Botox effect creams: what is it and how to apply them

Are you afraid of injections, but want to do away with wrinkles? Then our article is for you. After all, creams with a Botox-like effect were invented for those who, for some reason, do not want to inject botulinum toxin.

Cream with the effect of Botox: what is it

The mechanism of action of botulinum toxin is simple: it paralyzes the facial muscles – as a result, the wrinkles associated with their mobility on the forehead, in the corners of the eyes, between the eyebrows disappear. Just do not think that you will stop smiling and frowning, expressing joy or anger. Nothing like this.

Over the past few years, cosmetologists have learned to control the amount of the drug in such a way that the face remains mobile – but wrinkles no longer bother. So with the word “botox” you should not imagine the perfectly smooth, frozen doll faces that some Hollywood actresses had in the early 2000s.

On the other hand, no one is immune from the side effect of Botox injections, such as droopy eyelids. There are those who are simply afraid of injections. Therefore, a few years ago, a cosmetic solution to the problem of wrinkles appeared an alternative – cosmetics with a Botox-like effect.

The essence of the “Botox effect” is the smoothing of wrinkles as a result of relaxation of facial muscles.

Do you want to know what cosmetic procedure you need? Answer our test questions.

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Features of composition

There is no point in including botulinum toxin in the cream formula:

  • on the one hand, it oxidizes very quickly in air;
  • on the other hand, this peptide cannot penetrate the skin to the muscles.

However, the “colleagues” of botulinum toxin – other peptides that can be added to cosmetics – are able to imitate its work. Of course, not so fast, but without possible side effects.

Some other substances also turned out to be quite effective derma-relaxants.

So, what is the Botox effect cream capable of?

  • “Intercept the signal” about the contraction of facial muscles like botulinum toxin, preventing their contraction.
  • Work as a derma-relaxant by acting on the basis of the skin – fibroblasts.

What ingredients in the cream allow you to count on the effect of Botox?

  • Peptide Argireline (acetylhexapeptide, hexapeptide) is the first “botulinum” ingredient in cosmetics that has been on the market for over 10 years.
  • Temple Viper Venom, or rather, an artificially reproduced peptide of this poison, which paralyzes muscles. The ingredient is widely used in Korean cosmetics.
  • Adenosine – the main participant in cellular energy exchange. Appearing in the system, it gives a signal: “There is a lot of energy, it’s time to rest so that its supply does not run out,” hence the derma-relaxing effect.

Artificial reproduction of the muscle-paralyzing peptide from the venom of the temple viper is a popular ingredient in Korean cosmetics.

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How to choose a face cream with Botox effect

Now botulinum toxin is widely and successfully used not only in cosmetology, but also in medicine – from neurology (treatment of tension headache) to urology. In dermatology, it is used to treat hyperhidrosis and acne. However, to solve these problems with the help of creams containing a botulinum toxin analogue, it will not work. In cosmetics, it is exclusively an anti-aging ingredient.

It is worth starting the use of a cream with Botox action no earlier than 25 years old – at this age, the first mimic wrinkles may appear on the forehead, in the corners of the eyes.

How to choose it?

  • Make sure you have ingredients that match the effect of Botox.
  • It is desirable that this effect be supported by complete care: moisturizing ingredients, collagen production stimulators. Such versatility will enhance the rejuvenating effect.
Tip from Ekaterina Turubary, Vichy medical expert: “The first mimic wrinkles disappear after a good rest. A true wrinkle cannot be removed by sound sleep.
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Choosing a cream with the effect of Botox for the skin around the eyes

Depending on the genetic and facial features (also often hereditary), such a cream can be the first anti-aging tool in the arsenal of 25-year-olds. But if there are no visible wrinkles and no special mimic activity, it is better to focus on moisturizing and not try to influence a non-existent problem.

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Funds overview

Anti-wrinkle and firming cream for normal skin LiftActiv Supreme, Vichy

Contains a complex of anti-aging components: adenosine acts against wrinkles, caffeine tones, neohesperidin fights oxidative stress. 3D-correction technology gives an instant visual effect. The product is saturated with thermal water, suitable even for sensitive skin.

Concentrated anti-aging care with retinol Redermic Retinol, La Roche-Posay

The main anti-aging component of the product, retinol is presented in free form and in combination with linoleic acid (omega-6) for gradual release and accumulation in the skin. It also contains adenosine. The tool allows you to achieve a noticeable rejuvenating effect and smoothes quite pronounced wrinkles.

Night Serum Revitalift Laser, L’Oréal Paris

Contains pure retinol at a concentration of 0,2%, which allows you to reduce even deep wrinkles. To accustom the skin to the active ingredient, it is recommended to introduce the serum into care gradually. After 30 days of use, the skin looks younger and smoother.

High Performance Night Cream, Retinol 1.0, SkinCeuticals

With 1% pure encapsulated retinol, it smoothes wrinkles while reducing the appearance of enlarged pores and dark spots.

Anti-Aging Retinol Daily Serum, Kiehl’s

Pure Retinol is formulated with peptide and ceramides to prevent irritation and redness associated with the active anti-aging ingredient. Suitable for sensitive skin and delicate eye area.

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Application features and precautions

  • Creams with the effect of Botox require patience: a visible result is achieved no earlier than 6 weeks later, provided that it is applied 2 times a day.
  • In the evening, it is better to apply the cream after light peeling. But in no case should it be combined with products containing AHA and similar acids, since the active ingredients that replace Botox (peptides) can be destroyed.
  • Unlike injections, the cream should also work in the lower part of the face – near the corners of the mouth, where mimic wrinkles also appear.
  • The cream will not help against wrinkles of a non-mimic nature.
  • It is not recommended to use during pregnancy and lactation – it is better not to experiment with viper venom. There are no such restrictions for cosmetics with adenosine.
  • For the best effect, the application of the cream should be combined with a little self-massage.

© Healthy-Food

advises Ekaterina Turubara: “In the evening, when applying skin care products, you can massage your face with your fingertips in a circular motion – this procedure relaxes the skin.”

  • It is not recommended to use Botox-effect products continuously for more than six months.
  • Modern creams are not yet able to reverse age-related changes after 60 years.
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