Most younger people, especially those who take care of their skin and use a good sun cream, should not have to worry too much about crow’s feet for a good few years. Some people are happy to embrace their wrinkles and never do anything about them; but others prefer to try to remove the signs of ageing as soon as they appear.
If you are in the latter camp you may be wondering how old you have to be before you can start using Botox injections. Read on to learn more about what age to start Botox.
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are caused when ageing skin starts to lose its elasticity, and various facial expressions that you use on a daily basis start to become etched into your skin. The sun’s UV rays can damage the skin and cause wrinkles, as can pollution.
Genetics plays a part too, and you may find that if your family are particularly wrinkled then you will be more susceptible to them – but don’t worry, even this is redeemable!
You can stave off those wrinkles with a good lifestyle, a good healthy diet, and by making sure you have a good sun care regime.
Smokers are also much more prone to wrinkles, as the tar and chemicals in cigarettes have an adverse effect on the skin, making it look older than it is, so avoid the cigarettes as much as you can and, preferably, quit. If you have never smoked, don’t start!
What age to start Botox
There is no specific age that you should – or shouldn’t – start Botox. However, chances are you won’t need to for a good few years, as long as you take good care of your skin.
One small caveat is that Botox cannot legally be used for cosmetic reasons on anyone under the age of 18, and there are steps being put into place to ban all injectable cosmetics for the under 18s.
If you start using Botox too young, there is a danger that some of the muscles that are treated can become weakened and wasted due to lack of use, meaning that you may look older than you are, before your time.
It’s best to wait to have Botox until you really feel like you need it!
At what age is Botox most effective?
Botox will have different effects on you and your skin based on what age you start, and what sort of lifestyle you lead.
A. Botox in your 20s
Wrinkles in your 20s are known as dynamic wrinkles, as they tend to only appear when you move your facial muscles, such as in a smile or frown – they are not yet set in stone on your skin.
Botox in your 20s is mostly used as a preventative measure; to stop these facial movements from setting the wrinkles in permanently.
If, however, you spent your teens and 20s getting regular sun damage, used a sun bed, or if you were a smoker, then you might want to consider Botox more seriously.
B. Botox in your 30s
By the time you get to your 30s, chances are you have already noticed your first permanent wrinkles – that is, wrinkles that are there even when you are not making a certain expression, particularly around the eyes.
If you spent your 20s sunbathing, smoking and having wild nights out on the town these effects will be even more noticeable.
Stress is also a contributor to wrinkles at this age. Research has proven that women in the 35-44 age bracket suffer the most stress – juggling career, children, relationships, mental health, and many other aspects of life are shown to be factors.
Botox in your 30s can reduce the appearance of your wrinkles, and give your face a more youthful look.
C. Botox in your 40s
As we age, skin loses Collagen and Elastin faster and faster, which is why most wrinkles tend to be set by this age.
Alcohol and stress are the biggest causes of wrinkles in the over 40s, as your skin is more prone to be dehydrated by the drink (studies show that women over 45 are more than twice as likely to drink on a daily basis than other age groups), and booze also leaches vitamins and minerals from your skin.
At this age, Botox can benefit the wrinkles, but you might also find it helpful to opt for another treatment alongside it, such as dermal fillers or laser treatment.
D. Botox in your 50s
The menopause can have big effects on the skin; making it less elastic, causing age spots, uneven pigmentation, and exacerbating the effects of sun damage.
Decreasing levels of Oestrogen in the body can have dramatic effects on the skin, and make it look significantly older – you can’t do a lot about these decreasing levels, but you can mitigate the effects it has on your skin.
Botox in your 50s can have a good impact on the “frown lines”, but other areas of the face may need some additional treatment.
E. Botox in your 60s
There is no upper age limit for Botox treatments; however you should bear in mind that even if you have looked after your skin well all your life, you will certainly have some permanent wrinkles by your 60s.
Botox at this age can give a smoother look to your face and leave you looking fresh and rejuvenated – but it cannot reverse time and make you look 30 again!
Read also: What (Not) To Do After Botox {Tips & Care}
Final words
Botox is a useful treatment for those who wish to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and as you can see it is most effective in your 30s and 40s.
The most important thing to take away is that whatever your skin care regime and however you feel about eventually getting wrinkles, you should look after your skin well. Limit your exposure to the sun, always wear sun cream, make sure you sleep and eat well, and drink like a fish – water only!
