Natural alternatives to Botox for glowing skin

The last decade has seen facial aesthetics continue to gain popularity. The number of minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments has gone up a whopping 228% since 2000, and lots of us rely on fillers and Botox to look and feel like the most confident version of ourselves rather than more natural alternatives. 

However, with the current pandemic and lockdown keeping us indoors, and our practitioners’ diaries closed until further notice, many of us are dreading the thought of not being able to access our usual ‘tweakments’, and are looking for ways to prolong the life of our fillers. 

Whilst it isn’t really possible to make the effects of your treatments last longer, there’s no need to panic. Here are some steps provided by Dr. Arianna Di Stadio, neuroscientist and co-founder of Hello Pure, that you can take during lockdown to address the root cause, by slowing down and minimising the signs of ageing, as well as some natural alternatives to the needle you can take advantage of.   

Always use SPF

One of the best things you can do to protect your skin from undue effects of ageing during lockdown is prevent too much exposure to the sun. Studies have proven that regular use of sunscreen helps protect against photoaging: the  spotting, loss of elasticity and wrinkling caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure. Anyone who spends time outdoors during daylight hours should use it, even if they have darker skin pigment and tan easily, not only to combat ageing but to minimise the risk of skin cancer, too.

Increase your water intake 

Drinking enough water makes your skin glow and staying hydrated is extremely important to prevent the signs of ageing. Drinking around two litres of water daily helps the skin remain radiant and keep its elasticity, which can reduce wrinkles. 

The human body is mostly composed of water, therefore when we are not well-hydrated, our non-vital organs such as our skin are the first to lose water. The body redirects water to other more fundamental functions, for example maintaining blood pressure. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water purifies the liver, helping to remove unwanted products and impurities from the body, including the skin. 

Incorporate age defying foods for a natural botox boost

As the saying goes, “you are what you eat”, and beautiful, glowing and youthful skin starts from the inside out. Make sure you are incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, water and essential nutrients to help combat dull complexions and fine lines. These include fruits and vegetables of all kinds, especially red peppers, which are loaded with antioxidants and papaya, which is a superfood rich in vitamins and minerals that may help to improve skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

Ramp up your skincare

Having a solid regime that includes high quality, active products can work wonders when it comes to maintaining youthful skin, and it doesn’t always mean spending lots of money – in fact, less is often more when it comes to skincare. It’s worth speaking to a specialist skincare expert who can advise you on your routine and ensure it suits your skin, as well as your needs and preferences, rather than relying on generic advice. However, you can’t go wrong by taking things back to basics to start with, by implementing a simple ‘cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturise’ routine, followed by a good SPF. 

Consider a natural collagen supplement instead of botox

The word ‘collagen’ is derived from the Greek term for glue, ‘kolla’. It is the glue that holds us together and is the most abundant protein in our body, found not just in our skin, but also in muscles, bones and tendons. As we age from our mid 20’s, our production of collagen naturally begins to slow down resulting in wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin, as well as other signs of ageing including joint pains, thinning hair and brittle nails.

As mentioned, good skin comes from the inside out, so incorporating a natural oral supplement such as collagen and hyaluronic acid tablets can work wonders to improve your skin’s strength and elasticity. 

By nourishing ourselves with anti-ageing foods, staying hydrated and incorporating natural supplements into our routines, we can keep our skin healthy, vibrant and youthful during lockdown. We may not have access to our favourite quick fixes, but by following these simple at-home steps, we can still ensure we look and feel our best until the next time we sit in the practitioner’s chair.