If you are thinking of getting Botox injections, you may wonder whether there is a topical alternative. Chances are you have seen an influencer recommend “Botox patches.” If so, you may wonder, “Do Botox patches work?”
We will give it to you straight. There aren’t any topical products or patches that work in the same way as Botox injections except possibly other brands of injectable neurotoxins. To understand why, you need to know a few basics about Botox Charlotte NC.
Please keep in mind this article contains general information about the effectiveness of Botox patches and alternatives. It isn’t a substitute for personalized care.
First, What Does Real Botox Do?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a cosmetic treatment that works by temporarily paralyzing specific facial muscles. It’s administered through tiny doses injected into targeted areas. When these muscles relax, the skin above them smooths out, reducing the appearance of expression lines, fine lines, and wrinkles. If you are looking for how to get rid of wrinkles, Botox might be the option for you.
The procedure is quick, typically taking only about 15 minutes, and there’s no recovery time needed.
The effects are temporary, usually lasting 3-4 months, but regular treatments can maintain these results long-term. It’s important to note that the results can vary based on the dosage and placement of the injections, which is why it’s crucial to have the procedure done by a skilled injector. You can also search for tips to make Botox injections last longer to help you understand how to improve your results.
Botox can also slow the development of certain kinds of wrinkles, specifically expression lines. While it is in your system, it keeps the targeted muscle from contracting. So, if you aren’t squinting or furrowing your brow, the wrinkles that tend to develop from repetitive, habitual movements are less likely to form. (Or it may take longer to form).
With that in mind, ask your provider some of the things to know before getting Botox in order to have realistic expectations of what they can accomplish.
What are Botox Patches?
The patches are simply strategically shaped adhesive paper; you wear them overnight to keep your muscles from contracting while you sleep. Some are made from silicone and are not much different from small cut-out versions of the silicone masks people sometimes use to make a mask with their favorite skin care products.
Real injections keep those muscles from subconsciously contracting 24/7 until the Botox slowly begins to wear off several months later. When considering the difference, expecting the same lasting results from patches is unrealistic. Patches do not penetrate the skin so they are not able to treat the muscle causing contractions and thereby wrinkles. Besides, you are more likely to furrow your brow or contract these muscles during the day when you concentrate, work, watch TV, work out, do chores, or socialize. Yes, you also contract muscles while you sleep, but the amount of repetitive movement will probably be higher while you are awake.
Some people report noticing their skin looks smoother when they remove the pads in the morning. This is temporary, and the effect wears off. In theory, if you wore the patches 24/7, you may get longer-lasting results, but that isn’t proven, and most likely, you have a life that doesn’t involve wearing stickers on your face while you exercise, socialize, work, pursue your hobbies, or run errands.
In fact, skin taping and patches have existed for decades. They just had a resurgence in interest recently due to marketing gimmicks and social media influencers. CNN reported that despite being on the market for years, there is no evidence that these patches give long (or even medium-term) results.
If you like the effect, they are harmless for most people, assuming the adhesives don’t irritate your skin and you don’t have to tug to remove them. Some people find it slightly painful to remove the patches, according to a study by Consumer Reports. Some contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C and may have similar benefits as a drugstore face mask.
If you like the idea of waking up without “sleep wrinkles” in the places where you apply the patches, it may be worth it to you. If you want results that last all day, you may want to look for other options.
What to Do Instead?
If you want the results associated with Botox or other injectables, it makes more sense just to get the injections unless it is not safe for you for some reason. It’s FDA-cleared as safe for most people and provides long-lasting results. Besides you can always ask one of our skilled providers “what is baby botox” and how it works if you just getting started.
Some who opt for patches want a product to prevent early skin aging and possibly make their Botox injections last a little longer. You are welcome to try it, but other things are more likely to serve that function.
The first is to adopt a skin-healthy lifestyle if you haven’t already. This means:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 30, and this protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays that lead to wrinkles
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking if you are a smoker
- Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly,
- Manage stress and get enough sleep (around 8 hours a night)
- Avoid tugging at your skin, popping pimples, or inflicting other skin trauma
In addition, consider other medispa treatments like professional facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, or another treatment that helps address your skin issues and helps with rejuvenation.
Dial in your evening face routine order. You may benefit from quality vitamin C serum, retinoids, peptides, or other powerful ingredients. The best products vary by the person and are based on your skin type, age, needs, and problem areas.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn What Treatments Are Right for You
With so many skincare products and treatments available, it is no wonder that people get confused about the dizzying array of options. We have seen so many people waste money trying every TikTok and Instagram beauty trend. While professional-grade products, injections, and treatments have a price, many people find they actually save money when they focus on a few quality, evidence-based practices.
We at the Skin Center by CPS are happy to help Charlotte, NC, residents find products and treatments that deliver the results they want. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
