As an esthetician with 25 years of hands on experience, I’ve heard a lot about the various skin concerns my client’s have when I’m working at my two skin care spas in Dallas, Texas. Particularly when it comes to young women in their early 20s, preventing lines and wrinkles from appearing is near the top of their list. The words “anti-aging” and “wrinkle prevention” come up frequently, since they have yet to experience the first signs of aging–but they know it’s coming sooner or later.
When they get into their late 20s or early 30s, the first area to show aging tends to be the furrow between their eyebrows and this suddenly sets them into panic mode. Their first wrinkle! As a result, I’m hearing many say “I need to get Botox!” and many of them are actually having it done. Certainly we know that starting Botox early, when wrinkles are just forming, can help prevent future ones from appearing. But what concerns me greatly is what will happen when the next wrinkle appears and the next one after that?…
Read: Could Botox Actually Be Making You Look Older?
Botox procedures have been popular for nearly 10 years now, but in that time, the main clientele were mainly women in their 40s and older who used it to soften (not completely rid themselves of) their lines and wrinkles. Women in their 40s and above have already accepted that wrinkles are a natural process in life, but they just want to soften them as much as possible. For those in their 20s, it seems some want to get rid of any wrinkle that appears. I worry that these young women will resort to more aggressive cosmetic procedures as fine lines and wrinkles continue to become more prevalent as time goes by.
I am not at all against the use of Botox, even for some women in their 20s. I am simply concerned for those who think a flawless face is an entirely wrinkle-free face. A quest for absolutely no wrinkles can result in an unnatural (or scary or comical) appearance. The acceptance of aging gracefully (and perhaps with a bit of help from Botox!) is important, but it is also important to realize that there are many other ways to maintain a youthful image! Wear sunscreen daily (I use Daily Protection SPF 30), care for your skin in the morning and evening using well-formulated products that are suited to your skin type, eat well, dress well, live an over all healthy lifestyle and, most importantly, smile and be happy.
Bottom line: Most things in life should be done in moderation, including cosmetic procedures. My goal in writing this is to provide some good food for thought.
Read: What Age Should I Start Using Anti-Aging Products?
Which products are right for your skin? See our nine skin types and get products recommended.
For more expert skin advice, check out Skin Source–the A-Z guide on all things skin. Also sign up for our skin tip e-newsletter, follow Renée Rouleau on Twitter and like our Facebook page. You’ll be your own skin care expert in no time!
Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”
