With the rise of selfies, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media outlets, our faces have never been more exposed, and many women feel anxious as soon as they notice their first wrinkle. As a result, Botox has become so ubiquitous that it’s no longer surprising to hear it being referenced in movies, TV shows, and other media. There is even such a thing as “Botox parties.” We’ve begun seeing more patients in their twenties inquiring about this treatment, and while there is merit to the preventative potential of targeting wrinkles before skin starts to show advanced signs of aging, it’s not necessarily right for everyone.

If you’re interested in anti-aging procedures, such as Botox, how do you decide when it is the right time to begin? Here are some tips.

The first thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong age to start Botox. It depends on your skin type, skin color, sun exposure, muscle movement, and family history. There is also no particular age when wrinkles typically appear; it varies for everyone. However, women with lighter hair, eyes, and skin tones tend to develop more lines at an earlier age, so they may be good candidates for early treatment.

If you don’t yet see any lines when your face is relaxed, congratulations! You should hold off on Botox or other wrinkle injections for a while, because without knowing where the wrinkles are/will form, your doctor won't know where to inject the neuromodulator (like Botox Cosmetic).

Typically, Botox is less necessary for women in their twenties because their facial skin is sufficiently thick and supple, due to healthy production of collagen and elastin. As you age, skin begins to lose volume and becomes thinner. This, when combined with constant muscle movement, creates wrinkles. We see this most often in patients in their 30s and 40s.

The bottom line is that age isn’t always the best indicator for when you should begin Botox. If you look younger than your age, you can probably hold off on this treatment for another couple of years.

We do have some good news. No matter your age, the more frequently you get Botox injections, the more your facial muscles become “trained” not to move as much, even after the injection has worn off. This doesn’t mean that you can stop getting treatments altogether, but you can extend the time between each appointment. For example, you may begin by getting injections every three months, but eventually you may only need it twice a year.

Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS is proud to offer physician-administered wrinkle fillers and neurotoxins including Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Belotero, Botox, and Xeomin. If you’re considering Botox treatments, we’re pleased to offer you an initial consultation at no cost. We’ll work in partnership with you to fully understand your skin care goals and desires so that we can create a program that delivers you the best possible results. 

Feature photo via Flickr