!

Yanbu

This side of society is shit.

I'd get it done to control my horrendous migraines which has had me bed ridden this weekend.

Good point. Remember those breast implants? Lots of women were scarred for life and have ongoing health problems as a result of those.

I'm not actually averse to Botox or fillers and have considered both but decided I like my face too much to take any risks with it. I also heard Brix Start-Smith describe her (massively expensive, doctor administered) Botox and its after effects. She said never again.