Do You Really Need Botox? Natural Alternatives' Recipes

Aging is natural, but not everyone believes that natural is necessarily beautiful. They say that we all age gracefully and Dr. Iman Al Haj truly believes that with good skin care, that can be the case for all!

Plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert, Dr. Al Haj has had lots of experience with patients not taking care of their skin before and after receiving treatments to “enhance” their beauty.

But the question still remains, do you really need Botox to look good after aging? “Skin care is much more important than Botox or fillers,” said Dr. Al Haj. However, before getting into what to do as an alternative to maintain youthful skin, here’s a little more information about Botox.

Botox is called Botulinum Toxin (BTX) and is a neurotoxic protein produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It causes flaccid paralysis by preventing the release of neurotransmitters in the neuromuscular junction. Botulinum is the most acutely lethal toxin known. Essentially with a small dosage, you would paralyze your body, so imaging if you add more!?

Lots of studies have proven that Botox works and is successful at treating a few health issues. However, its consequences are unpredictably dangerous. “Botox is a product that paralyzes the muscles and reduce the expression lines. It also minimizes deep furrows associated with frowning,” said Dr. Al Haj. “Botox is relatively safe in good hands.”

However, there are alternatives to Botox. There are chemical peels and facials that you can get done professionally. There are also natural ingredients that you can mix together to create the same effect. “Actually some people do facials and peels on a regular basis, thus require lower doses of Botox. Their results would look better and last longer,” said Dr. Al Haj.

Affordable salon treatments can help you get that youthful freshness you are looking for, you just need to find some time to relax and try them. Getting a natural facial every now and then or an oil message can help your blood flow better making your body look refreshed.

Here are some natural alternatives to Botox that you can try at home. But first, check with your doctor before attempting any new treatments or facials.

Gel facials or sheet masks

Most masks you find would be of natural ingredients or at least mixed with some organic produce like fruits and natural oil or honey. These can help smooth your skin and allow you to feel freshness as the ingredients are absorbed into the skin. This also keeps the skin hydrated.

Mini massagers

You can find different versions of these in some salons or even in pharmacies or beauty shops. Massaging your face and your body constantly allows blood to flow better throughout and this makes your skin looking clear, youthful and radiant. It is recommended to massage your face every night before bed and do some gentle stretching every morning to increase healthy blood flow.

Vitamin c and natural fruits

AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid is in almost every skin care product as it is used to peel off the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal new and fresh skin. It includes a variety of acids that boost the skin’s health including glycolic, citric, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids.

The best way to have these acids are to consume organic fruits and allow it to function from the inside out. Consuming lemons, which are full of collagen-enhancing vitamin C, apples, that are full of fiber, papaya, berries, and leafy greens that all work to leave your skin glowing and fresh!

Pineapple and lemon juice

Pineapple contains skin-nourishing enzymes, and lemon contains natural citric acid. Mix them together and put it as a mask for 5 to 10 minutes. Then dab some freshly squeezed lemon juice onto a cotton pad around your entire face. This will give you amazing results if used every night for about a week. This works as an alternative to getting a chemical peel or a harsh spa facial.

For lips: peppermint oil and cinnamon

Fillers and lip injections can sometimes cause irritations. However, there is a natural way to achieve that full lip look you have been wanting. Dry brush your lips with a toothbrush to remove dead skin cells, then moisten them with a lip balm. Pour a tiny amount of peppermint oil and cinnamon powder into a small bowl, dip a water-dampened cotton swab into the powder, and apply the peppermint oil or cinnamon-dipped cotton swab onto clean smooth lips. You will feel a tingling sensation once you let it sit for a few minutes. Then you can wash off the residue. Of course, this is only temporary but it can help you for a wedding look or a part look without messing up your face permanently.

Natural Scrub: sugar

Using microdermabrasion is essential to maintaining healthy and smooth skin. However, when using store bought skin care products, the scrub can be anything from crystals, glass, or even foil that can cause serious damage to your sensitive skin. Instead you can use sugar, it is softer and more natural on your skin. Obviously, don’t consume it, as it has negative effects on the inside causing it to stiffen collagen fibers and cause wrinkles. Gently srubing some sugar onto your face in a circular motion can boost blood flow as well as remove dead skin cells. Try it and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Age defying ingredients

Some foods are called super foods, but can there really be super foods for your skin? Here are a few that you just can’t go wrong with!

Cranberry Seed –it has the perfect ratio to omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which means that this oil will absorb amazingly into your skin, giving your skin greater hydration. It also includes vitamin E which works as an antioxidant.

Raspberry Seed –is rich in antioxidants combined with superior anti-inflammatory properties.

Manuka Honey Extract – It is one of the most biologically active and beneficial honeys for the skin. It’s tasty too!

Camelina Oil – the nourishing and protective properties of this skin oil reduce the signs of skin aging and improve skin elasticity. This light ingredient contains vitamin E and omega 3 to eff