Cosmetic procedures such as Botulinum toxin injections are a quick way to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but at what cost to our health?
The following 10 best natural Botox alternatives are worth learning about. They can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles without being harmful to our wellness.
As a holistic beauty expert I am passionate about helping look and feel their best naturally. I never want you to risk your health in the name of beauty so let's learn about some of the 10 best natural alternatives to Botox for aging gracefully. Knowing the possible side effects of any beauty procedure is essential so you can weigh your options and do what is best for you. Informed consent and knowledge are power.
Before we jump into the fun stuff and learn about the fantastic holistic beauty alternatives to Botox, let's take a quick look at what Botox is and various resources so you can do your own research.
*This post contains affiliate links, meaning I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What is Botox?
In cosmetic medicine, Botox is used to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is the brand name for Botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxic protein injected in small doses to weaken and paralyze nerve endings and specific facial muscles. It temporarily blocks the nerve signals that control muscle contractions which can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the targeted area. Botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle movement, leading to temporary muscle relaxation.
The cosmetic effects of Botox generally last from three to six months but can vary from person to person.
There are much healthier options like the ones in this article, the 10 best natural Botox alternatives.
Are there risks associated with Botox?
Botox comes with a black box warning, however, most women never receive it. The possible side effects are horrifying and should be researched before anyone decides to get this cosmetic beauty procedure. The amount of women harmed by this neurotoxin is growing daily. What Botox does to the brain, nervous system and health of the body can be pretty horrific, but you will never hear anything about that because it's a billion-dollar industry.
I suggest visiting the Never Tox Website to learn more about Botox and its associated health risks as well as the tips in this article, the 10 best natural Botox alternatives.
I admire Gretch Elizabeth, a patient advocate who runs the Never Tox Community Group, a patient advocacy group for women who Botox has harmed. Her Facebook support group has 25,000 women who are suffering from Botox illness.
To learn about the dangers associated with Botox, I highly recommend listening to the Intentionally Well Podcast with Vanessa Lopez featuring a Gretch Elizabeth, Botox expert from Never Tox.
The podcast episode illuminates the shocking dark side of the billion-dollar Botox industry. Botox podcast episode here
"Gretch Elizabeth, a patient advocate who runs the Never Tox Community Group. She is also a primary admin for the world's largest international Botox injury support group. She brings all of the dirt to the surface when it comes to this dangerous neurotoxin, as she's dedicated her life to relentlessly researching Botox poisoning.
The Nevertox team has dedicated extensive effort to ensuring accurate patient information disclosure, delivering comprehensive informed consent details, and establishing a robust support system for individuals requiring assistance post-injury or experiencing side effects. Collaborating with various industry experts such as doctors and researchers, the team consistently stays ahead of mainstream industry clinicians in terms of news and factual updates.
Nevertox website here
Nevertox Facebook support group here
Nevertox Instagram here
Nevertox Youtube here
10 best natural Botox alternatives
1- Face Yoga
Get It Girl TV Season 10, Episode 29
We work out our bodies; why not our faces?
When we don't exercise our face, we lose volume, firmness, collagen, and elastin, and the skin starts to sag.
What is Face Yoga?
Face yoga is a holistic beauty alternative to Botox. It is a natural beauty practice that encourages a more youthful appearance with regular practice.
Face Yoga is a combination of facial exercises, facial massage, and acupressure techniques. Daily practice can minimize fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, lift skin, firm skin, decrease hyperpigmentation, and support lymphatic drainage.
Did you know that puffiness in the face can be a result of stagnant lymph? Face yoga helps to support lymphatic drainage and detoxification for a healthier and more vibrant appearance.
Face yoga also helps to alleviate facial tension and is an incredible self care practice.
I am an internationally certified face yoga instructor, licensed cosmetologist, and holistic beauty expert. I teach face yoga classes to women across the world and the results are incredible. I am passionate about teaching women how to achieve beautiful skin at every age naturally. Take one of my holistic beauty classes to learn how to do face yoga. Learn more about my health and natural beauty coaching services for a holistic approach to aging gracefully.
2 - Facial Acupuncture
What is Facial Acupuncture?
I spoke with a licensed facial acupuncturist and esthetician, Shahla Hashemizad, and this is what she had to say about facial acupuncture,
"Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture is a natural ancient Chinese modality to get younger, more youthful looking skin. It not only rejuvenates the skin but also gives it an instant glow. It is a natural way to minimize and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and get a younger look without injecting a neurotoxin and freezing facial muscles.
According to TCM, all disharmonies happen when Qi and blood get stagnate. To have healthy and glowing skin, we need to have a free flow of Qi (vital force) in our facial muscles and skin. With Botox injections, the free flow of Qi gets disrupted, resulting in Qi stagnating in facial tissues and skin. When Qi gets blocked, we get discoloration, dullness, and hyperpigmentation."
