The FDA first approved Botox in 2002. They permitted it for use against wrinkles and lines in the face but it could only be administered as prescription-only injections from licensed physicians. Since then, cosmetic companies, plastic surgeons, and drug manufacturers have been searching for alternatives to Botox injections that could be made more widely available.
So far, the result of their searching and testing has been serums, which are simply applied directly onto the skin without any form of injection. The manufacturers claim that these serums will tighten the skin, even on the most sensitive areas of the face. When taken after receiving Botox injections, they claim that the serum can eliminate the need for follow up injections months down the line.
The FDA has technically only approved Botox injections for the area between the brows, yet physicians often inject it in other sensitive areas of the face as well. For example, it is common for patients to receive it around the eyes; which is a very dangerous area for needles. The benefit of a serum is that it can be placed on any area of the face without the danger that needle injections present.
There are many different ingredients that are used in these serums, from natural plant sources to oils from animals. Some common ingredients include emu oil, tea extracts, and collagen.
Collagen is extremely important for anti-aging creams in general because it is a natural substance that starts to wear low in the body with age. Youthful skin has a lot of collagen, which keeps it tight. As the skin ages the collagen starts to wear away, leading to loose wrinkles and lines. Anti-aging products thus aim to replenish the skin’s supply of collagen as a means of tightening the skin and reducing the sign of age.
Collagen injections are another alternative to Botox. When inserted just under the wrinkles, collagen can fill in the loose skin and create a more youthful appearance. This procedure is often referred to as a “wrinkle filler.”
Another option is an injection of Restylane, which is an all natural substance that lasts longer than collagen and Botox injections. Restylane is wrinkle filler made from hyaluronic acid. It is considered a safer option to Botox since it is not a drug, and to collagen because it cannot pass on animal-bourne disease.
The cost of serums and other anti-aging topical treatments can be much lower than injections. If you go with injections, they cost about the same whether you go with Botox or another wrinkle filler.