Skin Care And Sunlight: Why They Don't Go Together

The age when many people are seeking botox treatments is starting to drop, with many people in their twenties thinking about botox. However, it is possible to start botox too early, which can unnecessarily weaken your facial tone. If you are thinking about botox, follow this quick guide to determining the proper age to start treatment. 

Are you under 18? 

While botox is approved for some medical uses in patients as young as 12 years old, it is only FDA approved for cosmetic use in patients over 18 years of age. Most dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons will not offer botox treatment to patients under 18 years of age. However, during your teenage years you should consider visiting a dermatologist to get a skin care treatment plan to help lessen the development of wrinkles as you age. This will usually include using facial sunscreen and moisturizers to help maintain the elasticity of your skin. 

Are you 18-25? 

Although botox is approved as a safe treatment for minimizing lines and wrinkles in young adults, many dermatologists recommend continuing a less-invasive skin care routine during these years. In addition to sunscreen and moisturizer, your dermatologist may recommend regular facial exercise to help prevent the formation of deep lines. It is a good idea to assess your daily lifestyle at this point to discover times when you may be squinting or straining your forehead muscles. Getting proper eye wear and consciously stopping these motions can reduce the development of lines. 

While you may notice the formation of lines during this age, they are likely not permanent yet and can be treated with lifestyle changes rather than botox. However, if your lines are particularly deep, you may be a potential patient for infrequent injections. It is a good idea to consult your dermatologist and ask about botox as a potential preventative treatment. 

Are you in your late twenties? 

In your late twenties and early thirties, facial creases may start to form permanent wrinkles. At this point, even if you do not have signs of wrinkles, it is a good idea to meet with a dermatologist and discuss botox as a preventative measure. If you have a light skin color and/or poor facial elasticity, your dermatologist will likely encourage you to start botox injections at this time, before lines can set deeply into your skin. However, people with darker skin tone and more elastic skin likely will not need botox at this age. 

Are you in your early thirties?

If you are in your early thirties, you are an ideal candidate for preventative botox. It is during these years that most people start to form more permanent creases and wrinkles. Starting botox in your early thirties may potentially reduce your wrinkles for years to come. If you do not already have a regular dermatologist by your thirtieth birthday, you should give yourself a present and go in for a consultation. 

Are you in your late thirties or early forties? 

By this age, you have likely already formed some permanent wrinkles. But you do not have to continue living with them. A more aggressive botox treatment can lessen the appearance of wrinkles that you already have. Historically, the late thirties and early forties were the ages when people began thinking about botox. Although preventative treatment is starting at much younger ages, there are still plenty of people who choose to give their face a bit of a makeover after their wrinkles have already set in. It is important you visit a dermatologist with experience treating patients with developed wrinkles as opposed to one offering preventative treatments. 

While this guide lays out the rough ages when you should start botox treatment from a place like Jordan Valley Dermatology, you should realize every case is individual. For the best results, you should consult a dermatologist.