"Facial acupuncture rejuvenates, tightens, lifts, plumps, and reduces hyperpigmentation in two ways":
"Inserting needles in the skin stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis layer, which are responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are what our connective tissues and skin are made of. They are what make our skin tight, plump, and youthful. When we have enough collagen and elastin, our skin is tight, bouncy, and youthful." Shahla Hashemizad
"Inserting needles creates micro-injuries in the skin tissue, which initiates the body's healing process by sending resources to the area to heal the injured tissues. So now blood and Qi circulation is increased to bring nutrients to the area. As a result, we get healthier, more youthful skin." - Shahla Hashemizad
Shahla's holistic anti aging services include cosmetic facial acupuncture, facial cupping, facial gua sha, and micro needling for hair and skin. She also has a natural beauty kit which includes a high-quality Gua Sha and Facial Cupping set for at home use.
Connect with Shahla
3 - RED Light Therapy
Improve the appearance of your skin naturally with the powerful anti aging benefits of red light.
This red light therapy device is excellent Bon Charge.
Use code: JROSE to save 15% off
What is red light therapy?
A non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-level red light wavelengths to promote healthy skin and various anti-aging benefits. Regularly using red light therapy is an excellent anti-aging modality because it helps to improve the skin over time with visible results instead of acting as a bandaid like Botox.
The benefits of red light therapy for the skin
Can stimulate the production of collagen: Increased collagen production can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and, wrinkles, sagging skin, and encourage a more radiant complexion.
Can improve skin tone and texture: Minimizes the appearance of sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring.
Can reduce inflammation and redness: Red light has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin. It can be beneficial for those with rosacea, eczema, and redness.
Enhanced circulation: This can help bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells while removing waste products, helping to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. Healthy glowing skin is all about having healthy circulation.
This mini red light therapy device. emits bioactive frequencies of 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light for the most optimal treatment.
Bon Charge is a good brand that offers science-backed wellness products to optimize wellness, beauty, sleep, and recovery. Check out all of their wellness products here.
Use code: JROSE to save 15% off
4 - Gua Sha
This holistic beauty tool is often referred to as a "natural facelift" because of its ability to improve the appearance of sagging skin.
What is a Gua Sha?
Facial Gua Sha is a non invasive alternative to Botox. It is an ancient Chinese natural therapy over 2,000 years old. Regular Gua Sha lifts and sculpts the face for a tighter, firmer, and lifted appearance, reduces fine lines, and stimulates the dermis to support collagen production. It does a fantastic job at improving circulation to help clear out waste products like blackheads and pimples.
The more you dedicate yourself to this practice, the better results you will see. The Gua Sha is also a beautiful way to decrease stress and increase feelings of well-being.
There are various Gua Sha's on the market, and each one offers different beauty benefits. Selecting one will depend on your skin goals.
Types of Facial Gua Sha stones
Watch my TV episode demonstrating how to use a Gua Sha
5 - Bakuchiol (Retinol Alternative)
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant extract with the same benefits as retinol and can be used by those with even the most sensitive skin. Bakuchiol is derived from a plant known as the Psoralea Corylifolia plant," also known as the Babchi plant. Bakuchiol is rich in antioxidants that help encourage radiant and youthful skin. As well as having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. When regularly used, this wonderful holistic beauty plant-derived skincare ingredient can:
minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
increases cell turnover
stimulates collagen in the skin
minimizes the appearance of photodamage.
supports graceful aging
Retinol can be quite irritating for those with sensitive skin, has been shown to increase photosensitivity and tumor lesions when exposed to the sun, and can increase your risk for vitamin A toxicity. There is no need to risk your health for beauty, especially when safer alternatives are available.
The best clean beauty bakuchiol skincare products
Learn more about the benefits of Bakuchiol in my TV episode
6 - Face Taping
What is Face Taping?
Face taping is a holistic beauty practice that is non invasive and used to lift and tighten the skin on the face. It involves applying facial tape to specific areas of the face, such as the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck, to create a lifting effect. The tape can lift sagging skin, help smooth out wrinkles, and create a more youthful appearance.
Face tape is generally worn while sleeping or at least for three hours to help minimize facial movements that can cause wrinkles.
There are various facial tape brands on the market, the most popular one being Frownies Facial Patches
7 - Astaxanthin
So many people hyper-focus on the skin benefits of vitamin C and completely overlook astaxanthin which is much more powerful, effective, and protective.
Astaxanthin is
6,000 times more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin C
550 times more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin E
550 times more effective as an antioxidant than green tea (ECGC)
What is Astaxanthin?
Research has shown astaxanthin, a rare, red-colored carotenoid found in microalgae, to be the most potent antioxidant. Astaxanthin helps neutralize harmful free radicals, which are known for accelerating the aging process.
Astaxanthin can protect the skin from UV-induced damage, reduce hyperpigmentation, improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, prevent collagen degradation, and enhance skin moisture levels. Astaxanthin's rich anti-oxidant properties can help skin conditions affected by inflammation, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. As well as minimize redness and promotes a more balanced complexion.
