Botox is the brand name for the best-known neurotoxin on the market today. Botox is derived from botulinum toxin as are all the other neurotoxins available in Canada (Xeomin, Dysport, Myobloc, Nuceiva).
The summer is an excellent time to consider trying a neurotoxin like Botox or Xeomin. Why?
Squinting / Frowning
In the summer, we experience the longest and sunniest days of the year, and this means squinting a lot more than we usually do and for longer periods of time. Many people squint and frown to protect their eyes in the bright days of summer. The optimal way to protect eyes is with full spectrum UVA/UVB protecting sunglasses and wear a hat. Even when squinting the eyes are open and UV radiation penetrates through to the retina increasing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Repeated squinting and frowning leads to lines in the skin that will become permanently etched into the epidermis over time. If you spend time on the water in the summer the reflection of UV off the water surface intensifies the effect.
Neurotoxin can relax the frown and squint muscles which slows or eliminates the risk of permanent lines. Some individuals are strategic and only use neurotoxin in the summer because summer sun accelerates sun damage and wrinkle formation (although skiers in the winter must consider this too). A combination of neurotoxin and full protection sunglasses/hat is a one/two punch to protect against UV’s damaging effects.
Sweating
Not all sweating is created equal. Some people suffer from hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis can be a significant burden to individuals and can impact quality of life. Excessive sweating is strongest in adolescence and early adulthood but can affect some individuals well into middle age.
When neurotoxin like Botox is injected very superficially into the skin it weakens the muscles that activate the sweat glands to pump out sweat. If the glands don’t pump out sweat, they reduce the production of sweat. Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis is extremely effective and can last for 6-12 months. Many insurance cover this treatment if an individual has been diagnosed with problem sweating. Underarms are most commonly treated, but hands and feet can be treated by medical specialists as well.
Summer Skin Issues
Many people complain about their skin in the summer - it’s red, it’s oilier, they’re breaking out. Heat and sweating can really do a number on the skin and lathering on sunblock (while absolutely essential!!) can sometimes cause skin irritation or breakouts.
Did you know that Botox or other neurotoxins can be applied topically after microneedling to address these issues? Microneedling + neurotoxin reduces redness in the skin, tightens pores and reduces the activity of the oil glands. Sometimes referred to as ‘the glass facial’ the skin is smoother, pores are tighter, oiliness is reduced (thereby reducing breakouts) and complexion is more even.
For many, these issues dominantly occur in the summer so microneedling + neurotoxin is a safe and effective option to address these common summer skin issues.
Botox and Xeomin are not just wrinkle relievers, they are multi-purpose tools for addressing summer skin issues. To learn more, visit your local medical aesthetics clinic.
ArtMed in Guelph offers therapeutic and cosmetic Botox solutions. Contact them online to learn more.