Botox, microdermabrasion or something else?

[FizzyBubbly]

Will be turning 33 in a couple of weeks and although signs of aging aren't obvious yet I'm starting to think of preventative measures. DH is asking what I'd like for my birthday and my first thought was either a course of microdermabrasion or a single Botox treatment with the intention of doing it a couple of times a year.

Skin is a bit of a state at the moment as am 34wks pregnant (would do Botox after the birth/stopping BF) but is usually normal with occasional breakouts, some pitted acne scarring on my cheeks and very slight redness (mild rosacea I think) either side of my nose. I'm a subconscious frowner so am starting to get some fine lines on my forehead.

Skincare routine is pretty basic - Simple cleanser then either No.7 serum and moisturiser or Rosehip oil, but is very rushed and with DC2 arriving soon I don't think I'll have time for an elaborate routine.

So back to my original question, with a view to delaying aging and my basic skincare, should I go for Botox, microdermabrasion or would something else be better?

I'm not an expert but in my experience Botox would be for specific areas (frown lines between the eyes etc).. Microdermabrasion is for an overall fresher look as I believe it stimulates collagen renewal as well as getting rid of old skin. I think Microdermabrasion might have a post-treatment downtime too, which botox doesn't. So if you have a particular area of concern that's bothering you I'd say Botox. I don't think botox would affect your skin condition at all as it's very localised - maybe microdermabrasion would help acne scars. I guess you should probably wait a few months after the birth for your pregnancy skin to settle down before you do either though. Also I'd go to a recommended and qualified doctor (rather than a beauty therapist) who will advise you on the best choice given your budget

Great advice thanks Sandals, might hold off making a decision now then. Maybe a new handbag instead...?

I was talking to a beaty therapist about this very thing yesterday few days ago.

Her advice was that microdermabrasion is very rough on the skin, and really only for things like acne scars. She also didn't recommend to have it in the sunnier months, as it exposes deeper layers of the skin.

Her recommendation was a course of lifting facials. I think it was the Guinot one she was on about.

The best thing I did for my skin at your age was start wearing sun block (I used the Clinique City Block) on my face every day, and start having regular facials to get advice. I also paid to see a private dermatologist, and would recommend that, although you may want to wait now until all of the hormones are out of your system.

Have something like collagen facials for your overall skin.
Botox for fine lines before they get worse , if you're going to be bothered about them. Have had Botox for migraine for about ten years - pleasant offshot is that I have prevented lines forming.

I decided on a skin overhaul this year and went to a really good beauty place where Botox etc is on offer as well as the rest. I had a free consultation where I was very clear I wasn't after a pampering kind of facial, I wanted actual results.despite being quite a lot older than you I still had jawline spots plus all the other joys of ageing / living.

She recommended a deep facial with extractions and microdermabrasion and wold then take a view on peels etc. as it happens I've had two facials, have been really scrupulous about my own skincare and wow, it's made such a difference. I will continue to go regularly and really do trust her. She's also done electrolysis on a few stub burn chin hairs and I'm hoping to zap a few broken veins.

I'm very unsure about injectables so would try everything else before embarking on that tbh. At 33 you are starting a very expensive habit.

Good luck, I wish I'd done this before.

More great advice, thanks! Consultation with a dermatologist sounds like a good idea!

I've had botox and fillers and to be honest I wouldn't bother with either f them. I feel much 'brighter and youthful' after a good nights sleep and a facial. I use the bravura derma flannel (only a couple of times) and the results are great. I like peels too. Exercise makes a tonne of difference to me too. I'm definitely not opposed to botox but I'm sure my lines are much worse than they might have been but I guess I'll never know.