Additional skin benefits of astaxanthin:
Supports the skin's collagen for a firmer look
Restores moisture
Repairs the skin barrier
Lightens Dark Spots
Firms sagging looking skin
Protects the skin from blue light & pollution
Improves Skin Texture
Promotes Glowing, Radiant Skin
Prevents Premature Aging
Awakens and Repairs Skin for a healthy, vibrant glow
To learn more about my favorite holistic beauty tools and practices, listen to this podcast episode I was interviewed on.
8 - Microneedling and Derma Rolling
What is Microneedling?
A natural anti-aging beauty practice that can improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring with regular treatments.
According to licensed esthetician and facial acupuncturist Shahla Hashemizad
"Microneedling is a natural approach to rejuvenate and lift the skin, also called "collagen induction" therapy. Microneedling works the same way that facial acupuncture works, but even faster since it can create countless micro-channels in the skin, and when used with apple stem cells which I use in my practice, it can stimulate the proliferation of human stem cells by 80%. The result is astounding. Microneedling also helps tremendously with pigmentation, age spots, Melasma, scars, acne, and more. Micronnedling has been recognized widely for rejuvenating the skin.
What is Derma Rolling?
Derma rolling is an at home holistic beauty tool. It is a roller with miniature needles that gently prick the skin to cause micro injuries to the skin. These micro injuries help to create collagen.
To get a similar effect of micro needling at home try derma rolling. Beauty By Earth Derma Roller
9 - Facial Cupping
“Using facial cupping is like going to the gym for your facial muscles. Toning the muscles of the face greatly improves the signs of aging — this includes sagging skin and facial wrinkles.” - Shahla Hashemizad,
What is Facial Cupping?
Facial cupping is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice. It involves using suction cups on the face to stimulate the skin and muscles for improved circulation and a more radiant and youthful complexion. Facial cupping gently suctions the skin to stimulate blood flow to the area underneath the cup to encourage new blood vessel formation. The results are quite incredible with regular use.
Facial cupping benefits
Improves blood and Qi (vital energy) circulation in the face
Stimulates collagen production
Brightens and improves skin texture
Gives an instant lift to the skin for a radiant and youthful appearance.
Reduces fine lines, and softens the appearance of deeper wrinkles.
Improves product absorption and nutrient delivery to facial tissues.
Decreases facial puffiness by encouraging lymphatic drainage
Brings more micronutrients to the face and, as a result, helps to get a more radiant, brighter, and youthful complexion.
Relaxes tension in the face
I recommended this facial cupping beauty tool.
10 - Healthy Food
Our skin reflects our health, and each time we pick up our fork is an opportunity to nourish our beauty. Nutrient-dense foods help build the foundation of the skin's appearance. Optimal nutrition can produce collagen and elastin, fight free radical damage and give the skin a youthful and glowing appearance.
Learning how to feed your skin the proper nutrients from the inside out can be empowering and delicious. Consuming a daily balance of protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, minerals, and antioxidants is a fantastic way to achieve a healthy glow from the inside out.
Jessica Rose - LATV Network Season 9
Additional Holistic Beauty Tips for Glowing Skin
Apply a Non toxic SPF on the Face Daily
The skin on the face is naturally thinner than other areas of the body and more susceptible to damage. Using a clean beauty SPF is an excellent way to prevent premature aging.
Most SPF on the market contains unhealthy ingredients that can accelerate aging, especially when exposed to the sun. Don't damage your skin or wellness with unhealthy ingredients; try my favorite non-toxic SPF for the face.
Kari Gran Essential SPF 30: I love this formula because it is lightweight, has simple and natural ingredients, looks great under makeup, and is non toxic. This mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Made with organic botanicals that nourish and protect the skin.
Hynt Beauty Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 25: A mineral sunscreen, non-nano-based zinc oxide. Protects and primes the skin for a flawless application. Looks great under makeup or by itself.
Try a Silk Pillow Case
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can create facial lines and wrinkles and pull moisture from the skin. Silk pillowcases like this one help minimize friction and keep the skin looking healthy and beautiful. They are very comfortable and support graceful aging. I love my silk pillowcase so much that I have three of them. When traveling, I always bring mine with me to ensure my skin stays healthy and smooth. Using a silk pillowcase makes a significant difference.
Practice Self-love and Acceptance
We all age and it is a beautiful process of life. Aging has many beautiful aspects that can enrich our lives. The woman in the mirror may have a few lines on her face, but does that make her any less beautiful? I think not. We are wiser and stronger. We are kinder and more compassionate. We know ourselves, and the beauty that exudes from within is the most beautiful of all.
To learn more about the benefits of aging gracefully, read my blog article: "Why Aging is Beautiful, the Benefits of Aging Gracefully."
I really hope you enjoyed this article and it encourages you to take a holistic approach to your beauty and wellness.
In health and beauty,
Jessica Rose
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