Botox isn’t just for fixing wrinkles anymore – it’s also one of the most effective ways to prevent them.
With the rise of preventative Botox, more people are turning to this treatment in their 20s and 30s. But does getting Botox young really prevent wrinkles? And if so, when should you start? And what if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or older, and still haven’t tried Botox…?
If you’re wondering when the best time to start Botox is, this blog post has you covered.
We’ll cover everything you need to know, from how it works to the best use of Botox at every age, what to be careful of, and other ways to keep your skin looking as good as possible.
What is Botox?
You’ll undoubtedly have heard of Botox (the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatment in the world), and possibly already know a lot about it.
Plus, in previous blogs, we covered details about the benefits of Botox, what it is, and how it works. We’ve also explained things like how to prepare for Botox, and the difference between Dysport and Botox.
So in this one, we’re just going to cover the very basics…
Botox (and other neurotoxin brands) is an injectable treatment that temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles, making it a superstar for smoothing out dynamic wrinkles – those lines that start to appear from repeated facial expressions like smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.
Over time, dynamic wrinkles can turn into static ones (the kind you see even when your face is at rest), but Botox can help prevent that from happening, as not only is it effective at softening the appearance of existing wrinkles but Botox is also preventative, meaning it can stop (or slow down) those static wrinkles from forming in the first place.
It’s also quick, minimally invasive, highly effective, and has a long track record of safety, which is why so many people swear by it.
And it’s not just popular with women. Men are increasingly turning to Botox – sometimes called “Brotox” – to soften frown lines or forehead wrinkles while keeping a natural, refreshed appearance.
What age do you start getting wrinkles?
As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen which causes the skin to lose elasticity. And this is the main culprit behind wrinkles forming.
There is no one “fixed” age we start getting wrinkles, but for most people, fine lines first start to show in their mid-to-late 20s or early 30s, especially in areas like the forehead or around the eyes. These are dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements.
As you move into your late 30s and beyond, the continued reduction in collagen and elasticity can lead to these dynamic wrinkles becoming deeper and more permanent on the face, even when it’s at rest. These are called static wrinkles.
For most people, static wrinkles become most noticeable in their 40s or 50s, and from around 65 onwards wrinkles across more of the face become more prominent.
While age and collagen is the main factor that guarantees everyone will face wrinkles at some point, it’s not only age that causes them. Factors like genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices (e.g. smoking, diet, hydration, and skincare routines) all have a big impact on the age people start getting wrinkles.
The good news? Botox can help at every stage, whether you’re looking to prevent fine lines from forming or smooth out wrinkles that are already there.
How old do you have to be to get Botox?
Botox is FDA-approved for adults 18 and older, but it’s rarely necessary at that age, and actually not something we would recommend (we’ll explain why later)...
When Botox first burst onto the scene, it was mostly used by people in their 40s and 50s who were looking to soften or correct existing wrinkles and smooth out visible lines.
But nowadays, it’s also popular for people in their 20s and early 30s who are looking to treat or prevent fine lines before they turn into wrinkles. This is known as preventative Botox. So, when is the best time to start Botox? The answer depends on your skin and personal goals, but the earlier you address dynamic wrinkles, the better the results.
Corrective vs. preventative Botox
Not everyone realizes that Botox is preventative, so the terms “corrective Botox” and “preventative Botox” aren’t official treatment names, so much as terms used to explain the different ways people might use Botox depending on their age and skin condition.
- Preventative Botox is all about staying ahead of the game. By relaxing the muscles that create dynamic wrinkles, you can delay the formation of static lines. Think of it as hitting “pause” on the aging process. This is most popular among people in their late 20s to early 30s. It also typically uses smaller amounts than corrective Botox does.
- Corrective Botox comes into play when wrinkles are already visible. It’s designed to soften and smooth those deeper lines, restoring a fresher, more youthful look. This approach is frequently used by people in their late 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Whichever approach you’re considering, a customized plan from an experienced provider is key to achieving natural-looking results.
Does getting Botox young really prevent wrinkles?
Yes, starting Botox early can help prevent wrinkles – but it’s important to strike the right balance.
When done correctly, preventative Botox can be extremely effective in delaying the onset of static wrinkles, especially in common areas like the forehead, crow’s feet, or frown lines.
However, starting too young or doing too much Botox too fast can also lead to unintended consequences…
Overusing Botox can weaken muscles over time, potentially causing an unnatural or “frozen” appearance, and can also lead to a thinning of the skin which can affect your overall appearance. Moreover, nearby muscles can also start to compensate for the relaxed ones, creating wrinkles in untreated areas instead.
These risks are only a factor if you start Botox too young (i.e. before it’s needed), or if you do more than is recommended by your practitioner, but it highlights the importance of working with an experienced provider who can tailor treatments to your specific needs, ensuring natural-looking results.And of course, Botox isn’t the only tool in your anti-aging arsenal. Daily sunscreen and skincare products like retinoids or antioxidants are great ways to keep skin looking young before you get started with Botox. And non-invasive treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, Hydrafacials, and many more, also all play a role in keeping your skin looking its best without relying solely on Botox.
When should you start getting Botox?
So taking all the above into account, you might be wondering when the perfect time to start Botox is?
Well… there is no “perfect” time to start Botox – it all depends on your unique skin and goals. But here’s a general guide to how Botox can fit into your routine at different stages of life:
- Botox in your early 20s: At this age, we generally don’t recommend Botox. Your skin is still naturally young and full of collagen, so enjoy! But it is the perfect age to start taking proper care of your skin, with quality skincare, lots of sunscreen, and nourishing treatments like Hydrafacials.
- Botox in your late 20s and early 30s: This is the sweet spot for preventative Botox. If you’re noticing fine lines starting to form, a light treatment can stop them in their tracks. Typical areas include the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
- Botox in your late 30s, 40s, and 50s: By now, static wrinkles might have made an appearance. Botox can smooth them out, and combining it with other treatments – like fillers or laser therapy – can help address volume loss and skin texture.
- Botox in your 60s and beyond: Even from 60+ Botox remains effective for softening wrinkles. However, due to changes in skin elasticity, we’d generally recommend pairing it with other rejuvenation treatments for optimal results.
Whatever your age, Botox is always something to consider thanks to its excellent results in both preventing and correcting wrinkles. Sometimes it might be worth holding off a few more years, and at other times it might be worth combining with other treatments, but it’s always worth having a personalized consultation with an expert to find out what will work best for you.
Get started with Botox at BodyTonic Cleveland
Botox is one of the most famous beauty treatments of our time, and for very good reason.
If you’re yet to have tried it and are wondering when the best time for you to start Botox is, don’t hesitate any longer. Book a personalized consultation with your local expert medical spa, and find out how this world-famous treatment will fit into your skincare routine.
Whether you’re in your 20s or 30s and exploring preventative Botox treatments, or are 40+ and looking to turn back the clock a little, our team at BodyTonic Cleveland is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation – and take the first step toward smooth, radiant skin!
