The race to turn back the clock is what the world of beauty runs on and for the last few years, Botox has been in the spotlight for that chase.
Millennials, Gen-Z (yes, age no bar here), brides and bridesmaids, celebrities, literally everyone has jumped into the botulinum toxin cosmetic injectables fray to seek smooth, unblemished and line-free skin. It gave rise to Botox for different pockets and types, from Baby Botox and BroTox to Budget Botox. But not all is hunky-dory here. The beauty shot has increasingly been getting a bad rap for its downsides: being invasive, painful, causing eyelid drop, bruising and reportedly freezing facial muscles. Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian even expressed worry over how Botox may make it tough for her to show more emotion.
But it’s time to drop the dread, there’s a successor on the scene. Notox, the anti-aging alternative seems to have picked up where Botox left off. It’s non-invasive, non-injectable option that’s churning up a believable buzz. In the advent of the wedding and festive season, can this be just what you need? Dermats spill the tea…
Painful Put-off
Affirming how pain can be one of Botox’s biggest downsides, Dr Sri Sahithi Konidena, Founder and Chief Dermatologist, Prime Derm Skin and Hair Clinic, Hyderabad, shares, “Whenever I suggest treatments like Botox, fillers, or skin boosters, which involve needles, I notice that patients often become uncomfortable or apprehensive about the idea of multiple injections in their face. It can initially be quite daunting for them. I’ve read studies which concluded that pain is considered a factor to avoid treatments by 20% of patients.”
Multiple Options
Literally, a blend of the words “no” and “Botox” Notox is hot on social media – the hashtag #notox has 37.3K posts and counting! On its popularity, Dr Sravya C. Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, & Trichologist, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, says, “The Notox movement is big. It’s a trend embracing non-injectable alternatives such as non-invasive technologies and cosmeceutical products aimed at achieving similar results as Botox, but without the needle.”
It can be something as rejuvenating as getting a facial massage. As Dr Chopra shares, “Popular techniques include Gua Sha and face massages, which increase lymphatic drainage and circulation as well as improve skin tone and minimize puffiness, also are part of Notox.”
There’s a lot to choose from, elaborates Dr Sravya: “From microneedling (minimally-invasive) and radiofrequency treatments like Morpheus8 to topical creams packed with peptides and antioxidants, the Notox approach has diverse options.” Of course, there’s no single magic shot here, either. The trend is about a holistic approach to skincare, combining lifestyle changes, skincare products, and specialized treatments with an aim to maintain youthful skin.
Wondering if it will suit you? She responds: “Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of Botox, Notox alternatives can be customized to address specific concerns, like fine lines or loss of volume. You have solutions that boost collagen, enhance skin texture, and provide long-term benefits without downtime that fit into patients’ desire for safer, natural remedies that have less risks and negative effects.”
Another key advantage is that won’t make a hole in the pocket. Affirms Dr Chopra, “Yes, the fact that Notox treatments are typically less expensive than injectables like Botox is one of their main benefits. Several techniques here can be performed at home with little expense, including face massages and topical therapies like vitamin C and retinoids. Even pricey professional procedures like radiofrequency therapy, HydraFacials and microneedling usually need less frequent maintenance than Botox and do not entail the exorbitant expenditures of routine injections. This makes Notox a desirable choice for people searching for less expensive ways to keep their skin looking young and radiant.”
“Botox targets specific muscles to calm existing wrinkles, but Notox treatments improve the skin’s resiliency to avoid the early indications of aging.” — Dr. Madhu Chopra,
Mumbai
Notox Within Your Reach
• Gua Sha massages for lymphatic drainage.
• Radiofrequency treatments, microcurrent facials, and LED light therapy to help increase skin firmness and stimulate collagen synthesis.
• High-frequency facials and microneedling to improve texture and reduce fine wrinkles
• Hydra facials and chemical peels which help moisturise and exfoliate the skin.
• Cryotherapy, oxygen facials, and topical medications like vitamin C and retinoids for glowing skin.
“Whenever I suggest treatments like Botox, fillers, or skin boosters, which involve needles, I notice that patients often become uncomfortable or apprehensive about the idea of multiple injections in their face.” — Dr. Sri Sahithi Konidena, Hyderabad