Did you know that Botox doesn’t get rid of wrinkles? Why? Well, first we have to understand the physiology of our bodies. Then, we can understand how wrinkles and Botox interact. 

What are wrinkles?

There are two main types of wrinkles: static wrinkles and dynamic wrinkles. Everyone has dynamic wrinkles. Those are the ones that happen when we smile or emote (make a facial expression), and they disappear when our face relaxes.

Most of the time, people are worried about static wrinkles, which over time, are caused by dynamic wrinkles. Because dynamic wrinkles create creases in our skin over and over again, the lines become ingrained. Dynamic wrinkles slowly lessen collagen and elastin, the stuff that makes our skin bouncy and stretchy. 

Thus, static wrinkles are created. In comparison to our face, you normally won’t see static wrinkles as quickly on other parts of the body because of how we’re emoting every day. In addition to daily life, collagen and elastin decrease at a quicker rate when we don’t wear sunscreen, when we smoke, or stay in the sun for extended periods of time.

So, can Botox get rid of wrinkles?

Well, Botox stops our muscles from contracting as much when we make facial expressions. 

Muscle contractions are what cause creasing, and Botox influences the complex connection between your neurons, brain, and muscle fibers. When our muscles contract, this involves something called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is very important because your nerves have to release this to make your muscles contract and move.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, meaning it transmits information from a neuron to the muscle fibers. However. the pathway of acetylcholine is blocked when Botox is injected into the skin. If the acetylcholine message can’t get into the muscle fiber, the muscle can’t flex as well anymore. 

But, of course, when you contract a muscle less over time, its density decreases, or it “atrophies.” This is why celebrities get Botox over and over again – to combat the eventual effects of Botox. So, even though the injected toxin stops the signal from happening, creating a springy effect, the facial muscles can eventually become less dense.

This is one of the biggest things that people who come in for Botox injections aren’t aware of. That’s why it’s difficult to say whether Botox gets rid of or “prevents” wrinkles.  On one hand, it can prevent fine lines or static wrinkles. But, on the other, it can diminish how “full” the face looks with time. 

And ultimately, injecting Botox into the skin is not going to reverse existing wrinkles. It might make them appear less severe because we’re no longer folding the skin. But, if you already have static wrinkles in the skin, it’s not going to get rid of the ones that already exist. if you already have existing wrinkles, you need to work with ingredients that are going to stimulate the collagen and elastin in your skin. 

What ingredients help wrinkles?

Fibroblasts create collagen and elastin. Fibroblasts are cells that blast collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid into your skin. So, if you can stimulate those fibroblasts with retinoids, potentially peptides,  medical micro-needling, or laser, this can have wonderful effects. These treatments can help to plump up wrinkles from the inside out. 

It’s also important to be consistent with a hydrating, moisturizing, and skin-boosting skincare routine.  

There are even options like fillers. Fillers can help get rid of wrinkles because you’re plumping them from the inside out. Fillers are known to be an effective treatment for fine lines. But, just like Botox, it's important to know the implications of these long-term treatments.