Botox: the natural alternative

We all long for soft and radiant skin, but in practice, we often don't take optimal care of it. Smoking, too much wine, short nights, fast food, insufficient hydration, and incorrect skincare products all put our skin to the test. The result? Your skin ages faster, becomes drier, and wrinkles appear sooner. Many people try to conceal this with Botox, but fortunately, there are also natural ways to help your skin. Since we're not big fans of Botox, we've written this blog about how you can naturally improve your skin to get that healthy glow back.  

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This neurotoxin is used in very small amounts to temporarily block nerve signals. This relaxes the muscles, making wrinkles less visible or reducing symptoms like excessive sweating.

Botox has been used for years, not only in the cosmetic world but also in medicine. For example, it is used for migraines, muscle spasms, or teeth grinding. It is known to be relatively safe, provided it is administered by an experienced practitioner.

However, there are also disadvantages. The effect is temporary (usually 3 to 6 months), so treatments must be repeated regularly. Additionally, the face can sometimes take on an unnatural appearance. For this reason, there is growing interest in alternatives that keep the skin healthy and radiant in a natural way.

What can you do yourself to naturally improve your skin? 

Of course, these practical tips don't work like Botox, as Botox prevents nerves under the skin from sending signals to the muscles. But these are some of our favorite natural tools to help the skin.

• Red light & infrared light therapy

Red light and near-infrared light can penetrate relatively deep into the skin and influence cellular processes. The idea is that gentle stimulation through light activates the mitochondria (the cell's energy factories) in cells, increases ATP production (energy), reduces oxidative stress, and stimulates growth factors. This would make fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and elastin) more active, which can lead to increased collagen formation, improved skin structure, firming, and possibly a reduction in wrinkles. Additionally, increased blood circulation, improved tissue repair, and inhibition of inflammatory reactions can contribute to skin improvement [1, 2]. The lamp we use ourselves is from Loptimize (with code ELVOU you get 10% discount).

• Bone broth

During the night, you lose a lot of fluids and salts. You want to replenish these as quickly as possible in the morning. One way to give your skin a boost is by drinking bone broth. It is full of collagen and gelatin, which are broken down into amino acids in your body. Your body uses these amino acids as building blocks to create new skin tissue. In addition, bone broth contains important minerals that contribute to healthier skin, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Another great example is that bone broth strengthens the intestinal wall. A healthy gut is the foundation for clear skin. When your gut is balanced, you often immediately see a reduction in inflammation and impurities. Here is a recipe from Joep for making your own bone broth (LINK).

• Zinc & omega-3

Zinc supports the production of new skin cells and aids in wound healing. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to calmer skin with fewer impurities. Zinc is primarily found in grass-fed meat and shellfish. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the skin barrier and keep your skin supple and hydrated. They have anti-inflammatory effects and help with redness and sensitivity. Good sources include small fatty fish, such as anchovies, sardines, herring, and mackerel.

• Face dunking

Dunking your face in a bowl of (ice) cold water for a few seconds, also known as face dunking, is a trend you've probably seen on social media. But it's more than just a hype, because it can really do something for your skin. Cold water activates the vagus nerve, putting your body in a relaxed state and lowering your stress levels. Less stress also means fewer skin problems. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can temporarily reduce redness and swelling. Your pores constrict, making your skin appear smoother. As soon as you warm up again, the increased blood circulation provides a healthy glow. 

• Natural cream

With a natural cream, you give your skin exactly what it needs: nourishment and protection, without unnecessary additives. Elvou's 24h cream is our favorite. This is a nourishing cream suitable for daily skin care.

• Gua sha & jade roller

These beauty tools are everywhere, and for good reason. With a jade roller or gua sha massage, you stimulate blood circulation, making your skin instantly look fresher and more radiant. It also helps to massage away fluid retention, such as puffiness, and reduce tension in the face. In addition, it is relaxing. Use both after applying a natural cream to prevent pulling on your skin and causing lines. Moreover, the active ingredients of the cream can penetrate your skin better.

• Collagen supplementation

Supplementing with extra collagen also supports the skin. Type I collagen is found in your skin. Up until about age 25, collagen production happens naturally. After that, your production slowly declines each year. You can see this reflected in your skin. Fortunately, you can support collagen by supplementing it. You can also ensure sufficient collagen through your diet. Your body produces it itself from amino acids, but needs building blocks for this, such as protein-rich foods, bone broth, sufficient vitamin C, and minerals like copper and zinc.

Book recommendations

• "The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy" by Ari Whitten
• "Het cosmeticacomplot" by Dr. Barbara Geusens

References

[1] Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and laser surgery, 32(2), 93-100.

[2] Couturaud, V., Le Fur, M., Pelletier, M., & Granotier, F. (2023). Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Research and Technology, 29(7), e13391.